Tottenham Hotspur secured a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in a historic North London Derby held at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on July 31, 2025. This was the first time the fierce rivalry was played outside the United Kingdom.
Midfielder Pape Matar Sarr scored the game’s only goal just before halftime, stunning fans with a powerful lob from near the halfway line. The goal, described by many as a “wondergoal,” decided the closely contested match.
The match was part of the 2025 Hong Kong Football Festival and took place in the newly opened 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium. It was played for the Herbalgy Trophy, sponsored by Herbalgy Pharmaceutical Ltd. to mark its 25th anniversary. Tickets sold out immediately, reflecting the high demand and global interest in the event.
This overseas derby was a major milestone for both clubs. Arsenal had won two pre-season games in Singapore before arriving in Hong Kong, while Spurs showcased their confidence after winning the UEFA Europa League last season.
The game attracted global attention and a packed crowd. Kick-off was at 7:30 PM HKT (12:30 PM BST), and it was broadcast live worldwide, though certain regions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, and Italy were excluded from Arsenal’s Pre-Season Pass coverage.
Fans enjoyed a week-long celebration, including open training sessions (Tottenham on July 29, Arsenal on July 30), fan zones, football clinics, and a spectacular drone show at Victoria Harbour. Spurs also brought their Europa League trophy and held events at AIA Vitality Park, while Arsenal engaged local supporters with appearances by club executives.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank praised the team’s discipline and Sarr’s standout goal. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, despite the defeat, emphasized the overall success of their Asia tour and applauded the Hong Kong fans for their energy and support.
The match also featured key moments off the pitch. Arsenal’s new signing Viktor Gyökeres trained with the squad for the first time, while Tottenham star Son Heung-min was a major attraction for Asian fans.
The event highlighted Hong Kong’s growing role as a major international sports destination. Supported by the Hong Kong Government and Football Association, the festival helped bridge sport, culture, and commerce. Herbalgy’s “Goal-Getter Giveaway” campaign alone gave away over HK$900,000 in prizes, reinforcing the commercial impact.
Tottenham’s win gave them early bragging rights ahead of the 2025/26 season and left a lasting impression on fans across Asia.
