Abbas Suan

Who is Abbas Suan?

Abbas Suan is an Arab-Israeli footballer from Sakhnin in the Galilee. As a footballer he was considered by many as one of the best Arab-Israeli players.

He became a national hero in 2006 for scoring the game-tying goal in the 90th minute of a World Cup qualifying match against Ireland.

In 2006, Suan signed a two year contract with Maccabi Haifa but later moved to Premier League newcomers Ironi Kiryat Shmona. He returned to play for his original club Bnei Sakhnin.

On August 29, 2005 Suan was featured in an exposé in Sports Illustrated by Grant Wahl into the minorities that play on the Israel national football team. Suan has been the target of racism at football matches in Israel. During a match between Bnei Sakhnin and Betar Jerusalem, Betar fans waved a giant banner saying "Suan, you don't represent us", and shouted, “We hate all Arabs.”

Suan is also a featured subject of the documentary film "After The Cup:Sons of Sakhnin United" which chronicled the team and Suan's life after winning the Israeli national cup.

Aside from his club contract, he has many endorsement deals. Suan currently is the spokesperson for Subaru motor vehicles in Israel.