CHELSEA LEGEND JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK RETURNS TO KUALA LUMPUR FOR THE FAMOUS CFC WITH ASCOTT
Malaysian Chelsea supporters welcomed the return of football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to Kuala Lumpur for The Famous CFC with Ascott, a two-day football fan engagement event held on 30 and 31 October 2026.
Presented by The Ascott Limited (Ascott), Chelsea Football Club's Official Hotels Partner, the event brought Chelsea supporters together through exclusive meet-and-greet sessions, fan activities and a special watch party featuring the highly anticipated Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester United, screened live from Stamford Bridge.
Hasselbaink's return to Kuala Lumpur was particularly meaningful, as he was part of the Chelsea squad that won the FA Premier League Asia Cup in the city in 2003. More than two decades later, the former Chelsea No. 9 returned to reconnect with Malaysian fans and revisit memories of his earlier football journey in the country.
One of Chelsea's most prolific former strikers, Hasselbaink scored 87 goals in 177 appearances for the club. He also won the Premier League Golden Boot during the 2000–01 season, scoring 23 league goals to finish as the division's top scorer. His powerful playing style and goal-scoring achievements have made him one of the memorable figures in Chelsea's history.
The Famous CFC marks the third season of the partnership between Chelsea and Ascott, bringing exclusive football experiences to supporters across Southeast Asia. Previous editions have taken place in Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta and Hanoi, with Kuala Lumpur being the latest destination in the regional engagement programme.
According to Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer of Ascott, the initiative has connected not only dedicated Chelsea supporters but also hotel guests and members who appreciate unique lifestyle experiences. The programme aims to create memorable connections through football, hospitality and exclusive access to sporting personalities.
With more than 50 properties across Malaysia, Ascott continues to strengthen its hospitality presence while offering members of its Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) programme access to curated experiences beyond conventional hotel stays.
Alex Smith, Director of Partnerships at Chelsea Football Club, highlighted the importance of bringing the club closer to its international supporters and celebrating the global Chelsea community. The partnership with Ascott provides opportunities for fans to meet, share experiences and strengthen their connection with the club.
The Kuala Lumpur edition of The Famous CFC once again demonstrated how football can bring people together across cultures and generations. For Malaysian supporters, Hasselbaink's return was an opportunity to reconnect with a Chelsea legend and celebrate their shared passion for the Blues.
Through its continued collaboration with Chelsea Football Club, Ascott is extending the boundaries of hospitality by combining travel, sports and lifestyle experiences, creating meaningful memories for its members and football fans.
