Chef Wan Proud as Granddaughter Scores Spot in National U-17 Football Squad
KUALA LUMPUR – Renowned Malaysian celebrity chef Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, widely known as Chef Wan, has expressed his immense pride after his 14-year-old granddaughter, Isabella Saffiya O'Luanaigh, was selected to represent the national Under-17 Malayan Tigress football team.
Isabella is currently competing in the 2026 Piala Srikandi Merdeka at the Super Soccer Arena in Kudus, Indonesia.
The culinary icon revealed that he initially learned of his granddaughter’s international breakthrough through a photo update sent by his daughter, Serina Redzuawan. He spoke about the team’s dominant 9-0 victory over Saudi Arabia during the tournament's group stages.
Despite admitting that football is not his personal passion, Chef Wan shared that the milestone deeply touched his heart. Taking to social media platform Threads to congratulate Isabella and her teammates, he wrote:
Donning the number 11 jersey, Isabella plays as a midfielder for the youth squad. Her performance helped guide the young team through the group stages, enabling the Malaysian squad to finish as runners-up in Group A and secure a place in the semi-finals.
The Malayan Tigress U-17 squad faces Thailand in a crucial semi-final match. For Chef Wan, his granddaughter’s blossoming career represents not just a personal family milestone, but a moment of national pride.