He is making massive waves as he leads his Bayern Munich side to what seems likely to be yet another Bundesliga title. But, as Sarpreet Singh is just starting out in making his name at one of world football’s grand doyens, the attention he is getting in his parent’s native India is already fast growing to the proportions that can probably matched by the likes of Christian Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in their own native Portugal and Argentina respectively.
Born in Auckland, in New Zealand, the young attacking midfield player came to world prominence after he impressed Bayern scouts while he was playing for New Zealand at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
In fact, so impressed were the Bayern scout that they signed the young Singh on a three-year deal – said to be in the region between NZD $750,000 and $1,000,000, before almost immediately making his debut in the Bayern Munich II reserve team, which in itself was no mean feat.
And that, in itself, wasn’t the first time he was spotted by one of Europe’s leading clubs.
At the age of ten, he represented Auckland at the Australian National Futsal Championships, winning the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award and attracting interest from Premier League stalwarts Everton.
He made his international debut, for New Zealand’s under-17 level for the 2015 OFC U-17 Championship before competing at the 2017 and 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cups.
In an interview with FCBayern.com, he talked of his surprise at being integrated into Bayern’s first team almost immediately after moving to the club from Wellington Phoenix. After signed for Bayern Munich II, Singh said his initial plan was to get used to the German game in 3. Liga and simply take it "one step at a time".
"The move from the Australian league to Germany was a huge one," Singh said.
Although seen as a beacon foe South East Asian football, Bayern insist that their decision to sign Singh was simply "a sporting one".
He (Singh) recognises his achievements could blaze a trail for South Asian and Kiwi footballers, saying: "Hopefully, I can set a good platform for the players that follow me.
"That's kind of my goal - to be the best I can be, set a good example for the kids to come and encourage them to keep working hard so that one day it'll be them."
Sapreet Singh’s early taste of first team football has made him more determined than ever to kick on with his career and make a name - and successful career - in Germany.