2025–26 Lion City Sailors FC season

Lion City Sailors
2025–26 season
Match between Lion City Sailors and Johor Darul Ta'zim
OwnerSea Limited
ChairmanForrest Li
Head coachAleksandar Ranković
StadiumBishan Stadium
Singapore Premier League1st
Singapore CupSemi Finals
AFC Champions League TwoGroup stage
ASEAN Club ChampionshipLeague stage
Singapore Community ShieldRunners-up
Top goalscorerLeague: TBD
All: TBD

The 2025–26 season is Lion City Sailors' 30th consecutive season in the Singapore Premier League and the 6th season since privatising from Home United.[1] In addition to the Singapore Premier League, Lion City Sailors are also participating in the Singapore Cup, AFC Champions League Two, ASEAN Club Championship, and the Singapore Community Shield. This season also marks the change in kit supplier from Puma to Adidas.[2]

Summary

This season marks the first for club chairman Forrest Li's appointment as Football Association of Singapore's Deputy President on 28 April 2025.[3] Captain Hariss Harun, general manager Tan Li Yu were both appointed as part of the four vice-presidents elected while executive director Bruce Liang serves as one of the three council members.[4]

On 8 June 2025, Lion City Sailors announced the end of Ali Al Rina's loan spell, with the Syrian returning to his parent club Al-Ittihad Ahli. The depatures of Spanish defender Sergio Carmona and Haiqal Pashia were also announced on the same day following the expiry of their contracts. Obren Kljajić and Anumanthan Kumar also departed the club on 10 June. Bill Mamadou left the club on 12 June 2025, after his contract expiration. He later joined Thai League 1 club Nakhon Ratchasima on a free transfer on 14 June.

Contract extensions were given to captain Hariss Harun, vice-captain and third captain Bailey Wright and Hafiz Nor, and also Rui Pires. Adib Azahari extended his contract on 27 June.

Lion City Sailors embarked on a new journey after signing a three-year partnership agreement Adidas, becoming the official kit supplier with effect from 1 July 2025.[5] Adidas will provide cutting-edge sportswear and equipment to support performance on and off the pitch. The partnership also aims to improve connections between the brand, the club and football fans in Singapore through fan engagement initiatives, community programs, and exclusive events.[6]

Lion City Sailors made their first signing on 6 July 2025 after announcing Safuwan Baharudin on a season long loan from Selangor.[7]

After a successful 2024–25 season, head coach Aleksandar Ranković signed a two-year contract extension on 7 July 2025.[8] Lion City Sailors made their second signing on 8 July after signing loanee Diogo Costa on a permanent five-year contract. On 10 and 16 July, the club announced that both Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Sušak and German midfielder Tsiy-William Ndenge had signed two-year deals respectively.

On 17 July, the club announced the signing of two-time J1 League top scorer Anderson Lopes on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[9]

The Sailors started the season with a 1–4 defeat to Tampines Rovers, finishing as runners-up in the Singapore Community Shield.[10]

Kits

Home
Away
Home alt.1
Home alt.2
Goalkeeper
Home
Goalkeeper
Away

Squad

Singapore Premier League

As of 7 August 2025[11]
Squad No. Name Nationality Date of Birth (Age) Previous Club Contract Since Contract End
Goalkeepers
1 Izwan Mahbud (1990-07-14) 14 July 1990 Hougang United 2022 2026
13 Adib Azahari (1998-03-09) 9 March 1998 Young Lions 2020 2026
25 Ivan Sušak (1997-10-06) 6 October 1997 Slaven Belupo 2025 2027
Defenders
4 Toni Datković (1993-11-06) 6 November 1993 Albacete 2024 2026
5 Lionel Tan (1997-06-05) 5 June 1997 Hougang United 2023 2025
11 Hafiz Nor (3rd captain) (1988-08-22) 22 August 1988 Warriors 2018 2026
19 Zulqarnaen Suzliman (1998-03-29) 29 March 1998 Young Lions 2020 2025
20 Nur Adam Abdullah (2001-04-13) 13 April 2001 Young Lions 2021 2026
21 Safuwan Baharudin (1991-09-22) 22 September 1991 Selangor 2025 2026
22 Christopher van Huizen (1992-11-28) 28 November 1992 Tampines Rovers 2023 2026
26 Bailey Wright (vice-captain) (1992-07-28) 28 July 1992 Sunderland 2023 2026
29 Diogo Costa (2003-07-27) 27 July 2003 Famalicão 2025 2030
30 Akram Azman (2000-11-21) 21 November 2000 Tanjong Pagar United 2025 2025
Midfielders
6 Tsiy-William Ndenge (1997-06-13) 13 June 1997 Grasshopper 2025 2027
8 Rui Pires (1998-03-22) 22 March 1998 Paços de Ferreira 2023 2026
10 Bart Ramselaar (1996-06-29) 29 June 1996 Utrecht 2024 2026
14 Hariss Harun (captain) (1990-11-09) 9 November 1990 Johor Darul Ta'zim 2021 2026
15 Song Ui-young (1993-11-08) 8 November 1993 Persebaya Surabaya 2024 2026
16 Hami Syahin (1998-12-16) 16 December 1998 Young Lions 2019 2025
41 Joshua Little (2007-10-30) 30 October 2007 Lion City Sailors U21 2022 2026
Forwards
7 Shawal Anuar (1991-04-29) 29 April 1991 Hougang United 2023 2026
9 Lennart Thy (1992-02-25) 25 February 1992 PEC Zwolle 2024 2026
17 Maxime Lestienne (1992-06-17) 17 June 1992 Standard Liège 2022 2025
18 Anderson Lopes (1993-09-15) 15 September 1993 Yokohama F. Marinos 2025 2028
31 Abdul Rasaq (2001-06-16) 16 June 2001 Young Lions 2023 2026

Remarks:
FP U21 These players are registered as U21 foreign players.

Transfers

In

Date Pos. Player From Type Fee Ref.
8 July 2025 DF Diogo Costa Famalicão Transfer Undisclosed Fee [12]
10 July 2025 GK Ivan Sušak Slaven Belupo Free transfer [13]
16 July 2025 MF Tsiy-William Ndenge Grasshopper Free transfer [14]
17 July 2025 FW Anderson Lopes Yokohama F. Marinos Transfer SGD$2,000,000 [15]

[16]

Out

Date Pos. Player To Type Ref.
8 June 2025 DF Ali Al Rina Al-Ittihad Ahli Loan return [17]
8 June 2025 DF Sergio Carmona Rayo Majadahonda End of contract [18]
8 June 2025 MF Haiqal Pashia Hougang United End of contract
10 June 2025 MF Obren Kljajić Wollongong Wolves End of contract [19]
10 June 2025 MF Anumanthan Kumar Kanchanaburi Power End of contract [20]
14 June 2025 DF Bill Mamadou Nakhon Ratchasima End of contract [21]
29 June 2025 MF Danish Qayyum Albirex Niigata (S) Transfer [22]
31 December 2025 FW Maxime Lestienne End of contract [23]
Notes:

Loans in

Date from Date to Pos. Player From Type Ref.
6 July 2025 30 June 2026 DF Safuwan Baharudin Selangor Season loan [24]

Loans out

Date from Date to Pos. Player To Type Ref.
9 July 2025 30 June 2026 GK Zharfan Rohaizad Hougang United Season loan [25]
July 2025 30 June 2026 FW Nathan Mao Young Lions Season loan

Contract renewals

Date Pos. Player Ref.
9 June 2025 DF Bailey Wright
11 June 2025 MF Rui Pires
13 June 2025 MF Hariss Harun
18 June 2025 DF Hafiz Nor
27 June 2025 GK Adib Azahari
28 June 2025 DF Toni Datković
29 June 2025 DF Christopher van Huizen
29 June 2025 FW Abdul Rasaq
30 June 2025 GK Zharfan Rohaizad
30 June 2025 GK Izwan Mahbud
30 June 2025 FW Shawal Anuar

Squad statistics

Appearances and goals

As of 16 August 2025
No. Pos. Player Singapore Premier League Singapore Cup AFC Champions League Two ASEAN Club Championship Community Shield Total
Apps. Goals Apps. Goals Apps. Goals Apps. Goals Apps. Goals Apps. Goals
1 GK Izwan Mahbud 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 DF Toni Datković 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
5 DF Lionel Tan 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
6 MF Tsiy-William Ndenge 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0+1 0 2 0
7 FW Shawal Anuar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0+1 1 0+1 0 2 1
8 MF Rui Pires 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
9 FW Lennart Thy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0+1 1 1 1
10 MF Bart Ramselaar 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
11 DF Hafiz Nor 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
13 GK Adib Azahari 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 MF Hariss Harun 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0+1 0 1 0
15 MF Song Ui-young 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
16 MF Hami Syahin 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0+1 0 2 0
17 FW Maxime Lestienne 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
18 FW Anderson Lopes 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
19 DF Zulqarnaen Suzliman 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 DF Nur Adam Abdullah 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
21 DF Safuwan Baharudin 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
22 DF Christopher van Huizen 0 0 0 0 0 0 0+1 0 0 0 1 0
25 GK Ivan Sušak 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
26 DF Bailey Wright 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
29 DF Diogo Costa 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
30 DF Akram Azman 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
31 FW Abdul Rasaq 0 0 0 0 0 0 0+1 0 0 0 1 0
41 MF Joshua Little 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Players who have left on loan to other club
28 GK Zharfan Rohaizad 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
80 GK Nathan Mao 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Competitions

Overall record

Competition First match Last match Starting round Record
Pld W D L GF GA GD Win %
Singapore Premier League 25 August 2025 10 May 2026 Matchday 3 3 3 0 0 14 1 +13 100.00
Singapore Cup January 2026 Group stage 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 !
AFC Champions League Two 18 September 2025 Group stage 2 1 1 0 5 3 +2 050.00
ASEAN Club Championship 21 August 2025 Group stage 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 000.00
Singapore Community Shield 16 August 2025 Final 1 0 0 1 1 4 −3 000.00
Total 7 4 1 2 21 11 +10 057.14

Last updated: 1 October 2025
Source: Soccerway

Singapore Premier League

League table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Lion City Sailors 5 5 0 0 22 2 +20 15 Qualification for Champions League Two group stage
2 Geylang International 5 3 1 1 7 4 +3 10 Qualification for Champions League Two play-off
3 BG Tampines Rovers 4 2 2 0 8 4 +4 8
4 Balestier Khalsa 5 2 2 1 9 12 −3 8
5 Albirex Niigata (S) 4 2 1 1 8 5 +3 7
6 Hougang United 5 1 0 4 4 10 −6 3
7 Tanjong Pagar United 5 1 0 4 7 15 −8 3
8 Young Lions 5 0 0 5 4 17 −13 0 Ineligible for AFC competition spots[a]
Updated to match(es) played on 27 October 2025. Source: Singapore Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of wins
Notes:
  1. ^ One club, the FAS under-23 team Young Lions – is ineligible for any AFC competition spots.


Results summary

Overall Home Away
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD
3 3 0 0 14 1  +13 9 1 0 0 2 1  +1 2 0 0 12 0  +12

Last updated: August 2025.
Source: Soccerway

Matches

  Win   Draw   Loss

25 August 2025 1 Lion City Sailors 2–1 Hougang United Tampines
19:30 UTC+8
  • Lestienne 10', 47'
  • Lionel  28'
  • Song  84'
Stadium: Our Tampines Hub[a]
Referee: Clarence Leow
14 September 2025 2 Balestier Khalsa 0–5 Lion City Sailors Tampines
19:30 UTC+8
Stadium: Our Tampines Hub[a]
Referee: Andrea Verolino
22 September 2025 3 Tanjong Pagar United v Lion City Sailors Jurong East
19:30 UTC+8
Stadium: Jurong East Stadium
Referee: Farhan Mohd
18 October 2025 4 Lion City Sailors v Young Lions Bishan
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
26 October 2025 5 Lion City Sailors v Albirex Niigata (S) Bishan
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
11 January 2026 6 BG Tampines Rovers v Lion City Sailors Tampines
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Our Tampines Hub
18 January 2026 7 Geylang International v Lion City Sailors Tampines
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Our Tampines Hub
24 January 2026 8 Hougang United v Lion City Sailors Bishan
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
1 February 2026 9 Lion City Sailors v Balestier Khalsa Bishan
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
8 February 2026 10 Young Lions v Lion City Sailors Jalan Besar
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Jalan Besar Stadium
15 February 2026 11 Lion City Sailors v Tanjong Pagar United Bishan
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
22 February 2026 12 Lion City Sailors v BG Tampines Rovers Bishan
20:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
28 February 2026 13 Albirex Niigata (S) v Lion City Sailors Jurong East
20:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Jurong East Stadium
8 March 2026 14 Lion City Sailors v Geylang International Bishan
20:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
15 March 2026 15 Balestier Khalsa v Lion City Sailors Bishan
20:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
6 April 2026 16 Tanjong Pagar United v Lion City Sailors Jurong East
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Jurong East Stadium
12 April 2026 17 Lion City Sailors v Hougang United Bishan
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
20 April 2026 18 Lion City Sailors v Young Lions Bishan
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
26 April 2026 19 Geylang International v Lion City Sailors Tampines
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Our Tampines Hub
2 May 2026 20 BG Tampines Rovers v Lion City Sailors Tampines
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Our Tampines Hub
10 May 2026 21 Lion City Sailors v Albirex Niigata (S) Bishan
19:30 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium

Singapore Cup

AFC Champions League Two

Group stage

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification PSB BKU LCS SEL
1 Persib 6 4 1 1 11 6 +5 13 Advance to round of 16 1–0 1–1 2–0
2 Bangkok United 6 3 1 2 8 7 +1 10[b] 0–2 1–0 1–1
3 Lion City Sailors 6 3 1 2 10 8 +2 10[b] 3–2 1–2 4–2
4 Selangor 6 0 1 5 7 15 −8 1 2–3 2–4 0–1
Source: ACL2
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
Notes:
  1. ^ a b Location changed due to re-turfing of Bishan Stadium
  2. ^ a b Head-to-head points: Bangkok United 6, Lion City Sailors 0.
18 September 2025 1 Persib 1–1 Lion City Sailors Bandung, Indonesia
19:15 UTC+7
Report
Stadium: Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium
Attendance: 13,566
Referee: Hanna Hattab (Syria)
1 October 2025 2 Lion City Sailors 4–2 Selangor Bishan, Singapore
18:00 UTC+8
  • Lopes 7', 13', 45+4', 54'
Report
Stadium: Bishan Stadium
Referee: Chae Sang-hyeop (South Korea)
23 October 2025 3 Bangkok United v Lion City Sailors Pathum Thani, Thailand
19:15 UTC+7 Stadium: True BG Stadium
6 November 2025 4 Lion City Sailors v Bangkok United Bishan, Singapore
18:00 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
26 November 2025 5 Lion City Sailors v Persib Bishan, Singapore
20:15 UTC+8 Stadium: Bishan Stadium
10 December 2025 6 Selangor v Lion City Sailors Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
20:15 UTC+8 Stadium: Petaling Jaya Stadium

ASEAN Club Championship

Group stage

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification NDI JDT PKR LCS BKU SUN
1 Nam Định 3 3 0 0 9 2 +7 9 Advance to knockout stage 5 Feb 2–1 29 Jan
2 Johor Darul Ta'zim 3 2 1 0 9 3 +6 7 3–1 4–0 29 Jan
3 Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng 3 1 1 1 6 4 +2 4 2–2 29 Jan
4 Lion City Sailors 3 1 1 1 6 7 −1 4 5 Feb 3–2
5 Bangkok United (E) 3 0 1 2 3 10 −7 1 1–4 2–2 5 Feb
6 Shan United (E) 3 0 0 3 2 9 −7 0 0–3 0–3
Updated to match(es) played on 17 December 2025. Source: ASEAN United FC
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(E) Eliminated
21 August 2025 1 Johor Darul Ta'zim 3–1 Lion City Sailors Johor, Malaysia
17:30 UTC+8
Report
Stadium: Sultan Ibrahim Stadium
Attendance: 13,143
Referee: Koji Takasaki (Japan)
4 December 2025 2 Bangkok United v Lion City Sailors Pathum Thani, Thailand
19:00 UTC+7 Report Stadium: True BG Stadium
17 December 2025 3 Lion City Sailors v Shan United Bishan, Singapore
19:30 UTC+8 Report Stadium: Bishan Stadium
29 January 2026 4 Nam Định v Lion City Sailors Ninh Bình, Vietnam
19:30 UTC+7 Report Stadium: Thiên Trường Stadium
5 February 2026 5 Lion City Sailors v PKR Svay Rieng Bishan, Singapore
20:30 UTC+8 Report Stadium: Bishan Stadium

Community Shield

As the defending Singapore Premier League and Singapore Cup champions, Lion City Sailors will face the 2024–25 Singapore Premier League runners-up Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Community Shield.

16 August 2025 Final Lion City Sailors 1–4 BG Tampines Rovers Jurong East
20:00 UTC+8
Report
Stadium: Jurong East Stadium
Referee: Farhad Mohamed

Notes

References

  1. ^ "Singapore tech firm Sea takes ownership of Home United; club changes name to Lion City Sailors FC". Archived from the original on 2021-02-26. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
  2. ^ "Lion City Sailors and adidas to chart a new course". Lion City Sailors. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  3. ^ "Incoming FAS president Forrest Li outlines mission to bring pride and joy back to Singapore football". The Straits Times. 19 April 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  4. ^ "Newly installed FAS president Forrest Li wants to focus on youth". The Straits Times. 29 April 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  5. ^ "Lion City Sailors Signed 3-Years Partnership with Adidas". SNE Sports. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  6. ^ "adidas partners Lion City Sailors to elevate football in Singapore". Marketing Interactive. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  7. ^ "Lions stalwart Safuwan Baharudin returns to the Singapore Premier League after 14 years". The Straits Times. 6 July 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  8. ^ "Aleksandar Ranković signs two-year extension with Lion City Sailors after historic treble-winning season". Lion City Sailors. 7 June 2025. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  9. ^ "Lion City Sailors score coup with two-time J1 League top scorer Anderson Lopes". The Straits Times. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  10. ^ "BG Tampines Rovers win Community Shield after beating Lion City Sailors 4-1". The Straits Times. 17 August 2025. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  11. ^ "Players - Lion City Sailors". Lion City Sailors. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  12. ^ "Lion City Sailors secure Diogo Costa on permanent five-year deal". Lion City Sailors. 8 July 2025. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  13. ^ "Sailors sign Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Sušak to boost 2025/2026 ambitions". Lion City Sailors. 10 July 2025. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
  14. ^ "Sailors add steel to midfield with Tsiy Ndenge signing". Lion City Sailors. 16 July 2025. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  15. ^ "Sailors bolster squad with signing of J1 League star Anderson Lopes". Lion City Sailors. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  16. ^ "Anderson Lopes decides to leave Yokohama F. Marinos and signs with Lion City Sailors, from Singapore". Japao FC. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  17. ^ "Sailors bolster defence with loan signing of Syrian international Ali Alrina". Lion City Sailors. 10 February 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  18. ^ "Sergio Carmona nuevo jugador del CF Rayo Majadahonda". CF Rayo Majadahonda (in Spanish). 9 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
  19. ^ "Wollongong Wolves sign Obren Kljajić". Wollongong Wolves Official Instagram. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  20. ^ "พลังกาญจน์ เดินหน้าเสริมแกร่งสู้ศึกลีกสูงสุดหนแรก ดึงแนวรับสิงคโปร์ร่วมทีม". Khaosod (in Thai). 23 June 2025. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  21. ^ "นครราชสีมา มาสด้าฯ คว้า กองหลังดีกรีทีมชาติสิงคโปร์ ยู-23". Ball Thai (in Thai). 14 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  22. ^ "Danish Qayyum is coming to Albirex Niigata FC Singapore for 2025–26 season!". Albirex Niigata Singapore. 29 June 2025. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  23. ^ "Maxime Lestienne set to depart the Sailors after trophy-laden four-year spell". Lion City Sailors. 12 December 2025. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  24. ^ "Lion City Sailors secure Safuwan Baharudin on loan for the 2025/26 season". Lion City Sailors. 6 July 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  25. ^ "Our custodian Zharfan Rohaizad has joined Hougang United on loan for the upcoming 2025/26 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season". Lion City Sailors. 9 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.