Author: Lion City Sailors
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce the signing of prolific Brazilian striker Anderson Lopes from Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos for an undisclosed fee, as the club continues its push to scale new heights both domestically and on the continental stage.
The 31-year-old has inked a three-year deal that will see him don Sailors colours through to the end of the 2027/28 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season.
Anderson arrives in Singapore with an outstanding pedigree and a reputation as one of Asia’s top strikers. He finished as the J1 League’s top scorer in back-to-back seasons (2023 and 2024), and was a key figure for Marinos since joining the club in 2022. He netted 11 goals in his debut campaign to help the side clinch the J1 League title, before lifting the Japanese Super Cup in 2023.
His impact extended to the Asian stage, where he played a starring role in Marinos’ historic run to the final of the 2023/24 AFC Champions League (ACL). The following season, he finished as the tournament’s second-highest scorer with nine goals — ahead of marquee names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Ivan Toney — underscoring his ability to shine against Asia’s elite.
The 1.85m forward has racked up 101 career goals in the J1 League across stints with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, and Yokohama F. Marinos. His career also includes spells in K League 1 with FC Seoul and in the Chinese Super League with Wuhan FC, after beginning his professional journey in his native Brazil.
Known for his physicality, movement, aerial prowess and a venomous left foot, Anderson is expected to inject even more firepower into the Sailors’ frontline as the club embarks on a challenging season ahead — one that includes defending their domestic titles and mounting a serious challenge in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup and the ACL Two.
“To reach 100 goals in a league as competitive as the J1 speaks volumes about his quality. But it’s not just about his goalscoring — Anderson is excellent at holding the ball up and just as capable of creating chances for his teammates. I’m confident he’ll be a tremendous asset to the team this season,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang added, “The opportunity to sign a player of Anderson’s calibre was one we couldn’t pass up. He’s a proven match-winner with an elite mindset, and that’s reflected in his consistently outstanding performances at the highest level of Asian football. We’re excited to see what he’ll bring to the team.”
In a storybook ending to his time with Marinos, Anderson signed off with the winning penalty in the Yokohama Derby on 5 July — bowing out in perfect fashion after netting 81 goals in 157 matches across four seasons. Now, his sights are firmly set on helping the Sailors scale even greater heights on the continental stage.
“I’m thrilled to join the Sailors at such an exciting point in their journey. Their run to the ACL Two final last season really caught my attention, and I’ve been impressed by the club’s vision and ambition to elevate Singapore football,” said Anderson.
“My objectives are clear: I’m here to contribute, to score goals, to win trophies, and to help the team make a real impact in Asia.”
Tsiy Ndenge is not your typical modern-day footballer.
In an era where most athletes cultivate their online presence to connect with fans, the 28-year-old midfielder stands apart. His Instagram feed? Completely empty.
“I’m just a private person,” he said with a shrug. “I don’t like to speak or show off too much of my private life. That’s just how I am.”
That pretty much summed up the first interview with the Lion City Sailors’ latest signing – reserved, softly spoken, and a man who prefers action over words. His replies rarely stretched beyond a few sentences, but there was clarity and conviction in everything he shared.
That low-key persona, however, is a far cry from the version of Tsiy fans will soon come to know on the pitch – an all-action, box-to-box midfielder with the physicality, skill, and dynamism to drive his team forward in both defence and attack.
“I feel comfortable anywhere in the middle,” Tsiy said. “I like to get the ball from everywhere and dictate the game. I try to give everything for the team.”
That complete midfield package, along with his powerful strides and excellent close control, has drawn comparisons with the likes of Paul Pogba – a suggestion Tsiy downplays with typical humility.
“I’ve heard it a few times,” he admitted with a laugh. “Of course, in our position, Pogba and Yaya Touré are great examples. It’s nice to be compared to them, but honestly, it doesn’t mean a lot.”
What does matter to him is impact, and Tsiy has made plenty of that throughout a career shaped by perseverance, growth, and an unrelenting drive.
Born in Cologne to Cameroonian parents and raised in the nearby town of Erftstadt, Tsiy signed his first professional contract with Bundesliga giants Borussia Mönchengladbach at just 18. He represented Germany at Under-19 and Under-20 levels, sharing the pitch with now-established Bundesliga stars such as Maximilian Mittelstädt and Benjamin Henrichs.
A loan spell at Roda JC in the Eredivisie followed in 2017/18 – a challenging year where he came up against future Sailors teammates Bart Ramselaar and Lennart Thy.
“I had a nice time in Holland. Our team wasn’t so successful, but I learnt a lot,” he recalled. “I remember playing against Bart. It wasn’t so nice because PSV were dominant, but no problem.”
From there, Tsiy spent seven years in Swiss football, first with FC Luzern and then with Grasshopper Club Zürich, where he truly came into his own. A stunning long-range strike in just his third game sparked a comeback win over St. Gallen – a goal he still ranks as the best of his career.
More achievements followed. With 15 goals across three seasons for Grasshoppers and commanding midfield displays, Tsiy’s influence grew. His standout performance in a 1-0 win over eventual champions FC Basel last December – outplaying World Cup star Xherdan Shaqiri in the process – was another reminder of his quality.
“My stay in Switzerland was longer than expected. There were setbacks and injuries, but I met amazing people and developed a lot, both as a footballer and a person,” Tsiy, who was recently dubbed ‘the most underrated central midfielder in Europe’, shared. “And the birth of my daughter gave me even more motivation to perform.”
His consistent displays didn’t go unnoticed. Interest came from clubs like FC Cologne, Cagliari, and AEK Athens, but it was the Sailors’ approach that struck a chord.
“Of course there were offers in Europe. But after speaking to the club, I had a really good feeling,” he said. “The whole package – the infrastructure, the trust from the people here – I felt the most confident about this move.”
He revealed that Lennart had also offered him some insight before his move. “I spoke to Lennart, and it was all positive. So I decided to come here.”
Now settling in at Mattar, Tsiy is excited to be part of an ambitious Sailors squad aiming to build on their historic 2024/25 campaign.
“Everyone’s been really friendly – the players, the staff. You can see everyone’s focused and happy at the same time, which creates a great atmosphere,” he said.
“I know the club had a successful season last year, and I’m here to help us go even further. I want to give everything, enjoy my football, and show the fans what I can do.”
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce the signing of German-Cameroonian midfielder Tsiy Ndenge on a two-year deal, as the club continues to strengthen its squad for a busy 2025/26 campaign on both the domestic and continental fronts.
The 28-year-old joins after departing Swiss Super League side Grasshopper Club Zürich, and will add steel and stature to the Sailors’ midfield. Standing at 1.92m, Tsiy brings with him top-tier European experience and a commanding presence in the centre of the park.
Highly regarded for his technical ability and physicality, Tsiy was on the radar of several top European clubs – including Cagliari, FC Cologne, FC Copenhagen and AEK Athens – following the expiry of his contract with Grasshoppers on 30 June. He was ultimately swayed by the Sailors’ ambition and vision, and chose Singapore as the stage for his next chapter.
“I’ve had opportunities to continue in Europe, but what drew me to the Lion City Sailors was the clear ambition of the club and the project underway here,” said Tsiy. “It’s an exciting challenge and I like this feeling of helping a team achieve things that are not done before and create more history. I’m going to give everything to help this club succeed.”
A product of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s youth system, Tsiy spent four years with the club’s reserve side in Germany before making a move to the Netherlands with a loan spell at Eredivisie outfit Roda JC for the 2017/18 season, where he featured 32 times in the Dutch top flight.
He then made the switch to Swiss football, joining FC Luzern and spending four seasons there, before signing for Grasshopper Club Zürich in 2022. Over the next three years, Tsiy made 91 appearances for the Zurich side, emerging as one of their most influential players.
It was during his time at Grasshoppers that he truly came into his own, drawing plaudits for his athleticism, tactical intelligence and powerful box-to-box presence. His leadership qualities also came to the fore, as he wore the captain’s armband on several occasions over the past two seasons.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković hailed the signing: “Tsiy is a player of top calibre, who brings composure and power to the team and gives us a different dimension in midfield. His presence will not only help us control games, but also help elevate the standards of the players around him.”
Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang added, “Tsiy was on the radar of some big clubs in Europe, so to have him choose the Sailors is a huge statement. What has impressed us is his attitude and hunger to win despite having already played at such a high level, and these are qualities that will rub off on the team.”
Having started training with the Sailors this week, Tsiy is already looking forward to help the club push for success in multiple competitions – including the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, and the defence of their Singapore Premier League (SPL) crown.
“I’ve already watched some of the club’s games last season and spoke to people in and around the team,” said Tsiy, who has been capped for Germany at Under-20 level. “There’s already a strong foundation here with some great players, and I’m here to help us take that next step in Asia.”
The Lion City Sailors will kick off their 2025/26 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup group-stage campaign with a tantalising Causeway derby against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on 21 August at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has officially unveiled the fixtures for the region’s premier club competition, with the Sailors handed a blockbuster start against the 11-time Malaysia Super League champions. The tie comes hot on the heels of the Sailors’ season-opening Singapore Community Shield against BG Tampines Rovers on 16 August, and just before their first Singapore Premier League (SPL) fixture the following weekend.
While the Sailors and JDT have crossed paths in several friendlies over the years, this will mark the first time the two sides meet in a competitive fixture, and it’s shaping up to be a fiery showdown that promises to capture the imagination of fans on both sides of the Causeway.
The Sailors will then face another stern test away from home in their second Group B encounter, when they take on 2024/25 Thai League 1 runners-up Bangkok United at the BG Stadium on 4 December. That will be followed by a home tie at Bishan Stadium on 17 December against either Laos’ Ezra FC or Myanmar’s Shan United – with the two sides set to contest a qualifying play-off.
Captain Hariss Harun and his teammates will resume their campaign in the new year with a trip to Vietnam to face reigning V.League 1 champions Nam Định FC at Thiên Trường Stadium on 29 January 2026, before closing out the group stage on 5 February with another home fixture against Cambodian Premier League winners PKR Svay Rieng.
The Sailors’ two home ties will be held at Bishan Stadium, as they look to secure a top-two finish in Group B to progress to the two-legged semi-finals, slated for 6 and 13 May 2026. The final – also played over two legs – is scheduled for 20 and 27 May.
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The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Sušak, as part of a strategic effort to reinforce the squad ahead of a pivotal 2025/26 campaign.
The Sailors are aiming to defend their Singapore Premier League (SPL) title and make deeper inroads on the continental stage in competitions such as the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup and the AFC Champions League Two.
Standing at 2.03m, the 27-year-old joins on a two-year contract from Croatian top-tier side Slaven Belupo, where he built a reputation as one of the SuperSport HNL’s top shot-stoppers. He amassed 89 appearances over four seasons, with his most impressive coming in the recent 2024/25 campaign.
That season, Sušak kept 10 clean sheets in 35 matches across all competitions — including a standout performance in a goalless draw against Ivan Rakitić’s HNK Hajduk Split in January 2025 — and even captained Slaven on several occasions. His leadership and performances earned him a place in the HNL Team of the Season, as Slaven finished fifth — their best league finish in 12 years.
Sušak arrives with proven credentials, combining a commanding aerial presence with consistent shot-stopping ability. His addition reflects the Sailors’ intent to build on a landmark season in which they swept all three domestic trophies — the Community Shield, SPL, and Singapore Cup — and made history as the first Singaporean side to reach the final of a major Asian club competition, the ACL Two.
“Ivan brings with him a wealth of experience from a competitive European league, and his calm leadership and technical quality will be a valuable asset, particularly on the continental stage where margins are fine and every detail matters,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
Echoing that sentiment, Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang said: “We’re always looking at how we can evolve and improve as a club, and after careful consideration, we saw value in bringing in a top foreign goalkeeper to further elevate the standards across the squad.
“Ivan checks all the boxes of a modern goalkeeper — presence, distribution, leadership. But most importantly, his professionalism and mentality will drive healthy competition within our goalkeeping unit and help push everyone to new heights. We’ve got talented local goalkeepers in our ranks, and we believe this move will benefit the department as a whole.”
Having already linked up with his new teammates since pre-season began on 7 July, Sušak is raring to go in this new chapter of his career.
“The ambition and infrastructure of this club were clear from the start and made the decision easy for me,” said Sušak. “I know the target here is to become one of Asia’s top clubs. I’m proud to be part of this project, and I will give everything to help the team take that next step.”
As part of a newly announced three-year partnership with the Lion City Sailors, adidas will supply the club’s official kit for the next three seasons starting from 2025/26. To kick off this exciting partnership, adidas will launch the Home and Away kits, along with a fresh range of fanwear apparel, on this Saturday, 12 July at the adidas Brand Centre Orchard.
Home & Away kits
The crisp white Home kit and bold blue Away kit honour the team’s identity as “Champions in Blue”. Adding dimension to the design is a halftone dotted pattern that brings texture and a dynamic visual effect to the jersey.
Finishing touches include the club crest on the left side of the chest, paired with the adidas and sponsor logos in contrasting colours.
Pictured above (L to R):
In the Home kit: Sailors First Team players Shawal Anuar, Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin and Bailey Wright.
Crafted with adidas Climacool fabric, the jersey wicks away sweat to keep players cool and focused. Made from recycled materials, it supports both on-field performance and environmental sustainability – keeping athletes dry and comfortable all game long.
Hariss Harun, captain of the Sailors said: “This partnership with adidas, a global leader in football, aligns us with the elite – clubs that set the standard in the game and it’s a proud moment for all of us. Teaming up with adidas also means access to the same cutting-edge kits and gear worn at the highest levels, helping us stay sharp and focused where it matters most – on the pitch.”
Pictured above (L to R):
In the Away kit: Sailors Women’s Team players Khairunnisa Anwar, Tyan Foong and Syazwani Ruzi.
Triple the tees, triple the fanfare
Accompanying the on-field kit are three brand-new fanwear tees made for the real ones at the grandstand. Fans can choose from three designs: two feature Helix, the team’s beloved lion mascot, and one which features the adidas logo and the Lion City Sailors emblem with the word ‘Sailors’ printed on the tee.
Sealed for Success (S$49).
The first design, Sealed for Success, features a stamp-style crest with Helix standing proudly on a football at its centre. A mark of unity and strength, the stamp is outlined with the phrases “Champions in Blue” and “All Hands on Deck”. This tee is a symbolic representation of the Sailors community’s unwavering spirit and collective commitment.
Anchored and Ready (S$49).
The second design, Anchored and Ready, places Helix front and centre, with “Lion City Sailors” in collegiate font above. Dressed in a smart sailor’s outfit, Helix is presented as a bold symbol of pioneership, courage, and resilience that’s ready to conquer challenges, even in uncharted waters.
Charting a New Course (S$49).
The third design, Charting a New Course, features both the adidas logo and the Lion City Sailors emblem on either side of the chest, with the word ‘Sailors’ in the middle. This tee symbolises the brand new partnership and both brand and club’s unwavering commitment to charting a new course in the football scene.
Be the first to shop the new kits
The Home and Away kits (S$85 for adults, S$65 for kids) and fanwear tees (S$49 for adults, S$39 for kids) will be launched in limited quantities on 12 July at adidas Brand Centre Orchard.
From 11am – 1pm, fans can join in the fun with a meet & greet with Lion City Sailors players, photos with Helix the mascot, and enjoy complimentary popsicles. Members of adiClub and The Deck – the Sailors’ membership program – will receive 10% off nameset and number printing with any purchase of the Home or Away kit.
adidas Brand Centre Orchard is located at 270 Orchard Road.
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce that Portuguese left-back Diogo Costa has signed a permanent five-year contract with the club, following an outstanding loan spell in which he played a key role in the Sailors’ historic treble-winning campaign.
The 21-year-old arrived in Singapore during the mid-season transfer window in January 2025 and wasted no time in making his mark as he quickly became a fan favourite, earning plaudits for his dynamism, grit, and relentless work rate down the left flank.
Blending European pedigree with a fearless style of play, Diogo added steel to the Sailors’ defence while posing a constant attacking threat with his overlapping runs and pinpoint deliveries.
He recorded 11 assists in 21 appearances across all competitions, including four in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s dream run to a first-ever continental final.
Among his standout contributions in the tournament were winning a penalty just 10 minutes into his continental debut against Muangthong United, setting up both goals in the Sailors’ 2-0 triumph over A-League giants Sydney FC, and delivering the injury-time cross for Maxime Lestienne’s dramatic equaliser in the final against Sharjah FC.
His impressive performances made the decision to convert his loan into a permanent deal a straightforward one. The long-term contract underscores the club’s commitment to continuity and sustained success, as the Sailors look to build on a stellar season in which they swept all three domestic trophies — the Community Shield, Singapore Premier League, and Singapore Cup.
“Diogo not only gave us an added dimension down the flanks; he brought a competitive edge and intensity that helped raise standards across the entire team,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
“We’re delighted he’s committed his future to the club, and I’m confident he will continue to perform at the high level he consistently showed last season.”
Diogo, who came through the youth ranks at Primeira Liga side FC Famalicão, expressed his excitement at extending his stay with the Sailors.
“From the moment I arrived, I felt something special building here — from the players and fans to the club’s ambition, I feel a deep connection and a strong desire to contribute to this project,” he said.
“It’s an honour to be a Sailor for the next five years, and I’m committed to doing my part to help us realise our dream of becoming one of Asia’s top football clubs.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce that head coach Aleksandar Ranković has signed a two-year contract extension, underscoring the club’s commitment to continuity and building on the strong foundation laid during a historic 2024/25 season.
Since taking the reins in June 2023, the Serbian tactician has guided the Sailors to four trophies — including a domestic treble last season comprising the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title, Singapore Cup, and Community Shield.
Ranko — who previously held coaching roles at Dutch Eredivisie sides Vitesse Arnhem, Sparta Rotterdam, ADO Den Haag, and FC Utrecht — also lifted the Singapore Cup in 2023, just six months into his tenure with the club.
This past campaign, he led the club on a memorable run in the inaugural Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, where the Sailors became the first Singaporean side to reach the final of a major Asian club competition. Although the team narrowly fell 2-1 to UAE’s Sharjah FC, the campaign firmly cemented the Sailors’ reputation on the continental stage.
“Coach Aleks’ experience, leadership and ability to bring out the best from our squad have been crucial, and the results speak for themselves,” said Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang.
“His continued leadership will build on the foundation we have laid to sustain excellence at our club.”
Ranko’s continued leadership will be vital as the Sailors gear up for a massive 2025/26 season, with the club once again battling on multiple fronts — including representing Singapore in both the ACL Two and the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
“It’s an honour to continue this journey with the Lion City Sailors. The trust from the management, the players, and the fans means a huge deal to me. What we’ve achieved last season was extraordinary and will be difficult to replicate, but we relish this challenge,” said the 46-year-old, who has a record of 50 wins and 12 draws in 79 matches in charge.
“We’re in the midst of assembling a strong squad for the season ahead, and we’re determined to write new chapters in the club’s history.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the loan signing of experienced Singapore international Safuwan Baharudin for the 2025/26 season, bolstering the club’s defensive ranks as the Sailors gear up for another pivotal campaign both at home and on the continental stage.
Widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s finest and most dependable defenders, Safuwan – who has earned 124 caps for Singapore – brings leadership, composure, and a wealth of experience to the Sailors’ backline.
The 33-year-old made history in 2015 as the first Singaporean to play in Australia’s A-League with Melbourne City, before cementing his reputation across the Causeway with a number of clubs in the Malaysia Super League over the past decade.
Safuwan joins the Sailors on loan from Selangor FC, as the club builds on a 2024/25 season that saw the team win the Community Shield, Singapore Premier League (SPL), and Singapore Cup. The Sailors also became the first Singaporean club to reach the final of a major Asian club competition in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two.
“Safuwan is a proven top player in the region. His calming presence, winning mentality and versatility will add valuable strength and depth to our squad,” said Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang.
The move marks a homecoming of sorts for Safuwan, who began his professional career in 2009 with the Young Lions, before joining the LionsXII in 2012, where he won the Malaysia Super League and the Malaysia FA Cup. He then moved abroad to join Melbourne City on loan, before plying his trade in Malaysia with the likes of PDRM, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor.
He is now excited to be part of the Sailors’ ambitious voyage — one that will see him reunite with familiar national teammates such as Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, Lionel Tan, and Shawal Anuar.
“I’m very excited to be part of a team that’s doing everything it can to raise the bar for Singapore football,” said the Singapore stalwart. “I followed the club’s run in last season’s ACL Two closely — it was something truly inspiring for the country. The club’s lofty ambitions are very much aligned with my own goals, and I’m ready to help us reach even greater heights this season.”
Safuwan will begin training with the Sailors next week as the club kickstarts pre-season preparations for a massive campaign ahead — one where they aim to defend their domestic titles and make further strides in both the ACL Two and the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
A fiery Causeway battle against 11-time Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) awaits the Lion City Sailors after they were drawn into Group B of the 2025/26 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
The other teams to be drawn with the Sailors in the group are 2024/25 Thai League 1 runners-up Bangkok United, reigning V.League 1 champions Nam Định FC, Cambodian Premier League champions PKR Svay Rieng, and the winner of a two-legged playoff tie between Laos’ Ezra FC and and Myanmar’s Shan United.
There is another familiar opponent for the Sailors in the form of Bangkok United, who they last crossed paths with in 2023/24 Asian Football Confederation Champions League, losing both group-stage encounters 2-1 and 1-0.
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Meanwhile, Group A consists of Malaysia’s Selangor FA, Vietnam’s ’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC, fellow Singapore Premier League (SPL) representative BG Tampines Rovers, the winner of the playoff tie between Brunei’s Kasuka FC and Philippines’ Dynamic Herb (DH) Cebu, as well as two Thai clubs in defending champions Buriram United and BG Pathum United.
The draw for the second edition of the ACC Shopee Cup took place in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday afternoon (4 July).
The Sailors are set to fly the Singapore flag once more in Southeast Asia’s premier club competition which kicks off in August, as they make their second consecutive appearance in the tournament.
Teams will compete in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals.
The inaugural edition of the Shopee Cup concluded in dramatic fashion this past May, with Buriram edging CAHN FC on penalties after a thrilling 5-5 aggregate draw.
For the Sailors, the objective is clear: to build on last season’s debut and secure a spot in the knockout stages.
In their maiden campaign, the Sailors held eventual champions Buriram and defeated Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur City at home, but fell to Borneo FC Samarinda, CAHN and Kaya FC-Iloilo on the road.
“We didn’t have the best of campaigns last season and felt we didn’t show our full potential. But our run in last season’s ACL Two proved that we have what it takes to compete at the continental level, and now we’re hungry to show that again in Southeast Asia,” said captain Hariss Harun.
“It’s an exciting draw for us, especially going up against JDT — that always adds a bit of Causeway rivalry. Our target is clear: we want to at least make the semi-finals.”
The Sailors’ full fixtures list for the 2025/26 Shopee Cup will be confirmed in due course.
