Category: News
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team have laid down a clear marker ahead of the 2026 domestic season by bolstering their squad with a blend of returning title winners, proven foreign quality, and emerging local talent as they set their sights on reclaiming the Women’s Premier League (WPL) crown.
Leading the reinforcements is the return of 2022 WPL Golden Boot winner Nur Izzati Rosni, who is back in Sailors colours after two seasons away. During that spell, the 26-year-old featured for fellow WPL sides Albirex Niigata (S) (now Albirex Jurong) and Still Aerion, before gaining overseas experience with Selangor FC.
Having scored 22 WPL goals across the Sailors’ first two title-winning campaigns in 2022 and 2023, Izzati’s return adds proven firepower and familiarity to the Sailors’ frontline.
A delighted Izzati said, “The opportunity to compete for this club and challenge myself again was something I couldn’t miss. Having been here before, the familiarity has helped make the transition smooth.
“I’m focused on staying consistent and fit, and contributing whenever I’m called upon, whether that’s through performances, work rate or experience. We’re taking things step by step, and if we prepare well and do our jobs properly each day, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win back the title.”
Also rejoining the club is two-time WPL winner Venetia Lim, who returns after stints in Australia’s second tier with Boroondara-Carey Eagles FC and Eltham Redbacks. The technically gifted midfielder will, however, only be available from February onwards as she continues her recovery from a recent injury layoff.
In addition, the Sailors have secured the services of Japanese attacking duo Ami Takeuchi and Eri Kitagawa for the 2026 WPL season, following their impressive performances during the club’s run in the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary and Group Stages last year.
Ami was a standout in the Preliminary Stage, scoring four goals in three matches against top opposition from across the continent, while both she and Eri (pictured below) bring valuable experience from Japan’s top-tier WE League.
Staying true to the club’s commitment to youth development, the Sailors have also promoted a few promising youngsters to the senior squad.
Fifteen-year-old Remi Ogawa earns her step up after a standout campaign in the Women’s National League (WNL) with title-winning Mattar Sailors, where she was crowned the 2025 WNL Young Player of the Year. The versatile midfielder is comfortable both in central midfield and central defence.
Defender Irsalina Irwan and goalkeeper Alysha Nasrina have also been included after first featuring during last November’s AWCL Group Stage campaign, alongside teenage winger Nur Ain Salleh. Free-scoring French forward Priscille Le Helloco returns as well after missing the second half of 2025.
After a frustrating 2025 campaign, the Sailors’ ambition is clear: to wrest back the WPL title and secure a return to the AFC Women’s Champions League stage in 2027.
Head Coach Daniel Ong welcomed the strengthened squad, saying, “I’m very happy to have the full support of the management to secure Ami and Eri for the season. They bring experience from Japan’s WE League, but just as importantly, great character. Their quality and know-how will help elevate our local players.
“Having trained and competed together during the AWCL last season, they will add real value with their movement and ability to create space, both in and out of possession. This is a great opportunity for our girls to learn from them.
“Izzati and Venetia are also important additions in helping us control the tempo, especially in the attacking third. Last season was long, and we lacked depth to compete on multiple fronts. This year, we want to see more confidence on the ball, purposeful passing, and clearer intent in our play.”
Meanwhile, nine players have been de-registered from the 2025 roster.
Mira Ruzana, Anaya Sehgal, Qarissa Putri, goalkeepers Nurul Haziqah Haszman and Hazel Lim have departed the club, while Putri Alyiah Seow is undergoing rehabilitation following surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained late last year. Dorcas Chu has also retired from the sport.
Ho Hui Xin and Amelia Ng have been redesignated to the Sailors’ WPL B-team, led by reigning WNL Coach of the Year Izz Haziq, which will compete in the WNL this season. Both remain eligible for top-flight action, with regulations allowing up to five B-team players to be named in a WPL matchday squad.
Lion City Sailors’ 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) squad
Goalkeepers
Izairida Shakira, Beatrice Tan, Alysha Nasrina
Defenders
Umairah Hamdan, Siti Nurerwadah Erwan, Syazwani Ruzi, Khairunnisa Anwar, Tia Foong, Tyan Foong, Irsalina Irwan
Midfielders
Sarah Zu’risqha, Nurhidayu Naszri, Dhaniyah Qasimah, Wan Nashirah Mohammed, Nur Ain Salleh, Remi Ogawa, Venetia Lim
Forwards
Eri Kitagawa, Ami Takeuchi, Raeka Ee, Farah Nurzahirah, Priscille Le Helloco, Nur Izzati Rosni
The Lion City Sailors resumed their Singapore Premier League (SPL) 2025/26 campaign in assured fashion after a three-month hiatus, as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Geylang International at Our Tampines Hub on Sunday (18 January) night.
An own goal late in the first half set the Sailors on their way, before strikes from Tsiy Ndenge and Shawal Anuar sealed a sixth win from six league matches to maintain their perfect start.
“I think we played very maturely and controlled the match from the beginning till the end,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković. “There was one period where we were a little reckless with the ball and gave them a few opportunities, but overall we controlled the majority of the game.”
Ranko made two changes from last weekend’s Singapore Cup final triumph over BG Tampines Rovers, with Akram Azman and Hami Syahin coming in for Christopher van Huizen and Song Uiyoung respectively, while Kyoga Nakamura was handed his second straight start since joining the club earlier this month.
Geylang, meanwhile, were without the injured Shodai Yokoyama, but handed a debut to new signing Kim Tae-Ho, who had previously played for the FC Augsburg youth team as a centre-back.
The opening half was a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances, though Bart Ramselaar tested Rudy Khairullah twice inside the first 30 minutes.
But the Sailors’ pressure eventually told, and their breakthrough arrived in the 43rd minute when Lennart Thy’s low delivery into the six-yard box was inadvertently turned into his own net by Nazrul Nazari.
“They (Geylang) defended very deeply and very well,” Ranko reflected after the match. “It was difficult to find players between the lines. Maybe we were a little lucky with the first goal, and after that things became easier.”
The second half initially followed a similar pattern, with chances few and far between.
Ryoya Taniguchi, however, came close for Geylang with a free-kick that drifted wide. It was a moment that appeared to spur the Sailors into life as they began to play with greater intensity.
That shift paid dividends in the 64th minute when Tsiy’s brilliant effort from distance took a bounce off the turf before arrowing into the bottom left corner for his first SPL goal of the season.
Luka Adžić was then introduced for his league debut and quickly made his presence felt, delivering a corner that Toni Datković headed narrowly wide in the 74th minute. Geylang then went close to reducing the deficit a minute later with former Sailors playmaker Shahdan Sulaiman rattling the crossbar with a side-footed effort from the edge of the box.
But the Sailors duly put the result beyond doubt in the first minute of stoppage time when Luka’s pinpoint corner found Shawal, who outjumped Kaisei Ogawa to power home a thumping header — a fitting way to mark his 200th SPL appearance, having made his league debut with Geylang back in 2014.
“The second goal really sealed it for us,” admitted Ranko. “I cannot ask for more from my players. Sometimes it’s difficult for both teams to play on a dry pitch like this because the ball doesn’t move as quickly as you want it to, but we got the job done.”
The Sailors will look to extend their winning run when they face Hougang United on Saturday (24 January) in pursuit of a seventh straight league victory. Hougang, however, will be full of confidence after coming from two goals down to beat Balestier Khalsa 3-2 on Sunday.
A sterner test is expected, but the Sailors will back their defensive solidity and growing momentum to carry them through once again.
After suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to BG Tampines Rovers in the Community Shield at the start of the season, the Lion City Sailors arrived in the Singapore Cup Final with redemption firmly on their minds.
That intent was clearly reflected on the pitch, as the Sailors produced a commanding display and collected a deserved victory over the Stags after extra time to secure their third consecutive Singapore Cup title.
Central to their dominant display was full-back Akram Azman, who was tasked with containing BG Tampines’ main threat Trent Buhagiar. It was a test the 25-year-old passed with maturity, as he produced a disciplined and assured performance to nullify the winger’s threat.
“Winning my second Singapore Cup title felt great. That is why I joined the Sailors – to win trophies,” said Akram. “The team put in a dominant display, and I’m happy we came away with a win that we fully deserved.”
That early setback against the Stags made this triumph all the more satisfying, and underlined how much the team had progressed since the Community Shield defeat.
“Losing the Community Shield was very disappointing for all of us. We were caught by surprise by the way they played and attacked in that game,” Akram recalled. “But we learned from it and adopted a different approach in the cup final. Both matches were played for silverware, so any victory in games like these is hugely important.”
Introduced at half-time for the injured Christopher van Huizen, Akram was immediately thrown into the thick of the action, with Buhagiar’s nine goals and five assists this season making him a formidable challenge for any full-back.
“I was very clear on what the coach wanted me to do. We all knew how dangerous Trent and his runs in behind can be, but we were already well prepared for that thanks to the work on the training ground,” said the Singapore international.
“The whole backline did well to limit the spaces he could exploit, and that came down to everyone carrying out their duties effectively.”
With the Sailors adding a host of new signings during the transfer window, including winger Luka Adžić and midfielders Kyoga Nakamura and Lucas Agueiro, the battle for places has intensified.
That, in turn, has pushed the local contingent to raise their game, with Hami Syahin providing a prime example by coming off the bench to break the deadlock in the 115th minute.
“The new signings have added a lot of quality on top of the players we already have, so we’re looking forward to building on that,” said Akram. “All of us are working hard to earn our place in the team. Rather than turning it into a competition, we want to uplift one another and make sure whoever plays gives their best.”
After a three-month hiatus, the reigning Singapore Premier League champions return to league action against Geylang International at Our Tampines Hub on Sunday (18 January). Recent meetings have been closely contested, with the Sailors recording one win, two draws, and losing once across the four league encounters last season.
“We are very determined to defend our title this year, and it starts with this game,” declared Akram. “It doesn’t matter who we face. Our goal is always to take the three points and move closer to the title.”
The Eagles have bolstered their squad with former FC Augsburg youth centre-back Kim Tae-Ho, as well as young Japanese goalkeeper Yu Kanoshima, who featured for Japan at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup.
“We know Geylang has technical players like Vincent Bezecourt who have caused us problems in recent seasons,” Akram noted. “But as long as everyone fulfils their responsibilities on the pitch, we should be able to handle them.”
Having notched one goal and two assists in his previous two SPL outings, Akram is eager to further develop the attacking side of his game.
“I want to be more present in the final third and contribute more to our attacking play,” he explained. “That takes time, but it’s something I’m actively working on.”
Buoyed by the energy of the Sailors’ faithful in the cup final, Akram called on the fans to once again bring that same passion for the run-in.
“I hope the fans can come down to all our matches. We need the unwavering support they showed during the final, because our 12th man always gives us that extra boost.”
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team will begin their push to return to the summit of domestic women’s football on Sunday, 25 January, when they face Balestier Khalsa at Bukit Gombak Stadium.
Fixtures for the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) were officially released by the Football Association of Singapore on Tuesday (13 January). The new campaign will start earlier than in previous years and run through to 28 June, aligning strategically with key international commitments for the Singapore women’s national teams, including the AFF Women’s Cup 2026 in July.
Following their opening game against Balestier, Daniel Ong’s charges will take on Still Aerion on Saturday, 31 January at Choa Chu Kang Stadium, before a run of three further fixtures in February.
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After lifting three consecutive WPL titles between 2022 and 2024, the Sailors endured a frustrating 2025 campaign, finishing third behind eventual champions Albirex Niigata (S) — now rebranded as Albirex Jurong — and Still Aerion.
The Sailors will then take on Albirex on Friday, 13 March at Choa Chu Kang, before facing them again on Friday, 12 June at the same venue, with the two fixtures potentially proving pivotal in shaping the title race.
With the league retaining its 16-match double round-robin format with matches to take place at either Choa Chu Kang Stadium or Bukit Gombak Stadium, the Sailors will wrap up their season against Hougang United in late June, with the exact date and venue to be confirmed.
The full fixtures list for our 2026 WPL season can be accessed here, while squad details will be announced in due course.
The Lion City Sailors began 2026 on a triumphant note, as they clinched their first trophy of the season after a 2-0 victory over BG Tampines Rovers over 120 minutes in the 2025/26 Singapore Cup final at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (10 January).
The result was subsequently amended to a 3-0 forfeit after a substitution-related regulatory breach by BG Tampines, who failed to maintain the minimum requirement of four Singaporean players on the pitch in the second half.
However, the match was allowed to run its natural course, with extra-time goals from substitutes Hami Syahin and Anderson Lopes delighting a 3,767-strong crowd and ensuring the Sailors completed a Singapore Cup hat-trick in emphatic fashion.
The victory also meant the Sailors became the first local team in Singapore football history to win three Singapore Cups in a row.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković was keen to underline the manner in which his side earned the trophy.
“The decision to continue the game was perfect. All the fans did not come here for nothing, and we were eager to win the game and show that we are the better team,” said Ranko.
“For the Singapore Cup, I’m emotionally attached to it. It’s the trophy I value the most in my career. Winning it for the first time in 2023 was the start of something great for us as a club, and I would never have imagined winning it three times.”
The Sailors set the tone from the opening whistle and immediately pinned BG Tampines back with their attacking intent. And they fashioned the first real chance of the game just three minutes in, when Bart Ramselaar’s pinpoint delivery picked out Shawal Anuar, whose header forced an early save from Syazwan Buhari.
Song Uiyoung went even closer moments later, crashing a first-time volley against the crossbar, before testing the BG Tampines goalkeeper again from range five minutes after that.
Tsiy Ndenge then grazed the roof of the net with a dipping strike in the 14th minute, while the Stags’ only proper chance in the first half came three minutes later with Takeshi Yoshimoto’s audacious long-range effort landing just off-target.
Unfazed by the incessant boos from the BG Tampines faithful, former Stag Kyoga Nakamura, who was named in the starting XI just two days after being unveiled as a new Sailor, dictated proceedings in midfield, though neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.
With the contest remaining cagey after the restart, Ranko decided to freshen things up for his side by introducing Anderson Lopes and Hami Syahin in the 75th minute.
Then came the moment when BG Tampines breached competition regulations, when Joel Chew was replaced by Yuki Kobayashi in the 81st minute, leaving just three local players on the pitch. Although they subsequently introduced Ong Yu En three minutes later to replace Japanese midfielder Koya Kazama, it was too late to negate the breach.
Nonetheless, play was allowed to continue, and Bart forced Syazwan into a sharp near-post save late in regulation time, before new signing Luka Adžić almost made an instant impact with a dipping free kick that was tipped over the bar.
While the earlier breach led to a lengthy pause before extra time, the delay did little to disrupt the Sailors’ momentum. Bailey Wright’s header forced another save in the 101st minute, before the breakthrough finally arrived in the 115th.
Luka’s outside-of-the-boot pass released Diogo Costa down the left, and his driven cross was met emphatically by Hami, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net to spark wild celebrations.
Not long after, in the 123rd minute, another substitute delivered the finishing touch for the Sailors, as Ivan Sušak’s long punt found Anderson, who outmuscled Dylan Fox before smashing a powerful effort home to seal the victory on the pitch.
“We were very cautious with our substitutions because we knew the game might go into extra time,” Ranko added.
“I’m happy with all the players who came on because they all made a difference. This is exactly what we want from our squad.”
At the other end of the pitch, Bailey produced a commanding display at the heart of defence and anchored a backline that kept BG Tampines quiet all night.
“You never want to win a final like that, as we didn’t want the trophy to be handed to us,” said Bailey, who was named Man of the Match. “We wanted to earn it on the pitch, and we’ve done that.”
The Sailors will return to league action against Geylang International on Sunday (18 January), before facing Hougang United on 24 January and travelling to Vietnam to take on Nam Định FC in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup five days later.
“I’m very proud of my team,” Ranko said. “This win gives us real momentum. We’re hungry, and our aim is to win the remaining trophies this season.”
When Bailey Wright joined the Lion City Sailors over two years ago, he did so with one clear aim in mind: to win silverware with the club.
It took just five months for the Australian centre-back to achieve that goal. Playing the full 90 minutes in the 2023 Singapore Cup final, Bailey delivered a composed performance at the heart of defence as the Sailors defeated Hougang United 3-1 to lift their first domestic cup trophy since the club’s inception in 2020.
To this day, the 33-year-old still looks back on that milestone with pride.
“Any trophy you lift is memorable,” Bailey reflected. “You remember the game and the people you did it with, and you want to relive that feeling of pride and achievement again.”
Bailey and the Sailors will have the opportunity to do just that when they take on BG Tampines Rovers in this year’s Singapore Cup final at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (10 January).
The Sailors will be chasing a third consecutive triumph in the competition, having edged the Stags 1-0 in last season’s Final at the same venue. To date, only Albirex Niigata (S) have achieved that feat, having won the competition four times in a row between 2015 and 2018.
Standing in their way once again, however, is a BG Tampines side which won the first encounter of the season against the Sailors in last August’s Community Shield.
Since then, the Sailors have responded emphatically, winning all five of their domestic matches.
“We have a lot of respect for all of the opposition we play, and revenge for the Community Shield is certainly something we’re looking for too,” said Bailey. “Things are a little different with this being a mid-season final, but at the end of the day, it’s about winning the game, and we’re ready to embrace it.”
Seeded directly into the semi-finals based on their finish in last season’s Singapore Premier League (SPL), the Sailors cruised past Balestier Khalsa 5-1 on aggregate to book their place in the final. BG Tampines, meanwhile, overcame Albirex Niigata (S) 5-3 in the other semi-final tie.
Encounters between the two sides are typically tightly contested, with each team claiming two wins from their last six meetings. Bailey, however, believes the rivalry only adds extra edge to the occasion.
“There’s healthy respect between the clubs, but we’re rivals for a reason and we want to beat them every time we get the chance,” he said.
“We won this trophy last year and we want to lift it again. This final is very important for all of us, and it’s our responsibility to deliver that sense of pride to the club.”
Since their last meeting, both sides have strengthened their squads. Noh Rahman’s charges have bolstered their ranks with former Japan international Yuki Kobayashi, alongside the youthful trio of Ong Yu En, Rae Peh and defender Raoul Suhaimi.
The Sailors, meanwhile, have secured the services of Serbian winger Luka Adžić, who brings top-flight experience from the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as Singapore international Kyoga Nakamura.
And while the reigning champions are determined to defend their crown, their focus remains firmly on preparation and performance.
“There is always a bit of added belief and expectation going into a Final, but that doesn’t change how we prepare,” Bailey explained. “Everybody in the team is fit, focused and recharged.”
With the clash set to be the first Cup final staged at the newly re-turfed Jalan Besar Stadium, Bailey also called on the Sailors faithful to once again turn out in force.
“Football is nothing without the fans and the energy they bring. That’s what makes a final feel like a big game,” he said.
“Jalan Besar is a great stadium, and it’s going to be a great occasion that no one will want to miss. We’re really looking forward to the support from our fans.”
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce the signing of Japan-born Singapore international Kyoga Nakamura on a two-and-a-half-year contract, which runs until the end of the 2027/28 season.
The 29-year-old midfielder joins the Sailors after terminating his contract with Thai giants Bangkok United, and arrives with a reputation as one of the region’s most cultured and intelligent midfield operators.
Kyoga’s move marks a return to Singapore football, where he established himself after beginning his professional career in Japan’s J3 League. He spent six seasons in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), making his debut in 2019 with Albirex Niigata (S), before clocking up the majority of his 141 domestic league appearances with BG Tampines Rovers over the next five years. He left for Bangkok United in June 2025, where he made 17 appearances in all competitions.
Over the years, Kyoga has endeared himself to the local football fraternity with his relentless work rate, warm personality and deep affinity with Singapore, which is underlined by his desire to represent the national team. The Chiba native – who played for Japan at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup – was granted Singapore citizenship in October 2024, and has since earned 17 caps for the Lions, playing an influential role in the nation’s historic qualification for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup on merit.
Named in the SPL Team of the Year in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023, the left-footed midfielder is set to add creativity, vision and composure to the heart of the Sailors’ midfield as the club gears up for a crucial second half of the season, with three competitions still to fight for.
The Sailors are bidding to retain both the SPL and Singapore Cup trophies which they won last season, while also aiming to reach the semi-finals of the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup for the first time.
“Kyoga is a player we have admired for some time. He brings calmness and a strong positional sense in midfield, understands how to control the tempo of a game, and is one of the top players in Singapore football. That level of quality is exactly what we want in our squad. His experience and hunger to succeed are qualities that will boost us as we push on in the coming months,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
Sailors Sporting Director Luka Lalić added, “The opportunity to sign someone of Kyoga’s calibre was something we couldn’t pass up. His arrival reflects our intent to build for the long term while continuing to compete at the highest level.
“He is already proven in Singapore football, and his work ethic, leadership and professionalism will raise standards within the team. We’re excited to see the impact he can make in the months ahead.”
Kyoga’s first appearance in Sailors colours could come in a fittingly symbolic encounter — the Singapore Cup final on 10 January against his former club BG Tampines — as he embarks on the next chapter of his storied career.
“I’m very happy to be part of the Sailors. This is a club with big ambitions, high standards and a clear vision,” said the midfield maestro. “Singapore is my home, and I’m delighted to be back here and to represent the Sailors for the next few years.
“I’m going to give my all for this club and help us fight for every trophy. We have a great mix of local and foreign players here, and I’m confident we can finish this season strongly together.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of Serbian winger Luka Adžić, who joins the club on a deal until the end of the season following the mutual termination of his contract with Thai League 1 side Bangkok United.
The 27-year-old wide attacker adds quality and depth to the Sailors’ attacking options, bringing with him flair, creativity, and a consistent threat from set pieces. Comfortable operating on either flank, Luka is known for his direct dribbling, clinical finishing in tight spaces, and a sharp eye for creating chances for others.
Luka comes with a strong European footballing foundation, having come through the famed Red Star Belgrade Academy before making his first team debut for the club in 2016. He subsequently featured in the top-flight leagues of Belgium, the Netherlands and Turkey, turning out for clubs such as Anderlecht, Ankaragücü, FC Emmen and PEC Zwolle, before returning home for a fruitful spell with Čukarički between 2022 to 2024 – one that included scoring directly from corners twice in the same Serbian SuperLiga match in March 2024.
His impressive performances with Čukarički earned him a move to Southeast Asia in July 2024, when he joined Bangkok United. His one-and-a-half-year spell with the Thai side included several continental appearances, notably a goalscoring cameo against the Sailors in a 2-1 victory at Bishan Stadium in the AFC Champions League Two last November.
Luka’s arrival provides a timely boost for the Sailors as they prepare for the Singapore Cup Final against BG Tampines Rovers on 10 January, while also aiming to defend their Singapore Premier League title and reach the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup semi-finals for the first time.
“Luka is a player who gives us something different in wide areas – very strong in one-on-one situations, sharp in tight spaces, and capable of both scoring and creating goals. His playing style fits our philosophy perfectly, and I’m confident he will excel here,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
Sailors Sporting Director Luka Lalić added, “This signing reflects our intent to remain competitive on all fronts. Luka’s quality and experience add another dimension to our attack, and we believe he will integrate well into the team both on and off the pitch. We’re delighted to welcome him onboard as we head into a crucial phase of the season.”
Having already played – and scored – against the Sailors, the 1.84m Luka is now eager to help the club achieve its ambitions.
“I’m really happy to be here and grateful to the club for believing in me,” said the former Serbian U21 international, who will wear the No. 28 jersey. “I’ve followed the club’s journey and this is a project that truly excites me. I can’t wait to show my abilities, and I promise to give everything for the badge during my time here.”
It was a night heavy with emotion at Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (20 December), as the Lion City Sailors sealed their place in a third straight Singapore Cup final, but the result was arguably secondary to the farewell of one of the greatest players ever to wear the badge: Maxime Lestienne.
Taking to the pitch for the final time in Sailors colours, Maxime walked out alongside his wife Kiara and his three children – Gabriel, Rafael and Alizee – before being presented with a specially designed #17 memento by Club Chairman Forrest Li.
The Belgian was also handed the captain’s armband for only the second time in his four-year long Sailors spell, and from the first whistle, every touch of his wand-like left foot drew an extra roar from the stands.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković admitted the night carried a unique emotional weight.
“Let’s be honest, this game was played in a different vibe,” he reflected. “I can imagine sometimes it’s tough for the players to focus because we wanted to play for Maxime. Still, reaching the final three times in a row is a great achievement for the club.”
Amid the emotion, however, the Sailors still delivered. A 1-0 victory on the night to complete a 5-1 aggregate win over Balestier Khalsa ensured a repeat of last season’s final against BG Tampines Rovers, who defeated Albirex Niigata (S) 5-3 over two legs.
As the teams marched out from the tunnel, Sailors fans unveiled a giant tifo in the home stands in tribute to Max, setting the tone for an emotional night.
That famous wand-like left foot was on display for one last time when Maxime picked out Shawal Anuar with a teasing cross in the seventh minute, only for Mario Mustapić to punch it clear.
Just two minutes later, Balestier handed the Sailors the breakthrough after a defensive lapse, when Lazar Vujanić’s short pass to Mustapić was intercepted by Shawal, who finished at the second attempt.
Tsiy Ndenge then tried his luck twice from distance, but both efforts drifted off target as the Sailors carried their 1–0 advantage into the interval.
After a slow start to the second half, Maxime sparked the game into life in the 67th minute, taking a deft touch before trying to curl one into the far corner, only for Mustapić to tip his effort away.
Then, the moment Maxime and the home fans had been waiting for arrived six minutes later, when the Sailors were awarded a penalty after a handball by Balestier defender Mario Šubarić.
Up stepped the Belgian, and with his trademark blend of confidence and flair, he attempted a cheeky Panenka. Unfortunately, Mustapić guessed correctly and denied Maxime a final Sailors goal.
“I have scored many penalties in my career but never a Panenka, so I said for the last game if I get a penalty, I wanted to try a Panenka. It didn’t pay off in the end, but honestly we were already in a very strong position to reach the final, so I knew that whether I scored or not, it would not affect the outcome,” explained Maxime.
At the other end of the pitch, Izwan Mahbud dealt calmly with a Vujanić free-kick, before Maxime delivered an exquisite floated cross that Toni Datković headed just over the bar.
Then came the moment that gave Sailors fans the chance to say their goodbyes.
In the closing stages, the fourth official’s board lit up with No. 17 as both teams formed a guard of honour for Maxime, who made his final walk off a Singapore pitch to the applause of supporters who had sung for him all evening before being substituted by fellow Sailors centurion Hafiz Nor.
The outpouring of love for Maxime continued long after the final whistle, as he was tossed into the air by his Sailors teammates before walking out once more with his family for a final lap of honour at Jalan Besar.
A tribute video then played on the stadium’s big screen before Max took to the microphone to deliver his parting message to the fans, with the Belgian visibly emotional and in tears as he spoke.
Many fans also stayed behind long after the post-match proceedings had ended, as they waited patiently outside the stadium to get their final photos and autographs taken with the Sailors icon.
“I’m a bit tired and a bit sad, but I also feel very proud,” said Maxime after the game in an interview with SailorFanTalk. “Even on the pitch, it was difficult for me to focus. I’m very proud of these four years during which I gave my best for the club.”
Meanwhile, Ranko paid tribute to a player he regards as one of the best, if not the best, to have played club football in Singapore.
“He’s unbelievable. And it’s not only Maxime’s legacy at this club, but also his impact on football in Singapore. I don’t think a player of his calibre has played here before, so we are going to miss that kind of quality and personality.”
Maxime leaves the Sailors with an incredible return of 70 goals and 97 assists in 131 matches, a body of work that firmly cements him as one of the club’s most influential players.
As he reflected on his time in Singapore, he recalled several standout moments: his long-awaited first goal against Tanjong Pagar United, two stunning free-kicks against Geylang, an unforgettable hat-trick against BG Tampines, and the rare celebration that followed his goal in the 2025 AFC Champions League (ACL) Two Final.
“That goal in the final… normally, I never celebrate, but I did,” he smiled wistfully. “We all know the story, what happened after. Maybe that’s my only regret. But I won everything collectively and individually. I’m proud of what I achieved with the club, and what we all achieved together.”
The 33-year-old, who has played in the UEFA Champions League with PSV Eindhoven and enjoyed spells in Serie A and La Liga, now heads back to Europe to decide his next step.
“I will talk to my family and make my decision after New Year’s Day. I don’t know yet if I’ll stop or continue somewhere else. It’s difficult to stop playing, but even if this is the end, I’ll be very happy.”
The Sailors will now turn their attention to their showdown with BG Tampines Rovers on Saturday, 10 January, after a short break. Victory would make them only the second side after Albirex Niigata (S) to lift the Singapore Cup three years in a row.
For Maxime, a lifelong Sailor at heart, a new journey now awaits. As for the team he leaves behind, the quest for silverware continues, carried forward by a legacy that will endure long after No. 17 has left the pitch.
He left with one final message for the Sailors: “This club deserves everything. I hope they win the cup final and the league. I wish them all the best and I will try to follow every match now.”
Maxime Lestienne’s glittering spell with the Lion City Sailors will draw to a close on Saturday (20 December) night, as the reigning Singapore Cup holders take on Balestier Khalsa in the second leg of the competition’s semi-finals at Jalan Besar Stadium.
After 10,298 minutes and 130 appearances in Sailors colours, Max will pull on the white and blue for the final time in what is set to be an emotional occasion for the Belgian, who will take to the pitch with his wife and three children before receiving a special memento from Club Chairman Forrest Li.
Speaking ahead of the match, Max was full of emotion and gratitude as he reflected on a four-year journey that brought both team silverware and personal accolades.
“I’m extremely thankful for everything the Club has done for me from day one, and I can see they’re still doing everything for me even as I prepare to leave. From the coaches, backroom staff and players to the media team, everyone is making sure this chapter ends beautifully,” he shared.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing all our fans for the last time and saying a proper goodbye. They’ve played a big part in where the club is today, and I hope they continue their strong support for many years to come.”
Max’s numbers at the club have been nothing short of remarkable, with 70 goals and 97 assists in 130 appearances to date. And he hopes to reach one more milestone on Saturday.
“I’ve got one last chance to hit 100 assists. It’s difficult, but I’ll try,” he said. “The club gave me everything, so it was only right that I gave my best and showed my qualities in every match.
“It’s been an amazing four years. There have been ups and downs, but I hope people recognise that I’ve always given 100 per cent on the pitch. I’m going to do the same in this last game for the Sailors.”
While much of the attention will naturally centre on Max’s farewell, the 33-year-old is keen to emphasise that the team’s objectives come first.
Fresh off an important midweek win over Shan United in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, the Sailors now return to Singapore Cup action holding a 4-1 advantage over Balestier after a commanding first-leg display. They are well placed to reach a third straight final, though the Tigers will be buoyed by the return of electric winger Jakov Katuša and eager to spoil the party.
“First and foremost, the focus is on the team. I’ve always said that goals and assists mean nothing if the team doesn’t succeed. We know how important the Singapore Cup is, and we want to make sure we reach another final,” he said.
“Hopefully we get the job done. And one thing is for sure – I’ll be watching the final back home in Belgium on 10 January as the club’s biggest supporter.”
