From being hailed as a precocious teenage prodigy and the next big thing in Singapore football, to donning the Lions jersey and becoming a two-time Singapore Premier League and Singapore Cup winner, Adam Swandi has accomplished more in his footballing career than most in the country could dream of.
His talent was evident from a young age, as he dazzled crowds with his repertoire of skills and stepovers during the 2011 Lion City Cup (LCC) at just 15.
Accolades soon followed. In the same year, he won the Dollah Kassim Award — an annual honour recognising Singapore’s top football talents under 18 — and finished as the top scorer of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-16 Youth Championship. He went on to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the 2012 LCC and the Football Association of Singapore’s U18 COE League in the following year.
Adam’s youthful exuberance and unbridled joy on the pitch back then were reminiscent of a kid playing freely on a street soccer court — an attitude that stayed with him even as he transitioned into professional football.
“Everyone who knows me knows that I’m really into tricks and the things that make the game beautiful. I love how players like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho bring entertainment to football and make it enjoyable to watch,” said Adam.
“Of course, the game has evolved and now has certain tactical aspects, but I firmly believe that the main thing that attracts people to football is its entertainment value. Skills are a crucial part of the game — they create hype and excitement for everyone watching.”
From rising talent to accomplished star
Adam’s sheer talent brought immense pressure from a young age. Touted as one of Singapore football’s brightest prospects, he faced the weight of expectations that only grew when he secured a two-year contract with French Ligue 2 side FC Metz to play for their Under-19 team. Balancing such high expectations at a young age was far from easy, but it shaped his journey as a footballer.
“Starting from the Lion City Cup, fans and those around me were really pinning their hopes on me to elevate Singapore football to a higher level,” he acknowledged. “I have to say it wasn’t easy, but I never wavered in the face of challenges and have always given my best.
“Everyone has their own opinions on whether I ‘made it’ or not, but I know I have no regrets about my football journey.”
Adam’s football journey has undoubtedly been a fruitful one. In 10 seasons, he played a total of 205 competitive matches, winning the Community Shield four times, the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title twice, and the Singapore Cup twice. He was also named the SPL’s Young Player of the Year in 2018.
Above all, however, what gives Adam the greatest sense of satisfaction is being able to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a professional footballer.
“As a footballer — or anyone in life — you always feel like you could do better, but I wouldn’t go back and change anything. I’m happy to have made my family proud. It’s not easy to become a professional footballer; it’s not the kind of job you can simply apply for, and I’m one of the lucky few to have done this as a career,” he reflected.
“When I was around 10 or 11, I always looked up to players like Shahril Ishak and Baihakki Khaizan, so it felt surreal that just a few years later, they were my teammates, and I was sitting beside them in the dressing room. To learn from the best and build friendships with some of the biggest players in the country is something I’m truly grateful for.”
Adam earned 22 caps for the Singapore national team and still holds the distinction of being the Lions’ third-youngest debutant — behind Hariss Harun and Fandi Ahmad — at 17 years and 143 days, when he came on as a substitute in a friendly against Myanmar on 4 June 2013.
Like any footballer, Adam faced challenges during his career — most notably in 2019, when he suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that sidelined him for 15 months. Critics doubted whether he could return to his previous form, but Adam remained resilient in the face of adversity.
He recounted, “There were many people saying things like, ‘Oh, once you’re back from your ACL injury, you won’t be able to dribble like you used to.’ But I was extremely motivated to get back on the pitch, so I worked really hard during the rehab period.
“In the end, it’s about your mental strength and whether you truly want it. I didn’t want one injury to define my career.”
A career cruelly cut short
Unfortunately, Adam has been forced to prematurely end his career at the age of 28 following the recent discovery of an underlying heart condition known as cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. In severe cases, it can lead to serious complications, including heart failure.
The news was understandably devastating for Adam, and coming to terms with this reality has been a significant mental challenge.
“Physically, I feel perfectly fine. Every day I wake up, I feel like I can push myself to play. But medically, I’ve been advised by the doctors and cardiologist that I shouldn’t play again. It’s definitely a tough pill to swallow, and I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact that I’m no longer a professional player,” he shared.
“In those quiet moments when I’m alone, after my wife and son have gone to bed — when I’m supposed to be sleeping — I sometimes find myself thinking about what really happened. Why did this happen to me? I’ve been doing this for the past 15 years of my life, and now it has to stop just like that.”
Nonetheless, Adam understands that he has to make the sensible decision for his family and future.
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“I’m also a husband and a father. I know I have to set aside my desire to play football and prioritise my family,” Adam explained. “I shouldn’t risk my life just to play football, especially when it doesn’t matter to them whether I’m on the pitch or pursuing another profession — they just want me to stay healthy.
“I’ve now found peace with this situation. I’ve realised that this is life — it’s unpredictable, and I have to begin a new journey.”
This was certainly not the way Adam had envisioned ending his career; after all, he had hoped to retire around the age of 35. However, he now sees the bigger picture, and feels fortunate simply to be alive.
“I was watching on TV when Christian Eriksen collapsed during the European Championship in 2021, and it’s surreal to think that something similar could happen to me as well. I feel blessed to have discovered this condition before something truly bad happened. I thank God for still being here and being able to live my life,” he said.
It was perhaps poetic that Adam scored in his final professional appearance — a precise and powerful header in the Sailors’ 6-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United in September 2024 — bringing a fitting end to his football career.
A part of the Sailors family, always
Adam spent the bulk of his career with the Sailors, making close to 100 appearances, winning multiple trophies, and featuring in a couple of Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) campaigns.
Looking back, Adam is filled with gratitude for being part of the Sailors’ exciting journey since its inception in 2020 and for the unwavering support the club’s management has shown him since his heart condition diagnosis.
“I didn’t expect to become one of the longest-serving players at this club, but it’s a huge blessing and honour to have represented one of the biggest and most ambitious clubs in Singapore. I truly felt like I belonged here, and I believe the club feels the same way about me,” Adam said.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the entire club for standing by me through this chaotic time, especially our chairman Forrest Li and executive director Bruce Liang for their unwavering support. The Sailors have been with me throughout my playing career, and now, even in retirement, they’re still here for me.
“It’s been a smooth transition out of football, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”
Having spent so many years in the football environment and forged genuine friendships, Adam believes it is the time with his teammates that he will miss the most.
“As a footballer, you probably spend more time with your teammates than with your own family. You’re always together — training, traveling to matches, showering, even sleeping in the same rooms. Sometimes my wife jokes that I sleep more with my teammates than with her!” he said with a laugh.
“I’ll definitely miss walking into the dressing room, talking about anything and everything under the sun, and just enjoying each other’s company before things get serious. They’re not just teammates — they’re brothers. They’ve always been there for me during tough times. People like Maxime (Lestienne), Hariss, and Hami (Syahin) are constantly checking up on me, and without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
“Football has given me much more than just trophies, medals, or caps with the national team. I’m truly grateful for the lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories it has brought me.”
A new journey awaits
As the saying goes, when one door closes, another — or several — opens. Adam admits he is grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with his family and is eagerly looking forward to the next chapter as he explores both technical and non-technical roles within the Sailors.
“I’m excited yet nervous at the same time. All my life, I’ve been a footballer, and now I have to step into something different. But I feel like the world is my oyster now — I’m free to explore what I want to do, and I’m always open to trying something new,” he elaborated.
“Coaching is definitely something I want to pursue, as it’s the best way for me to pass down the knowledge I’ve gained to younger kids aspiring to be footballers or simply those who want to play the game. At the same time, I’d love to contribute to the club in areas like marketing. As a club, we’re just getting started, and there’s so much more to achieve.
“While I’m sad that I can’t contribute to the club on the pitch anymore, I’m excited to help steer the ship in other areas.”
As Adam hangs up his boots, he hopes to be remembered as someone who never backed down on the pitch — a trait he sees in many of his Sailors teammates. This is why he is confident they can lift the 2024/25 SPL title at the end of the season.
“Everyone has different opinions, but I hope I’m remembered as someone who always gave everything on the pitch and never stopped working hard, even when times were tough,” he said.
“The team is on the right track, both in the league and in regional competitions. I know the boys have been working really hard since last season, and they definitely deserve success at the end of this one. As long as everyone continues to play their part, it’s not impossible for us to achieve everything that’s up for grabs.”
