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.”
