2025–26 Lion City Sailors FC season
| 2025–26 season | |
|---|---|
Match between Lion City Sailors and Johor Darul Ta'zim | |
| Owner | Sea Limited |
| Chairman | Forrest Li |
| Head coach | Aleksandar Ranković |
| Stadium | Bishan Stadium |
| Singapore Premier League | Pre-season |
| Singapore Cup | Group stage |
| AFC Champions League Two | Group stage |
| ASEAN Club Championship | League stage |
| Singapore Community Shield | TBD |
| Top goalscorer | League: 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
Pre-season and friendlies
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 July, the club announced the signing of Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Sušak on a 2 year deal.
Squad
Singapore Premier League
- As of 10 July 2025[9]
| Squad No. | Name | Nationality | Date of Birth (Age) | Previous Club | Contract Since | Contract End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | |||||||
| 1 | Izwan Mahbud | 14 July 1990 | Hougang United | 2022 | 2026 | ||
| 13 | Adib Azahari | 9 March 1998 | Young Lions | 2020 | 2026 | ||
| 28 | Zharfan Rohaizad | 21 February 1997 | Tanjong Pagar United | 2023 | 2026 | ||
| Ivan Sušak | 6 October 1997 | Slaven Belupo | 2025 | 2027 | |||
| Defenders | |||||||
| 4 | Toni Datković | 6 November 1993 | Albacete | 2024 | 2026 | ||
| 5 | Lionel Tan | 5 June 1997 | Hougang United | 2023 | 2025 | ||
| 11 | Hafiz Nor (3rd captain) | 22 August 1988 | Warriors | 2018 | 2026 | ||
| 19 | Zulqarnaen Suzliman | 29 March 1998 | Young Lions | 2020 | 2025 | ||
| 22 | Christopher van Huizen | 28 November 1992 | Tampines Rovers | 2023 | 2026 | ||
| 26 | Bailey Wright (vice-captain) | 28 July 1992 | Sunderland | 2023 | 2026 | ||
| 29 | Diogo Costa | 27 July 2003 | Famalicão | 2025 | 2030 | ||
| 30 | Akram Azman | 21 November 2000 | Tanjong Pagar United | 2025 | 2025 | ||
| Safuwan Baharudin | 22 September 1991 | Selangor | 2025 | 2026 | |||
| Midfielders | |||||||
| 8 | Rui Pires | 22 March 1998 | Paços de Ferreira | 2023 | 2026 | ||
| 10 | Bart Ramselaar | 29 June 1996 | Utrecht | 2024 | 2026 | ||
| 14 | Hariss Harun (captain) | 9 November 1990 | Johor Darul Ta'zim | 2021 | 2026 | ||
| 15 | Song Ui-young | 8 November 1993 | Persebaya Surabaya | 2024 | 2026 | ||
| 16 | Hami Syahin | 16 December 1998 | Young Lions | 2019 | 2025 | ||
| Forwards | |||||||
| 7 | Shawal Anuar | 29 April 1991 | Hougang United | 2023 | 2026 | ||
| 9 | Lennart Thy | 25 February 1992 | PEC Zwolle | 2024 | 2026 | ||
| 17 | Maxime Lestienne | 17 June 1992 | Standard Liège | 2022 | 2025 | ||
| 21 | Abdul Rasaq | 16 June 2001 | Young Lions | 2023 | 2026 | ||
| 80 | Nathan Mao | 26 March 2008 | Lion City Sailors U21 | 2022 | 2025 | ||
Remarks:
FP U21 These players are registered as U21 foreign players.
Transfers
In
| Date | Pos. | Player | From | Type | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 July 2025 | DF | Diogo Costa | Famalicão | Transfer | [10] |
| 10 July 2025 | GK | Ivan Sušak | Slaven Belupo | Transfer | [11] |
Out
| Date | Pos. | Player | To | Type | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 June 2025 | DF | Ali Al Rina | Al-Ittihad Ahli | Loan return | [12] |
| 8 June 2025 | DF | Sergio Carmona | Rayo Majadahonda | End of contract | [13] |
| 8 June 2025 | MF | Haiqal Pashia | End of contract | ||
| 10 June 2025 | MF | Obren Kljajić | End of contract | ||
| 10 June 2025 | MF | Anumanthan Kumar | Kanchanaburi Power | End of contract | [14] |
| 14 June 2025 | DF | Bill Mamadou | Nakhon Ratchasima | End of contract | [15] |
| 29 June 2025 | MF | Danish Qayyum | Albirex Niigata (S) | Transfer | [16] |
Loans in
| Date from | Date to | Pos. | Player | From | Type | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 July 2025 | 30 June 2026 | DF | Safuwan Baharudin | Selangor | Season loan | [17] |
Loans out
| Date from | Date to | Pos. | Player | To | Type | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 July 2025 | 30 June 2026 | GK | Zharfan Rohaizad | Hougang United | Season loan | [18] |
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 10 July 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 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | DF | Lionel Tan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | FW | Shawal Anuar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | MF | Rui Pires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | FW | Lennart Thy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | MF | Bart Ramselaar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 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 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 15 | MF | Song Ui-young | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 | MF | Hami Syahin | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 17 | FW | Maxime Lestienne | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 19 | DF | Zulqarnaen Suzliman | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 21 | FW | Abdul Rasaq | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 22 | DF | Christopher van Huizen | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 26 | DF | Bailey Wright | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 28 | GK | Zharfan Rohaizad | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 29 | DF | Diogo Costa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 | DF | Akram Azman | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 80 | FW | Nathan Mao | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DF | Safuwan Baharudin | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| GK | Ivan Sušak | 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 | August 2025 | May 2026 | Matchday 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | — |
| Singapore Cup | January 2026 | Group stage | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | — | |
| AFC Champions League Two | September 2025 | Group stage | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | — | |
| ASEAN Club Championship | September 2025 | Group stage | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | — | |
| Singapore Community Shield | 16 August 2025 | Final | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | — | |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0 | — | |||
Last updated: pre-season
Source: Soccerway
Singapore Premier League
League table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification or relegation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albirex Niigata (S) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Qualification for Champions League Two group stage |
| 2 | Balestier Khalsa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Qualification for Champions League Two play-off |
| 3 | BG Tampines Rovers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 4 | Geylang International | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 5 | Hougang United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 6 | Lion City Sailors | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 7 | Tanjong Pagar United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 8 | Young Lions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Ineligible for AFC competition spots[a] |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of wins
Notes:
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 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Last updated: August 2025.
Source: Soccerway
Singapore Cup
AFC Champions League Two
Group stage
ASEAN Club Championship
Group stage
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | BKU | JDT | NDI | LCS | PKR | PO2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangkok United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Advance to knockout stage | — | — | 17 Dec | 4 Dec | — | 5 Feb | |
| 2 | Johor Darul Ta'zim | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 Sep | — | — | 21 Aug | — | 29 Jan | ||
| 3 | Nam Định | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 5 Feb | — | 29 Jan | 25 Sep | — | ||
| 4 | Lion City Sailors | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 5 Feb | 25 Sep | ||
| 5 | PKR Svay Rieng | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 Jan | 4 Dec | — | — | — | — | ||
| 6 | Play-off winner 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 4 Dec | — | 21 Aug | — |
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
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 Community Shield | Lion City Sailors | – | BG Tampines Rovers | Jurong East |
| Stadium: Jurong East Stadium |
References
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Lion City Sailors and adidas to chart a new course". Lion City Sailors. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Newly installed FAS president Forrest Li wants to focus on youth". The Straits Times. 29 April 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Lion City Sailors Signed 3-Years Partnership with Adidas". SNE Sports. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "adidas partners Lion City Sailors to elevate football in Singapore". Marketing Interactive. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Lions stalwart Safuwan Baharudin returns to the Singapore Premier League after 14 years". The Straits Times. 6 July 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Players - Lion City Sailors". Lion City Sailors. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Lion City Sailors secure Diogo Costa on permanent five-year deal". Lion City Sailors. 8 June 2025. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "Sailors sign Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Sušak to boost 2025/2026 ambitions". Lion City Sailors. 10 June 2025. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
- ^ "Sailors bolster defence with loan signing of Syrian international Ali Alrina". Lion City Sailors. 10 February 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
- ^ "Sergio Carmona nuevo jugador del CF Rayo Majadahonda". CF Rayo Majadahonda (in Spanish). 9 July 2025. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
- ^ "พลังกาญจน์ เดินหน้าเสริมแกร่งสู้ศึกลีกสูงสุดหนแรก ดึงแนวรับสิงคโปร์ร่วมทีม". Khaosod (in Thai). 23 June 2025. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
- ^ "นครราชสีมา มาสด้าฯ คว้า กองหลังดีกรีทีมชาติสิงคโปร์ ยู-23". Ball Thai (in Thai). 14 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Danish Qayyum is coming to Albirex Niigata FC Singapore for 2025–26 season!". Albirex Niigata Singapore. 29 June 2025. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
- ^ "Lion City Sailors secure Safuwan Baharudin on loan for the 2025/26 season". Lion City Sailors. 6 July 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "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.