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Lion City Sailors FC

Association football club in Singapore

Lion City Sailors FC

Summary

Association football club in Singapore

FieldValue
clubnameLion City Sailors
imageLion City Sailors FC Emblem.png
upright0.9
fullnameLion City Sailors Football Club
nicknameThe Sailors
short nameLCS
foundedas Police SA
as Home United
as Lion City Sailors
groundBishan Stadium
Jalan Besar Stadium
capacity10,000
6,000
ownerSea Limited
chairmanForrest Li
mgrtitleHead coach
managerAleksandar Ranković
leagueSingapore Premier League
season2024–25
positionSingapore Premier League, 1st of 9 (champions)
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pattern_ra1_hajduk2425h
leftarm1FFFFFF
body1FFFFFF
rightarm1FFFFFF
shorts12E2EFE
socks1FFFFFF
pattern_la2_strasbourg2526h
pattern_b2_strasbourg2526h
pattern_ra2_strasbourg2526h
leftarm22E2EFE
body22E2EFE
rightarm22E2EFE
shorts2FFFFFF
socks22E2EFE
website
current2025–26 Lion City Sailors FC season

as * Home United* as Lion City Sailors Jalan Besar Stadium 6,000

Lion City Sailors Football Club, commonly referred to as the Sailors or LCS, is a Singaporean professional football club based in Bishan. It competes in the Singapore Premier League, the top tier of the Singapore football league system. Founded in 1945 as the Police Sports Association, the club renamed itself to Police FC in the inaugural 1996 S.League season, before rebranding once more as Home United in 1997. In 2020, it became first club in Singapore to be privatised under its current name.

It was the first privatised football club in the country. Owned by Forrest Li's Sea Limited, which is also a major local tech conglomerate, the club in its own vision aims to elevate the standards of football in Singapore and establish itself as an international powerhouse. The club has signed several high-profile local and foreign players, breaking the league's transfer record numerous times in the process, together with owning its own training facility at MacPherson, and focusing on youth development. They won 4 league titles, a record 9 Singapore Cups and 3 Community Shields in their history.

History

The Police Sports Association was founded in 1945 to organize football activities for the Singapore Police Force. It sent two teams to compete in the Singapore Amateur Football Association League in the 1950s and 1960s, but neither team won any trophies. Under coach Choo Seng Quee, the club won the inaugural President's Cup in 1968, then reached and lost the next two finals.

Home United (1997–2019)

When the S.League was formed in 1996, the club was known as the Police Football Club. The following year, its name was changed to Home United to reflect the fact that the team represented not only the Singapore Police Force, but also other HomeTeam departments of the Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Home United nickname was the "Protectors" and its mascot, a dragon.

In 1999, Dutch head coach Robert Alberts guided the club to secured their first ever piece of silverware guiding them to win the 1999 S.League title. Alberts also won the Singapore Cup back-to-back winning the 2000 and 2001 edition.

In 2003, English head coach Steve Darby guided Home United in becoming the first club to achieve the S.League and Singapore Cup double where he also steer the club to won the 2005 edition of the Singapore Cup. Under Korean manager tutelage, Lee Lim-saeng who is also the longest tenure as head coach in the club history, guided Home United to win both the 2011 Singapore Cup and the 2013 Singapore Cup in his 4 years at the club. In 2010, Home United hosted EFL Championship club Burnley as part of their pre-season trip to Singapore.

The club had qualified to the AFC Cup for the tenth time with their best result in the 2004 AFC Cup where they reached the semi-final losing to Syrian club, Al-Jaish 6–1 on aggregate. In the 2018 AFC Cup group stage, Home United was drawn with Philippines side Ceres–Negros, Cambodia side Boeung Ket Angkor and Myanmar side Shan United with a tally of 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 lost seeing the Protectors qualifying to the AFC Cup knockout stage as group winners. Home United would go on to face Indonesian club, Persija Jakarta winning the two legged tie in a 6–3 aggregate where they would advanced to the zonal finals facing Ceres–Negros and eventually won 3–1 on aggregate against the Philippines side. Home United then qualified to the inter-zone play-off semi-finals of the AFC Cup facing North Korea side, April 25 where during the second leg of the tie, Home United suffered their worst ever defeat in the club history losing 9–1 at the Kim Il Sung Stadium.

Lion City Sailors (2020–''present'')

On 14 February 2020, the club was privatised for the first time in its history. The club was officially renamed as Lion City Sailors and its signature red colour was replaced with white and blue. The new name, Sailors, was a homage to the country's maritime heritage. Lion City Sailors were led by Aurelio Vidmar, the former Socceroos captain, from 2020. He joined after a hugely successful stint with Adelaide United, reaching the 2008 AFC Champions League final. Vidmar made a couple of stud signings including Singaporean stars Hassan Sunny, Gabriel Quak and Shahdan Sulaiman, Japanese defender Kaishu Yamazaki, as well a prolific Australian striker, Andy Pengelly.

On 21 January 2021, the club created history by smashing the Singapore Premier League transfer record with the signing of midfielder Diego Lopes from Portuguese top-flight side Rio Ave for €1.8 million on a three-year deal.

Kim Do-hoon era

With the motivation to rejuvenate the glory days, On 18 May 2021 Kim Do-hoon who led Korea Republic's Ulsan Hyundai to victory in 2020 AFC Champions League joined the Sailors on a two-and-a-half-year deal. During his first season, Kim led the Sailors to win the 2021 Singapore Premier League and the 2022 Singapore Community Shield. They also went on to qualify for their first ever AFC Champions League tournament. On 18 April 2022, the Sailors defeated the K League 1 club Daegu FC 3–0 in the 2022 AFC Champions League, their first AFC Champions League win since rebranding. They bounced back from an opening 4–1 defeat by the J1 League club Urawa Red Diamonds, before picking up four points in a goalless draw and 3–2 win over the Chinese Super League's Shandong Taishan. Sailors maiden AFC Champions League campaign ended with narrow 2–1 to Daegu in the final group stage fixture. Their tally of seven points is the best showing by a Singaporean side at the AFC Champions League.

In the 2022 Singapore Premier League match against Tampines Rovers on 24 July 2022, as the Sailors was contesting in a draw nearing to the end of the match, around the 87th minute of the match, with the score levelled at 1–1, things became heated as Tampines forward Boris Kopitović confronted Sailors defender Nur Adam Abdullah near the sideline. Other players, as well as coaches and staff from both sides got involved in the tussle. Kim Do-hoon appeared to get involved in a heated argument with Tampines assistant Fahrudin Mustafić. Pedro Henrique went on to score a header in the injury time to secure the three points for the Sailors. The Football Association of Singapore handed a three-match ban with immediate effect, with Kim being fined $2,000 and Fahrudin $3,000, for their violent conduct. In addition, both Sailors and Tampines were fined $5,000. Less than 24 hours after Kim was handed a three-match suspension and fine for violent conduct, Lion City Sailors made the shocking announcement of a "mutual agreement" to part ways with the Korean coach.

On 12 August 2022, Luka Lalić was appointed as the interim coach till the end of the 2022 season. The following day, he guided Lion City Sailors to their biggest ever victory, 1–10 away against Young Lions.

Aleksandar Ranković era

On 28 June 2023, the Sailors recruited Aleksandar Ranković on a two years contract. In his first match in charge, Ranković guided the team to a 7–1 away win against Tanjong Pagar United in the 2023 Singapore Premier League. On 26 July 2023, they played exhibition match at the Singapore National Stadium against Tottenham Hotspur, in which Shawal Anuar scored first. However, they ultimately lost 1–5 following poor defensive errors in the second half.

The Sailors embarked on their 2023–24 campaign with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Bangkok United and Kitchee. The club hosted most of the AFC Champions League group stage games at the Jalan Besar Stadium as its matched the requirement standards. On 4 October 2023, Lion City Sailors recorded their first win against Hong Kong side Kitchee with goals scored by Richairo Živković and Maxime Lestienne for a 2–1 away victory at the Hong Kong Stadium.

On 8 November 2023, the Sailors defeated two-time AFC Champions League winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 2–0, with Živković scoring both goals. They then won the 2023 Singapore Cup over defending champions Hougang United on 9 December.

For the 2024–25 Singapore Premier League season, Sailors made additions to their squad. On 26 February 2024, they signed Bart Ramselaar from Utrecht, the second most expensive signing in the league's history for a reported fee of €1.5 million (SGD$2.2 million). Lion City Sailors also signed Toni Datković from Spanish Segunda División side Albacete. On 7 March 2024, the Sailors announced the return of Song Ui-young since he left the club in 2023. On 4 May 2024, they won their third Singapore Community Shield after beating Albirex Niigata (S) 2–0, with Shawal Anuar and Maxime Lestienne scoring to secure the win. The Sailors also competed in both the inaugural 2024–25 AFC Champions League Two and the revived 2024–25 ASEAN Club Championship tournament.

AFC Champions League Two runner-up and domestic double

With a losing streak in the ASEAN Club Championship, the Sailors turned their main focus on the inaugural AFC Champions League Two campaign, hosting Chinese club Zhejiang Professional in September. Club captain Hariss Harun broke the dreadlock in the 44th minute by scoring a volley from outside the box. In the 80th minute, Lestienne secured a 2–0 win with a skillful chip shot. In the next match against Indonesian side Persib Bandung at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on 24 October, both teams contested in a 1–1 draw after Maxime Lestienne delivered a cross towards Bailey Wright who scored a header to equalise for the Sailors. In the third fixture against Port at the Pathum Thani Stadium, Shawal Anuar scored a brace in the 14th and 17th minute. Later on, Song Ui-young scored to secure a 3–1 away win which put the Sailors at the top of the table. After two disappointing results which saw the opponents back from a two goal deficit, the Sailors needed to win in the final fixture to qualify for the knockout stage.

At home game against Port on 5 December, Song Ui-young scored a hat-trick which secured a 5–2 win, seeing Lion City Sailors qualifying to the round of 16 as group winners. During the round of 16 match against Muangthong United on 18 February 2025, Shawal Anuar set a record for the fastest goal in the competition history (18 seconds, beating the previous record of 26 seconds by Musa Barrow). The Sailors went on to grab a 3–2 win. In the reverse fixture on 20 February, the team went on to beat Muangthong United 4–0, which saw Lion City Sailors advance to the quarter-finals. In the quarter-final first leg against J1 League club Sanfreece Hiroshima, Lion City Sailors were heavily defeated 6–1 at the Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima. However, they were awarded a 3–0 win due to the Japanese side fielding an ineligible player. In the home fixture, Lennart Thy opened up the account for the hosts in the 20th minute, before Sanfrece scored in the 34th minute. The game ended up as a draw, with the aggregate score of 4–1 for Lion City Sailors. Therefore, against all odds, they qualified to the semi-finals, facing Australian club Sydney FC. Lion City Sailors managed to defeat Sydney FC with a 2–1 aggregate score, thus booking their spot in the 2025 AFC Champions League Two final, becoming the first football team from Singapore to reach the final of the continental competition. They lost the final to Emirati club Sharjah by 1–2. In the next match, Lion City Sailors won the league title in the season final fixture against Tampines Rovers, whereas against the same opponent in the 2024–25 Singapore Cup final, a goal from Bart Ramselaar sealed a domestic double.

Lion City Sailors started off the 2025–26 season signing a few notable players like Anderson Lopes, Ivan Sušak, Tsiy-William Ndenge and a local football favourite, Safuwan Baharuddin. The club also announced a permanent deal of Diogo Costa after a successful loan spell with the club on a five years contract. LCS then finished in third place in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two group stage tying with Thailand club Bangkok United with 10 points but bowed out from the cup due to head-to-head record. While in the Singapore Cup, Lion City Sailors was drawn in the semi-final where they would faced off against Balestier Khalsa in December 2025. Lion City Sailors went on to advanced to the final beating them 5–1 on aggregate which also see their star player Maxime Lestienne calling an end to his professional career retiring by playing in the 2nd leg of the semi-final match. Lion City Sailors would then bring in Luka Adžić and Kyoga Nakamura from Bangkok United in the January 2026 transfer window where the club would then face against league rivals, Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Cup final on 10 January 2026 where Hami Syahin and Anderson Lopes went on to scored in extra time sealing a 2–0 win ensuring that Lion City Sailors became the first local team in Singapore football history to win three Singapore Cups in a row. FAS awarded the Sailors a 3–0 score after Tampines Rovers FC failed to maintained at least four Singaporean players in the team during the match.

Team image

Crest and colours

The club’s identity reflects Singapore’s national and maritime heritage. The name “Lion City” is derived from Singapore’s nickname, while “Sailors” symbolises the nation’s history as a major port city and its connection to the sea. The club crest, introduced following the privatisation and rebranding in 2020, represents a modern and professional outlook, emphasising ambition, progress and a new era for the club. Its clean and contemporary design signifies a departure from its past identity as Home United and reflects the club’s long-term vision in Singapore football.

The club’s colours are predominantly white and blue. White is primarily used for the home kit and symbolises a fresh beginning and unity, while blue, commonly featured in the away kit and detailing, represents the sea, stability and professionalism, aligning with the club’s “Sailors” identity and maritime theme.

Supporters

The Crew

Formed following the club’s privatisation and rebranding in 2020, The Crew is an official supporters’ group of Lion City Sailors. The group is made up of dedicated local fans who support the club during the home and away matches. Members of The Crew are known for organising chants, displaying banners and wearing the club’s white and blue colours on match days. The group has contributed to creating a vibrant atmosphere at matches and plays a role in supporting the club both domestically and in continental competitions.

Stadium

[[Bishan Stadium]] has been the home ground for the club since 1998

Bishan Stadium serves as the main home ground of Lion City Sailors with a seating capacity of 10,000. It was the home base for the club (initially known as Home United) from its inception all the way to 2020. Following the conclusion of the 2020 Singapore Premier League season, the Bishan Stadium underwent returfing, causing the club to seek a temporary move to Jalan Besar Stadium. Lion City Sailors headed back to Bishan Stadium for the 2023 Singapore Premier League season, fitted with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. However, the Sailors host their 2023–24 AFC Champions League home matches at the Jalan Besar Stadium, as it matched the specific requirements of the tournament.

As Lion City Sailors become the flag bearer of Singaporean football to progress all the way until the 2025 AFC Champions League Two final, the club was given the honour to host the final of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) tournament in which the Singapore National Stadium was unavailable. Sharjah voiced their disapproval to play at Jalan Besar Stadium. AFC granted a provisional approval for Lion City Sailors to host the final at Bishan Stadium. They teamed up with Sport Singapore, FAS and key industry partners to get the stadium match-ready.

Academy development

In February 2013, the club opened and operated a football academy named 'Home United Youth Football Academy' which comprises ten futsal courts, two full-size football pitches, an events plaza, staff offices, meeting rooms and a Sports Performance Centre.

Mattar Training Centre

In June 2020, the launch of the new Lion City Sailors Football Academy was announced, along with further plans on youth development and its investments. It was given a One-Star rating by the Asian Football Confederation.

On 24 April 2021, Lion City Sailors announced the construction of a new training facility along Mattar Road that will be the home to the Sailors and as well as the club academy's scholars and trainees. The facility will, when completed, become Singapore's first fully integrated football training centre.

On 29 July 2022, Lion City Sailors officially opened its new S$10 million training centre boasting the finest facilities in the football ecosystem in Singapore. Spanning 28,000 square meters, the training centre features five football pitches, one hybrid 11-a-side pitch, one artificial turf 11-a-side pitch, and three 7-a-side pitches which caters to the needs of grassroots, youth and senior team players. Besides the football pitches, the centre will also feature a fully equipped gym, physiotherapy rooms, a video analytics room, team locker rooms, a recreation room, as well as study rooms for academy trainees.

On 4 June 2024, the academy was elevated to a Two-Star academy status by the AFC where they were particularly impressed by the high level of professionalism among the managerial staff, coupled with the concerted efforts towards aligning the youth academy’s goals with the first team's objectives. LFSFA are one of only four academies in Southeast Asia to be conferred a Two-Star academy status alongside Johor Darul Ta'zim Academy, NFDP Mokhtar Dahari Academy in Malaysia and Chonburi Academy in Thailand.

In 2024, Lion City Sailors notably had several of their academy players, such as Asis Ijilrali, Jonan Tan and Khairin Nadim signing contracts with Portuguese clubs like Estrela da Amadora and Vizela.

Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors

On 16 June 2025, Adidas has announced a three-year deal to become the official kit supplier for Lion City Sailors. The collaboration also included fan engagement initiatives and community programs.

PeriodKit manufacturerMain sponsor
1996–2005ITA DiadoraSIN Super Coffee
2006–2008USA Coca-Cola
2009–2014ITA Kappa
2015GER PumaSIN AVEC
2016No sponsors
2017–2019SIN Linco Investments
2020–2025SIN Sea Limited
2025–presentGER Adidas

Affiliated clubs

  • Feyenoord (2022–present)

In 2022, Lion City Sailors and 16-time Eredivisie champions, Feyenoord forged a 3-year partnership focused on youth development and education. The commitment will see a series of youth development programmes, coaching, educational and professional exchanges as well as football training camps in the Netherlands, with Sailors supporting Feyenoord's brand exposure in Singapore.

  • Công An Hà Nội (2025–present)

On 24 March 2025, Lion City Sailors and V. League 1 club Công An Hà Nội announce a collaboration to commemorate significant milestones in both Vietnam and Singapore in connection with the visit of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Hanoi. The highlight of this partnership where both team will play a friendly match in 2025 where further details regarding the match, including the venue and date, will be announced at a later stage, bringing together two of the region’s top clubs in a celebration of sports and friendship, further underscoring the deep and expanding ties between Singapore and Vietnam at all levels where it honours Singapore’s 60th year of independence and Vietnam’s 80th year of independence.

Former

  • GER Borussia Dortmund (2021–2023)

From 2021 until 2023, Lion City Sailors and eight-time Bundesliga champions, Borussia Dortmund had a partnership focused on youth development and knowledge sharing. The commitment saw a series of youth development programmes, coaching, educational and professional exchanges as well as football training camps in Germany. This partnership was intended to harness the growing commitment to build a strong infrastructure for Singapore's youth football development and overall support the growth in areas of sports science, sports medicine, analytics and talent scouting. Both club also played a friendly match at the Jalan Besar Stadium on 24 November 2022.

Players

First-team squad

Reserve League (SPL2) squad

U21 U21 U23 U21 U21 U21 U21 U21 U21 U21 U21 U21 U21 U21 U21

Out on loan

Management and staff

PositionName
ChairmanSIN Forrest Li
Technical directorLuka Lalić
Head coachSRB Aleksandar Ranković
Assistant coachITA Marko Perović
Assistant coachSRB Danilo Tesić
Goalkeeper coachSRB Srđan Maksimović
Head Video analystSPA Varo Moreno
Video analystSIN Daniel Lau
Head of PerformanceSIN He Qixiang
Conditioning CoachPOR Miguel Braganca
Head of rehabilitationNED Mike Kerklaan
PhysiologistNED Niels Van Sundert
PhysiologistPOR André Gonçalves Mendes
Medical LogisticsSIN Masrezal
Team managerHương Trần
Kit ManagerSIN Zulkifli Ibrahim

Honours

TypeCompetitionTitlesSeasons
LeagueSingapore Premier League41999, 2003, 2021, 2024–25
CupSingapore Cup92000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2013, 2023, 2024–25, 2025–26
Singapore Community Shield32019, 2022, 2024
Singapore FA Cup32013, 2015, 2016

Bold is for those competition that are currently active.

Awards

Singapore Premier League

  • Player of the Year

    • HUN Zsolt Bücs (1999)
    • BRA Peres de Oliveira (2003)
    • THA Surachai Jaturapattarapong (2004)
    • CMR Valery Hiek (2009)
    • SIN Shahril Ishak (2010)
    • KOR Lee Kwan-Woo (2013)
    • SIN Gabriel Quak (2020)
    • BEL Maxime Lestienne (2023)
  • Young Player of the Year

    • FRA Sirina Camara (2013)
    • SIN Hami Syahin (2019)
    • SIN Saifullah Akbar (2020)
    • SIN Nur Adam Abdullah (2021)
  • Coach of the Year

    • NED Robert Alberts (1999)
    • KOR Lee Lim-Saeng (2013)
    • SRB Aleksandar Ranković (2024–25)
  • Top Scorer

    • ENG Stuart Young (1998)
    • BRA Peres de Oliveira (2003)
    • SIN Egmar Gonçalves (2004)
    • GNB Frédéric Mendy (2012)
    • CRO Stipe Plazibat (2020)
    • BEL Maxime Lestienne (2023)
  • Goal of the Year

    • SIN Gabriel Quak against Balestier Khalsa (18 April 2021)
    • SIN Shawal Anuar against Tampines Rovers (29 September 2024)
  • Golden Glove

    • SIN Lionel Lewis (2011)
    • SIN Shahril Jantan (2013)
  • League Team of the Year

    • SIN Faris Ramli (2017)
    • SIN Irfan Fandi (2017)
    • CRO Stipe Plazibat (2017, 2020, 2021)
    • SIN Song Ui-young (2018, 2020)
    • SIN Hafiz Nor (2018)
    • SIN Shahril Ishak (2018)
    • SIN Tajeli Salamat (2020)
    • SIN Gabriel Quak (2020)
    • JPN Kaishu Yamazaki (2020)
    • BRA Jorge Fellipe (2021)
    • SIN Nur Adam Abdullah (2021)
    • SIN Shahdan Sulaiman (2021)
    • BRA Pedro Henrique (2022)
    • BRA Diego Lopes (2022, 2023)
    • BEL Maxime Lestienne (2022, 2023, 2024–25)
    • SIN Shawal Anuar (2023, 2024–25)
    • CRO Toni Datković (2024–25)
    • AUS Bailey Wright (2024–25)
    • NED Bart Ramselaar (2024–25)
    • GER Lennart Thy (2024–25)

Recognition Awards

  • Special Award – Sporting Excellence in Singapore Football

    • SIN Adam Swandi (2024–25)
  • Special Award – Outstanding Performance

Media Awards

  • Story of the Year
    • SIN Kenneth Tan (2023, 2024–25)

Others

  • People's Choice Award
    • Singapore Indra Sahdan Daud (2003)
    • CMR Kengne Ludovick (2008)

Player records

As of 19 January 2026.

RankPlayerYearsClub appearances
1SIN Juma'at Jantan2007–2011, 2013–2019307
2SIN Song Ui-young2011–2023, 2024–present289
3SIN Egmar Gonçalves1996–1998,255
4SIN Hafiz Nor2012, 2018–present207
5BRA Peres De Oliveira2001–2015,180
6SIN Hariss Harun2017, 2021–present165
7SIN Lionel Lewis2005–2012164
SIN Abdil Qaiyyim2011, 2015–2019
9FRA Sirina Camara2013–2018163
10SIN Rosman Sulaiman2004–2005, 2006–2012161
RankPlayerClub appearancesTotal goals
1SIN Egmar Gonçalves255202
2BRA Peres De Oliveira180107
3SIN Song Ui-young28992
4BEL Maxime Lestienne13170
5CRO Stipe Plazibat6460
6SIN Shahril Ishak15856
7SIN Shawal Anuar10449
8GNB Frédéric Mendy6547
9GER Lennart Thy6346
10CMR Ludovick Takam7145

Lion City Sailors centurions

As of the 21 December 2025

No.PlayerYearsAppearancesDate appointed
1SIN Hariss Harun2021–present1353 December 2024
2SIN Hafiz Nor2020–present13222 July 2024
3BEL Maxime Lestienne2021–present13111 February 2025
4SIN Song Ui-young2020–2022, 2024–present12025 April 2025
5SIN Hami Syahin2022–present10923 September 2025
6SIN Shawal Anuar2023–present10017 December 2025
  • Biggest win as Home United: 0–8 vs Geylang International (4 November 2001)
  • Biggest win as Lion City Sailors: 1–10 vs Young Lions (13 August 2022)
  • Heaviest defeats as Home United: 9–1 vs North Korea April 25 SC (28 August 2018)
  • Heaviest defeats as Lion City Sailors: 0–6 vs JPN Urawa Red Diamonds (27 April 2022)
  • Youngest Goal scorers: Irfan Fandi ~ 19 years 2 months 2 days old (On 15 October 2016 vs Balestier Khalsa)
  • Oldest Goal scorers: Shahril Ishak ~ 36 years 10 months 12 days old (On 5 December 2020 vs Balestier Khalsa)
  • Youngest ever debutant: Nathan Mao ~ 15 years and 5 days old (On 31 March 2023 vs Tampines Rovers)
  • Oldest ever player: Hassan Sunny ~ 38 years 6 months 05 days old (On 7 October 2022 vs Albirex Niigata (S))

Notable players

Eligibility:

  • Players who had previously represented the club before returning during the privatised era
  • Noted for their contributions in terms of appearances and club honours.
LocalYearsForeignersYears
Aqhari Abdullah2016–2021AUS Bailey Wright2023–present
Faris Ramli2021–2022BEL Maxime Lestienne2022–2025
Gabriel Quak2020–2022BRA Anderson Lopes2025–present
Hafiz Nor2012, 2018–presentBRA Diego Lopes2021–2023
Hariss Harun2017, 2021–presentBRA Jorge Fellipe2021
Hassan Sunny2017, 2020–2022BRA Pedro Henrique2022–2023
Izwan Mahbud2022–presentCRO Stipe Plazibat2017, 2020–2021
Shahdan Sulaiman2009–2010, 2020–2022CRO Toni Datković2024–present
Shahril Ishak2007–2010, 2018–2021GER Lennart Thy2024–present
Shawal Anuar2023–presentGER Tsiy-William Ndenge2025–present
Song Ui-young2011–2023, 2024–presentJPN Kaishu Yamazaki2021–2023
KOR Kim Shin-wook2022
NED Bart Ramselaar2024–present
POR Rui Pires2023–present
POR Diogo Costa2025–present

International capped players

Club captains

YearCaptain
1996–1998SIN TBC
1999–2007SIN S. Subramani
2008–2010BRA Peres De Oliveira
2011–2012SIN Shi Jiayi
2013–2014SIN Noh Rahman
2015–2016SIN Juma'at Jantan
2017SIN Hassan Sunny
2018–2020SIN Izzdin Shafiq
2021SIN Hassan Sunny
2022–presentSGP Hariss Harun

Statistics and records

Performance by coach

The following table provides a summary of the coach appointed by the club. :Statistics correct as of 1 June 2025

CoachSeasonAchievements
BRA Carlos Roberto Pereira1 January 1996 – 5 June 1997
SIN Ibrahim Awang6 June 1997 – 14 August 1998
NED Robert Alberts15 August 1998 – 31 December 20011999 S.League
ENG Jason Withe1 January 2002 – 7 August 2002
SIN Yakob Hashim8 August 2002 – 31 August 2002
ENG Steve Darby1 September 2002 – 7 November 20052003 S.League
HUN Zsolt Bűcs13 January 2006 – 30 August 2006
SIN Vincent Subramaniam1 September 2006 – 31 December 2007
SIN P. N. Sivaji1 January 2008 – 31 December 2009
KOR Lee Lim-saeng1 January 2010 – 5 December 20142011 Singapore Cup
SIN Philippe Aw1 January 2015 – 30 July 2016
SIN Aidil Sharin Sahak4 August 2016 – 7 October 2018
SIN Saswadimata Dasuki3 December 2018 – 19 April 2019– 2019 Singapore Community Shield
SIN Noh Rahman (interim)19 April 2019 – 1 July 2019
SRB Radojko Avramović2 July 2019 – 18 August 2019
SIN Noh Rahman (interim)18 August 2019 – 18 December 2019
AUS Aurelio Vidmar18 December 2019 – 29 April 2021
SIN Robin Chitrakar (interim)30 April 2021 – 22 May 2021
KOR Kim Do-hoon18 May 2021 – 11 August 20222021 Singapore Premier League
SRB Luka Lalić (interim)12 August 2022 – 31 December 2022
BIH Risto Vidaković1 January 2022 – 18 June 2023
NED Daan van Oudheusden (interim)19 June 2023
SRB Aleksandar Ranković30 June 2023 – present2023 Singapore Cup
– 2024 Singapore Community Shield
2024-25 Singapore Premier League
2024-25 Singapore Cup
2024-25 AFC Champions League Two runners-up

Performance by competition

League

The following table provides a summary of the result by season. :Statistics correct as of 1 June 2025

YearPldWDLWin %AchievementsTotal
1996
1997
19983rd (cup)
19991st (league)
3rd (cup)
2000Winners (cup)
20013rd (league)
1st (cup)
20022nd (league)
20031st (league)
20042nd (league)
2nd (cup)
20051st (cup)
2006
20072nd (league)
20083rd (league)
2nd (Community Shield)
20093rd (League Cup)
20103rd (league)
20112nd (league)
1st (cup)
20122nd (Community Shield)
20132nd (league)
1st (cup)
20142nd (cup)
2nd (Community Shield)
20152nd (cup)
20163rd (League Cup)
20173rd (league)
3rd (cup)
20182nd (league)
3rd (cup)
20191st (Community Shield)
20203rd (league)
20211st (league)
20222nd (league)
1st (Community Shield)
20232nd (league)
2024–251st (league)
1st (Community Shield)
1st (cup)
2nd (Champions League Two)

AFC competitions

The following table provides a summary of the result by season. :Statistics correct as of 1 June 2025

YearPldWDLWin %TournamentsTotal
2004AFC Cup
2005AFC Cup
2006AFC Cup
2008AFC Cup
2009AFC Cup
2012AFC Cup
2014AFC Cup
2017AFC Cup
2018AFC Cup
2019AFC Champions League qualifier
AFC Cup
2022AFC Champions League
2023–2024AFC Champions League
2024–2025AFC Champions League Two

Performance in AFC competitions

Performance in AFF competitions

  • ASEAN Club Championship :: 2024–25: Group stage

Continental record

SeasonCompetitionRoundClubHomeAwayAggregate
2004AFC CupGroup DHKG Happy Valley5–10–21st out of 4
MDV Valencia VC5–03–0
MAS Perak FA2–22–2
Quarter-finalsLBN Olympic Beirut2–13–35–4
Semi-finalsSYR Al-Jaish1–10–41–5
2005AFC CupGroup EMAS Pahang FA2–13–31st out of 4
HKG Happy Valley5–01–0
MDV New Radiant2–00–1
Quarter-finalsLBN Al-Nejmeh Beirut0–32–32–6
2006AFC CupGroup EMAS Perlis FA2–30–13rd out of 4
HKG Xiangxue Sun Hei0–21–0
MDV New Radiant2–03–5
2008AFC CupGroup DHKG South China4–13–21st out of 4
MAS Kedah5–11–4
MDV Victory2–13–1
Quarter-finalsIND Dempo3–41–14–5
2009AFC CupGroup HVIE Bình Dương2–10–22nd out of 4
THA PEA3–11–2
MDV Club Valencia5–11–0
Round of 16HKG South China0–4
2012AFC CupGroup GHKG Citizen3–12–12nd out of 4
THA Chonburi1–20–1
MYA Yangon United3–10–0
Round of 16SYR Al-Shorta0–3
2014AFC CupGroup EMDV New Radiant2–00–13rd out of 4
IDN Persipura Jayapura1–12–0
IND Churchill Brothers2–11–3
2017AFC CupGroup HMYA Yadanarbon4–10–11st out of 3
VIE Than Quảng Ninh3–25–4
Zonal semi-finalsPHI Global Cebu3–22–25–4
Zonal finalsPHI Ceres Negros2–10–22–3
2018AFC CupGroup FMYA Shan United3–21–01st out of 4
PHI United City1–12–0
CAM Boeung Ket6–02–3
Zonal semi-finalsIDN Persija Jakarta3–23–16–3
Zonal finalsPHI Ceres Negros2–01–13–1
Inter-zone play-off semi-finalsPRK April 250–21–91–11
2019AFC Champions LeaguePreliminary round 1IDN Persija Jakarta1–3
AFC CupGroup HIDN PSM Makassar1–12–32nd out of 4
PHI Kaya–Iloilo2–00–5
LAO Lao Toyota1–03–2
2022AFC Champions League2022 AFC Champions LeagueJPN Urawa Red Diamonds1–40–63rd out of 4
KOR Daegu FC1–23–0
CHN Shandong Taishan3–20–0
2023–24AFC Champions LeagueGroup FTHA Bangkok United1–20–13rd out of 4
HKG Kitchee0–22–1
KOR Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors2–00–3
2024–25AFC Champions League TwoGroup FCHN Zhejiang2–02–41st out of 4
IDN Persib Bandung2–31–1
THA Port5–23–1
Round of 16THA Muangthong United4–03–27–2
Quarter-finalsJPN Sanfrecce Hiroshima1–13–0{{refngroup="note"name="germain"Lion City Sailors were awarded a 0–3 victory by forfeit, after Sanfrecce Hiroshima fielded an ineligible player. The score on the field was a 6–1 win by Sanfrecce Hiroshima.{{Cite weblast=Tanfirst=Gabrieldate=2025-03-08title=Lion City Sailors handed AFC Champions League Two lifeline over Sanfrecce Hiroshima fielding suspended playeraccess-date=2025-03-08website=ESPN Singaporelanguage=en}}}}4–1
Semi-finalsAUS Sydney FC2–00–12–1
FinalUAE Sharjah1–2
ASEAN Club ChampionshipGroup BIDN Borneo0–35th out of 6
VIE Cong An Hanoi0–5
MAS Kuala Lumpur City2–0
THA Buriram United0–0
PHI Kaya–Iloilo0–2
2025–26AFC Champions League TwoGroup GIDN Persib3–21–13rd out of 4
MAS Selangor4–11–0
THA Bangkok United1–20–1
ASEAN Club ChampionshipGroup BMAS Johor Darul Ta'zim1–3
THA Bangkok United2–2
MYA Shan United3–2
VIE Nam Định0–3
CAM Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng

Notes

References

References

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  2. "Darby fears for S'pore football".
  3. ((The Idle Editor)). (2010-08-09). "Home United V Burnley FC in Singapore 2010".
  4. "Football: Singapore tech firm Sea takes ownership of Home United; club changes name to Lion City Sailors FC".
  5. "Inside Lion City Sailors - The making of Singapore's first superclub".
  6. Narendaren Karnageran. (21 January 2021). "Lion City Sailors sign Rio Ave's Lopes in landmark S$2.9m transfer". [[The New Paper]].
  7. (30 April 2022). "Football: Sailors' maiden Asian Champions League campaign ends after 2-1 loss to Daegu".
  8. "Lion City Sailors FC on Facebook".
  9. "Lion City Sailors awarded win in AFC Champions League 2 game after Japan's Sanfrecce fielded ineligible player".
  10. (2025-03-08). "Lion City Sailors awarded 3-0 first-leg quarter-final win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Asian Champions League 2". The Straits Times.
  11. (2025-04-16). "Lion City Sailors reach historic Asian Champions League Two final despite 1-0 defeat by Sydney FC". The Straits Times.
  12. "Singapore's Lion City Sailors beat Australia's Sydney FC, progress to AFC Champions League Two final".
  13. (2025-07-17). "Lion City Sailors score coup with two-time J1 League top scorer Anderson Lopes". The Straits Times.
  14. Kwek, Kimberly. (2025-08-17). "BG Tampines Rovers win Community Shield after beating Lion City Sailors 4-1". [[The Straits Times]].
  15. (2025-07-17). "Lion City Sailors score coup with two-time J1 League top scorer Anderson Lopes". The Straits Times.
  16. Ong, Jeremiah. (2025-12-21). "Lion City Sailors’ Maxime Lestienne says goodbye with cheeky missed Panenka". [[The Straits Times]].
  17. (2026-01-11). "Lion City Sailors win third Singapore Cup in final marred by BG Tampines Rovers gaffe". The Straits Times.
  18. Mohan, Matthew. (15 January 2026). "BG Tampines Rovers penalised with 3-0 forfeit loss after fielding too few local players in Singapore Cup final".
  19. (2025-05-05). "Bishan Stadium’s capacity to be expanded to 10,000 for Lion City Sailors’ Asian Champs League 2 final". The Straits Times.
  20. (2025-04-23). "'Provisional approval': The upgrades Bishan could need for Sailors to host ACL Two final".
  21. Osman, Shamir. (2016-06-10). "Residents launch petition over Home United Youth Academy noise".
  22. (2017-01-16). "In need of a sound compromise".
  23. Auto, Hermes. (2020-06-10). "Football: Lion City Sailors commit $1 million into revamped youth academy {{!}} The Straits Times".
  24. Kwek, Kimberly. (2020-09-24). "Football: Lion City Sailors' academy first in Singapore to receive One-Star rating from Asian confederation". The Straits Times.
  25. (16 September 2020). "Football: Lion City Sailors to build $10 million training centre by 2022".
  26. Auto, Hermes. (2022-07-28). "Football: Lion City Sailors launch $10m training centre as part of 'commitment to revitalise local football' {{!}} The Straits Times".
  27. "Lion City Sailors Football Academy elevated to two-star AFC Elite Youth Scheme member".
  28. (2025-06-16). "adidas partners Lion City Sailors to elevate football in Singapore".
  29. Sailors, Lion City. (2025-06-16). "Lion City Sailors and adidas to chart a new course".
  30. Sazali Abdul Aziz. (15 Feb 2022). "Football: Lion City Sailors sign three-year youth development deal with Feyenoord". [[The Straits Times]].
  31. Sailors, Lion City. (2025-03-24). "Lion City Sailors and Công An Hà Nội FC announce historic partnership to commemorate Vietnam-Singapore relations".
  32. (2025-03-24). "Lion City Sailors FC, Cong An Ha Noi FC announce historic partnership to honor Vietnam-Singapore relations". Tuoi Tre News.
  33. (18 Jul 2021). "Borussia Dortmund sign partnership with Singapore club Lion City Sailors". [[Bundesliga]].
  34. (17 Jul 2021). "Lion City Sailors and Borussia Dortmund sign partnership focused on youth development and knowledge sharing". [[Lion City Sailors]].
  35. "Players - Lion City Sailors". Lion City Sailors.
  36. (2025-03-08). "List of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee decision 8 March 2025".
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