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Geylang International FC
Geylang International FC
from Wikipedia

Geylang International Football Club is a professional football club based in Bedok, Singapore, that competes in Singapore Premier League, the top division of football in Singapore. The club was founded in 1973 and played their first season in 1974, winning the FAS Division Three League which earned them a spot in National Football League Division One the following year. They enjoyed their greatest successes in the 1980s and 90s, winning six consecutive FAS Premier League titles.

Key Information

Geylang International has won 2 league titles and 1 Singapore Cup since the inception of a professional league in 1996. Their greatest season was in 1996, when they became the first team to win both the league title and the FA Cup. They also reached the 1997 Singapore FA Cup final, 2001 and 2003 Singapore Cup finals, and the 2012 Singapore League Cup final, finishing as runners-up.

Geylang International has a traditional rivalry with closest neighbour Tampines Rovers. Matches between these two are referred to as the "Eastern Derby" which is known to be one of the best rivalries in Singapore football.

History

[edit]

Beginnings and breakthrough (1973–1995)

[edit]

Formally founded by Colin Ng in 1973 during a dinner gathering with Arshad Khamis, Gulam Mohamed and Omar Ashiblie, Ng planned to build one of the successful club in Singapore. They were soon known as International Contract Specialists Football Club (ICS) and played its first friendly match against Rollel, a Singapore Business Houses Football League (SBHFL) Division One league club on 15 November 1973 with a 2–0 win.[1][2] They made their season debut in 1974, walking away with 2 titles – FAS Division Three League & President's Cup with no losses. This was not too difficult for them as they had several star players and well-known footballers among their ranks. With the likes of Arshad Khamis, Dollah Kassim, Gulam Mohamed, Samad Allapitchay, Kamal Mohd Nor and Robert Sim, they had a formidable side that receives the respect from oppositions. The team coached by The Yap Brothers, Sebastian and Andrew were no stranger to Football Association of Singapore.

Name changed

[edit]

For the new season, in line with the Football Association of Singapore plans to streamline footballs and have teams on geographical consideration for the Division One League, ICS changed its name to Geylang International as their home ground was based at Geylang Field, Lorong 12. In 1975, they entered the National Football League Division One and won it before adding another title in 1976. Their back to back victory was made sweeter by winning the 1976 President's Cup.[3]

A relegation in 1981 prompted the arrival of a new management committee that guided the club back to the top division in 1983. In 1984, club president Kasim Chik financed the club and businessman Patrick Ang, who joined in 1986, managed to secure sponsors for them. Despite being relegated that year, they returned to Division 1 of the National Football League the following season and the golden era began. In 1988, the FAS started a semi-professional league competition called the FAS Premier League as the top tier of the Singapore football league structure. they dominated all eight years of the league, winning six consecutive titles from 1988 to 1993 before finishing third in 1994 and second in 1995. Every game would see their home ground packed to the brim as fans clamoured to catch a game of the Eagles’ skilful players. Subsequently, due to the huge fan following which numbered in the thousands, all their games had to be played either in Jalan Besar Stadium or National Stadium. The success behind winning the FAS Premier League was also aided by the players they had. Notably players such as Malek Awab, Razali Saad, Dollah Kassim, Samad Allapitchay and Robert Sim all contributed to the success of the team. These were players who would also go on to represent the country. It might not be known widely by many but they even managed to attract one of the biggest European stars of that era to turn up in their club's colours. French forward and legend, Michel Platini visited Singapore to attend a football clinic conducted by them and played half a game for the Eagles to highlight the club's attraction.[citation needed]

Progressive and golden era (1996–2012)

[edit]

As Geylang United Football Club, they were one of the eight teams in the inaugural season of the S.League in 1996. They won the first stage (the Tiger Beer Series) of the league season and finished fifth in the second stage (the Pioneer Series). They won the league after defeating SAFFC (the Pioneer Series champions) 2–1 in the Championship Play-off.[4] They completed the season with another trophy, beating the same team on penalties in the Singapore FA Cup. As the team was full of international stars, led by 1998 Iranian World Cup head coach Jalal Talebi, players such as Fandi Ahmad, Kadir Yahaya, David Lee, Hamid Reza Estili, Mohammad Khakpour, and Chris Riley, Vincent Subramaniam (Head Coach for SAFFC) identified them as the Manchester United of Singapore. As league champions, they qualified for the 1997–98 Asian Club Championship but were eliminated after losing 8–2 on aggregate by Japanese side Kashima Antlers in the first round.[citation needed]

The 1997 season was a disappointing season for them. They failed to defend the S.League title, finishing fifth. The Eagles also failed to defend the FA Cup, after losing to SAFFC in the finals. They did not win any silverware till 2001, when they won their second league title by a close margin. Both forwards, Aleksandar Đurić and Brian Bothwell scored 57 goals for the team. It was the best performing S.League season for the team; scoring 84 goals and conceding 28 goals. Just days after winning the league title, they suffered their worst defeat in history; losing 8–0 to Home United in the Singapore Cup finals. As league champions, they were guaranteed a slot in the qualifying round of the 2002–03 AFC Champions League but were eliminated after losing to Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua 5–1 on aggregate in the second round.[citation needed]

The 2002 season saw Geylang United finish third in both the S.League and Singapore Cup. They came close to winning their third S.League title and first Singapore Cup in 2003, only to finish runners-up to Home United for both competitions. As runners-up, they qualified to play in the AFC Cup 2004 due to Home United's double. Their debut in the AFC Cup 2004 was an impressive one. Despite losing their opening match, they managed to stay unbeaten for their next five games in the group stage. They went on to qualify for the quarter-finals, beating Malaysian club Perak FA before losing to Syrian side Al-Wahda in the semi-final.[citation needed]

Geylang United won their first Singapore Cup in 2009, beating Thailand side Bangkok Glass 1–0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.[5] The win ensured them a place in the 2010 AFC Cup where they were placed in Group H alongside Vietnam SHB Da Nang, Thailand club Port and Hong Kong side Tai Po. However, they failed to qualify for the knockout stages, finishing 3rd in the group stages with four draws and two losses.[citation needed]

Weeks before the start of the 2012 season, Patrick Ang announced his retirement as club chairman. Ang, who had been with the club since 1986, moved up the ranks at the club as manager; vice-president; president and eventually chairman.[6] He was given the nickname "Geylang's Godfather" after helping the club to gain main and co-sponsors.[7] Former Singapore international, Leong Kok Fann took over the position. Mike Wong stepped down as coach after their 7–1 thrashing by Home United kept the club at the bottom of the league without a point.[8] Under-21 coach, Vedhamuthu Kanan, swopped roles with Wong.[9] Under the guidance of Kanan, the Eagles made it into the League Cup finals; only to lose in the final to Brunei DPMM.[10][11] In the league itself, Kanan gave the U21 players the chance to be in the first team. It turned out to be a positive effort as some of these players who were given the chance to play in the S.League matches performed better than some of the first team players. They ended the season second from bottom in the nine-team table.[citation needed]

Decline in performances (2013–2016)

[edit]

Renamed as Geylang International

[edit]

On 4 January 2013, the club announced in a pre-season press conference that it would change its club logo and name back to Geylang International Football Club.[12][13][14] The club has set on a vision statement, playing philosophy and values like discipline and commitment to a six-week training routine planned for the players to follow meanwhile on the community outreach side, there will be a new partnership with Singapore Management University [SMU] Mentorship Programme which includes opportunities to interact with the club players. A vision statement, playing philosophy and values like discipline and commitment have also been clearly set out, and a six-week training routine planned for the players to follow. They started off the season playing against Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta'zim, ATM FA and Selangor losing 1–0, 2–1 and drawing 0–0 respectively. The Eagles than sign three Japanese trios, Takuma Ito, Norihiro Kawakami and Shotaro Ihata however the squad saw plenty of long-term injury crisis, forcing their then-assistant coach, former Singapore international,Mohd Noor Ali to come out of retirement.[15] They finished the season in 9th place. On 19 August 2013, they face Hong Kong club, Sun Source winning the match 5–0 at the Bedok Stadium.

The 2014 season was something to look out for as Vedhamuthu Kanan flew to Argentina during the pre-season to look for new foreign players. It was later announced that Leonel Felice, Franco Chivilo and Joaquin Lopez had signed a 1-year contract.[16] In addition, Nazareno Velez joined in as assistant coach.[17] The Eagles started off their 2014 pre season friendlies participating in the IFA Shield 2014 in India playing against Kingfisher East Bengal, United Sports Club and Korean Sun Moon University at the Salt Lake Stadium. However, the season did not start well as one of the Argentinian players failed to get their employment pass before the season kicked off.[18] V. Kanan eventually got demoted back to coaching the U-21 team after 3 straight losses. German Jörg Steinebrunner was than appointed as the new head coach 24 hours before their next match.[19] Despite their poor league performance, Steinebrunner almost led the team to the finals of League Cup and Singapore Cup; only to lose both domestic competitions on penalty shoot-outs. The team ended the 2014 season in eighth place.

In 2015, Steinebrunner took this opportunity to get his own players ahead of the new season. The Eagles participated in the 2015 Kata Group Hotel Challenge Cup tournament in Thailand facing Phuket winning 1–3 in the 1st leg and 2–1 in the 2nd leg. They then fly off to Indonesia to face Semen Padang and Felda United of Malaysia in a friendly match. The Eagles was inconsistent throughout the season, failing to win most of their matches. After their defeat in the semi-finals of the League Cup, they failed to collect any points for six consecutive games, remaining rooted to the bottom of the table for months. An unbeaten run in their last five matches with 3 wins and 2 draws allowed them to finish one place off the bottom.

New club chairman

[edit]

Weeks after the 2015 S.League season ended, it was announced that Ben Teng would replace Leong Kok Fann as club chairman.[20][21] Ben Teng and his new management committee (comprising mainly Singaporeans who have worked in Dubai/Abu Dhabi previously) set about to revamp the club by recruiting young players from the disbanded LionsXII and Courts Young Lions, anchored by seasoned players such as Daniel Bennett and Indra Sahdan. Four players, Hairul Syirhan, Yuki Ichikawa, Nor Azli Yusoff and Shawal Anuar from the 2015 season were retained. In line with the club's philosophy of promoting young players from within, four Prime League players were promoted to the senior team (one was subsequently released to Young Lions at the request of FAS). The new 2016 squad also featured returning former Geylang Prime League players such as Stanely Ng, Amy Recha and Taufiq Ghani. Former Singapore international and championship winner with the 2001 Geylang team, Hasrin Jailani, was appointed as head coach. His teammate from the 2001 winning team, Mohd Noor Ali, was appointed as assistant head coach and Prime League coach. In its first S-League away match of the 2016 season against title favourites Tampines Rovers, the Eagles recovered from an early 2–0 lead by the hosts to lead 2–3 before an 86th-minute equaliser by the hosts.[22] Geylang International finished 5th out of the 9 teams competing in the 2016 S league.

Mohd Noor Ali era (2017–present)

[edit]

In June 2017, Mohd Noor Ali took over as head coach of Geylang International, managing the team he had won the 2001 S league with as a player. The Eagles played their pre season friendlies against Malaysian club, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Melaka United and Petaling Jaya Rangers before returning home to face Philippines club, Ceres–Negros and Australian club, Rydalmere Lions winning 3–1 in the process at the Bedok Stadium. The Eagles improved on their previous position and attained 4th position in the 2017 S league. It was Geylang International's first top four finish in 14 years [23]

In 2018, Mohd Noor Ali went to abroad for a 1-year coaching stint with Japanese club Matsumoto Yamaga (as part of Geylang International's collaboration with their sponsor Epson). Noor Ali's venture abroad meant Hirotaka Usui took charge of The Eagles for the inaugural 2018 Singapore Premier League. Geylang International finished a disappointing 8th position that season.

In 2019, Mohd Noor Ali returned to Geylang International after guiding Yamaga's “B” team to a league title.[23] The Eagles welcomed new players like former Dutch U-20 Barry Maguire, and retained a strong youthful core in Darren Teh and Zikos Chua, and Azril Suhaili.[24] Zikos Chua scored vital late goals during the season, as the resilient Eagles finished a commendable 5th place in the 2019 Singapore Premier League. The Eagles Ultras watched and cheered on the team to 10 wins out of 24 matches. That season, The Eagles also knocked out defending champions Albirex Niigata (S)[25] en route to finishing 3rd in the 2019 Singapore Cup. The Eagles beat the 2019 Singapore Premier League champions, Brunei DPMM, in the 3rd/4th placing match 12–11 on penalties, after the match ended 2–2.

In 2022, the season will be remembered for Geylang's resilience to finish the season strong, after a slow start. After beating title favourites Lion City Sailors 1–0 in their opening game, Geylang went on an 11-game winless run despite putting in commendable performances. The newly revamped Geylang squad for 2022, consisting of a new group of foreign players - Vincent Bezecourt, Šime Žužul, Rio Sakuma, Takahiro Tezuka had to find a way to get back to winning ways. When Round 2 and 3 of the 2022 Singapore Premier League came around, Geylang International picked up form, picking up 5 wins in 6 games. By beating the Lion City Sailors 3–1 in the final round of matches (Round 4), and ending the season with a 1–1 draw with eventual champions Albirex Niigata (S), Geylang International finished the season 4th,[26] matching their 4th-place finish in 2020. As a result, the Eagles secured the second and final AFC Cup berth.[26]

Collaboration with City Football Group

[edit]

In February 2023, Geylang International and City Football Group (CFG) formalised a collaboration agreement to further develop the Eagles, making it the first South-east Asian team to be associated with CFG, which owns Manchester City F.C.. Geylang club adviser Ben Teng, who was also the club's chairman from 2015 to 2020, played a key role in securing the deal. The partnership has already reaped benefits as CFG's Football Operations department helped Geylang to bring in striker Yushi Yamaya for the 2023 season, a former academy player of Yokohama F. Marinos, J-League champions and part of the CFG family.[27][28]

Geylang International started off the 2023 season in a Malaysia tour competing in the Harapan Cup in which they lost 4–0 to Penang and 1–2 to Kedah Darul Aman. The Eagles have a great record against their rivals, Tampines Rovers getting 2 wins and 1 draw in the league match.

Striving under star studded striker

[edit]

In preparation for the inaugural two years league cycle 2024–25 season, Geylang International turned their attention towards Japanese national signing Keito Hariya, Ryoya Taniguchi, 2021 Singapore Premier League 'Player of the Year' winner, Tomoyuki Doi and also loaning in youngster, Sora Tanaka from partnership club, Matsumoto Yamaga. The Eagles also retained Japanese duo, Rio Sakuma and Takahiro Tezuka while Vincent Bezecourt remained the only European foreign in the club. Geylang International started off their season with a brilliant display getting 10 points with 2 wins, 4 draws and 0 lost in their first six matches where the club also ended Lion City Sailors winning streak making them drop points in their first four matches. The club also went on to beat Albirex Niigata (S) in a 6–0 thrashing win on 6 July 2024 where Tomoyuki Doi went on to scored 3 hat-tricks in 7 league matches. On 7 March 2025, Tomuyuki Doi went on to scored his 39 league goal surpassing the all-time league records goalscorer of 38 goals set by Mirko Grabovac in 2001.[29]

With the club Japanese players like Tomuyuki Doi, Rio Sakuma and Takahiro Tezuka leaving the club. Geylang International then shift their attention on finding Japanese players to replace the outgoing player, the club sign Riku Fukashiro, Kaisei Ogawa, Shodai Yokoyama and Shuhei Hoshino ahead of the 2025–26 season. Geylang International also signed Hougang United captain Nazrul Nazari and Serbian Nikola Ignjatovic for the new season.

Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors

[edit]
Period Kit Main Sponsor
1996 Italy Diadora Japan Hitachi
1997 United States Hewlett-Packard
1998 Singapore Akira
1999–2002 United States Nike Singapore Ponggol Marina
2003 No sponsors
2004–2006 Singapore Pan Singapore Akira
2007–2008 Italy Diadora Singapore Five Stars Tours
2009 Italy Lotto
2010–2013 No sponsors
2014 Singapore Rotary Engineering
2015 Singapore Dreamatron No sponsors
2016 Singapore THORB Japan Epson
2017–2022 Thailand FBT
2023 Australia Rolos[30]
2024–present Singapore Vector Green

Affiliated clubs

[edit]

On 23 November 2016, Geylang International and Matsumoto Yamaga signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a press event which was held earlier today at the Marina Bay Floating Platform. This MOU will enable both clubs to establish a platform to exchange expertise and knowledge with the objective of promoting cohesion and development of football between the two clubs. The MOU spells out possible areas of collaboration such as the exchange of players and technical staff for training attachments and loans. Geylang will be looking to select promising players from its Active SG-GIFC Soccer Academy and junior teams to send on short training stints with Matsumoto Yamaga while the Japanese club is also looking into the possibility of sending players from their junior team to Singapore for a pre-season training stints. Amongst the key initiatives of the partnership with Matsumoto Yamaga is the exchange programmes for head coach, Mohd Noor Ali, who had a one-year attachment with the Japanese side in 2018, where he guided their B team to the Japan FA's Under-18 Football League Nagano prefecture title while on 17 August 2018, Anders Aplin become the first Singaporean football player to sign for a J.League team signing on loan until the end of the 2018 J2 League season in November.

On 30 October 2022, both club reaffirmed their close and long-standing relationship as the club officials went to Japan to explore future collaborations going into the seventh year of partnership since 2016. Geylang International has a memorandum of understanding with J.League outfits, Matsumoto Yamaga that was signed in 2016, while Epson's relationship with the club also dates back to the same year when it became the club's platinum sponsor. In the last seven years, Epson has enjoyed premium hospitality access to the club's home matches and has also supported the local football community and youths with the staging of the Epson Youth Cup.[31]

Geylang International and V.League, Ho Chi Minh City has higned a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aims to further the growth of football through the open sharing of technical expertise and knowledge between both clubs. Under this MOU, cooperative efforts between both clubs will be boosted in four key sectors; training, attachments, player transfers, and fan club support. It will also allow the two clubs to send their youth and senior squad to train or participate in short-term tournaments within each other's regions. The agreement will also ensure the priority of players’ transfer for both clubs as well as facilitate the exchange of players and technical staff for training attachments. Additionally, both parties will strive to increase each other's club profile in their own regions and encourage cultural exchanges and interactions between their fan clubs. This includes providing support, privileges, and on-site concierge services for official club tours, visits, or match attendances requested by each other's fan clubs through their respective clubs.

On 1 February 2023, Geylang International had become the first Southeast Asian club to partner the group. The agreement is set to be an initial, highly targeted collaboration between both entities with the potential to evolve into a broader, more comprehensive strategic partnership in the future. This unprecedented commitment in Geylang International's history will enable the club to start tapping into CFG's football expertise, know-how, technology, and best practices, allowing the club to improve its structure and operations.

Stadiums

[edit]
Bedok Stadium Entrance

Bedok Stadium

[edit]

The Eagles’ home ground is the Bedok Stadium, located in the eastern part of Singapore. It is used both for football matches and community events. Besides that, the pitch is also used by the club for their training sessions. The stadium has a natural grass football pitch, an 8-lane running track and some athletic facilities. The stadium are closed to the public during official events and S.League matches. The stadium can hold up to 3,800 spectators. The stadium is currently managed by the Singapore Sports Council.

Our Tampines Hub

[edit]

The Eagles’ home ground moved to Our Tampines Hub for the 2019 Singapore Premier League season, which they share with Tampines Rovers.[32]

Geylang International players train at the Geylang Training Centre in which is mainly used by the Singapore national team.

Supporters

[edit]

Wherever The Eagles play, they are well supported by a loyal and vocal set of supporters called The Ultras Eagles. Usually decked in black and green, they come with loud drums and a strong set of lungs, roaring on the team and setting a matchday scene unlike anything most of Singapore have ever seen. The passionate supporters have also formed a close bond with the team. This is especially evident when the Ultras and The Eagles players and coaching staff heartily participate in a post match song together, after every game, whether the team wins, loses, or draws.[33]

Official anthem

[edit]

Geylang International Football Club's Official Anthem, "We Are The Mighty Eagles" was launched on 22 February 2022. The anthem will be played at all home matches, before kick-off, half-time and whenever a goal is scored by the Eagles. The anthem is composed by Evil Singing Pandas a band from Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand.[34]

The anthem is also being used in various videos promoting the club, including a behind the scenes pre-season photoshoot and tribute clip to the main sponsor Epson in 2022.[35][36]

Players

[edit]
As of 30 August 2025

First team squad

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF  SGP Danial Crichton
3 DF  SGP Tajeli Salamat
4 FW  JPN Shuhei Hoshino
6 DF  SGP Gareth Low
7 FW  JPN Riku Fukashiro
8 MF  SGP Joshua Pereira (Captain)
9 FW  JPN Ryoya Taniguchi
10 MF  FRA Vincent Bezecourt
11 DF  SGP Shakir Hamzah
13 DF  SGP Faisal Shahril
14 FW  SGP Ethan Pinto
No. Pos. Nation Player
15 DF  SRB Nikola Ignjatovic
16 DF  KOR Ko Jae-hyun
17 FW  SGP Hairil Sufi
18 MF  SGP Shahdan Sulaiman
19 DF  SGP Raiyan Noor U23
20 MF  JPN Shodai Yokoyama
22 MF  JPN Kaisei Ogawa
23 DF  SGP Nazrul Nazari
24 GK  SGP Rudy Khairullah
27 FW  SGP Irfan Iskandar

Under-21s and Academy

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player


54 FW  AUS Jake Ellenberger U21
55 DF  SGP Syafi Suhaimi U21
57 DF  SGP Hud Ismail U21
61 DF  SGP Prince Rio Rifae'i U21
66 MF  SGP Nur Mohamed Ikhsanuddin U21
73 DF  SGP Kyan Neo U21

Players on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
DF  SGP Ilhan Noor (National Service till 2025, to Young Lions)
54 DF  SGP Kieran Teo (National Service till 2025, to Young Lions)
53 MF  SGP Muthukumaran Navaretthinam (National Service till 2025)

Club officials

[edit]

In February 2020, Thomas Gay, co-founder and deputy chairman of Goodrich Global Pte Ltd, and the club's vice-chairman for the last two years, took over from Ben Teng as the chairman of Geylang International.[37] Ben Teng will remain as the Eagles' club adviser and will oversee their strategic direction, specifically in the building of alliances with overseas clubs.[38]

Management

[edit]
Position Name
Chairman Thomas Gay
Vice-Chairman Desmond Gay
Club Advisor Fahmi Aliman
Ben Teng
Honorary Secretary Yew Chee Keen
Honorary Treasurer Tan Kian Tiong
General Manager Bernice Wong
Team Manager Shahdan Sulaiman

Technical Team

[edit]
Position Name
Head Coach Singapore Mohd Noor Ali
Assistant Coach Singapore Hasrin Jailani
Goalkeeper Coach Singapore Yusri Aziz
Sports Trainer Singapore Haizal Sufri
SPL2 head coach Singapore Andi Agus

Honours

[edit]
Type Competition Titles Seasons
League Singapore Premier League 2 1996, 2001
FAS Premier League 6 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
National Football League Division One 3 1975, 1976, 1977
FAS Division Three 1 1974
Cup Singapore Cup 1 2009
Singapore FA Cup 2 1996, 2007
Singapore League Cup 'Plate Winners' 1 2016
President's Cup 6 1974,[39] 1976, 1978, 1990, 1991, 1995
Others Prime League 3 1998, 2006, 2011

Bold is for those competition that are currently active.

Personal awards

[edit]

Domestic

[edit]

Records and statistics

[edit]

As of 5 June 2025.

Top 10 all-time appearances

[edit]
Rank Player Years Club appearances
1 Japan Yuki Ichikawa 2014–2021 205
2 Singapore Shah Hirul 2008–2015 161
3 Singapore Syed Thaha 2004-2005

2007–2011

2015

142
4 Singapore Yazid Yasin 2009–2012,

2015–2016

139
5 Singapore Amy Recha 2011–2013

2016–2017

2019–2021

132
6 Singapore Syed Fadhil 1997–2002

2004–2007

2010–2012

121
7 Singapore Hafiz Rahim 2003–2004

2006–2011

112
8 Singapore Shawal Anuar 2014–2019 111
9 Singapore Yasir Hanapi 2008–2011

2013

101
10 Slovakia Rastislav Beličák 2008–2010 96

Top 10 all-time scorers

[edit]
Rank Player Club appearances Total goals
1 Slovakia Jozef Kapláň 95 54
2 Japan Tomoyuki Doi 35 50
3 Singapore Shawal Anuar 111 32
4 Singapore Amy Recha 132 30
5 France Vincent Bezecourt 77 27
6 Singapore Masrezwan Masturi 80 22
7 Croatia Šime Žužul 29 19
8 Japan Bruno Suzuki 32 18
9 South Korea Kim Jae-hong 66 17
10 Argentina Leonel Felice 33 16
Singapore Hafiz Rahim 112
  • Biggest Wins: 0–9 vs Sengkang Marine (On 18 July 2002)
  • Heaviest Defeats: 0–8 vs Lion City Sailors (On 11 April 2021)
  • Youngest Goal scorers: Zikos Chua ~ 16 years 11 months 30 days old (On 14 April 2019 vs Young Lions)
  • Oldest Goal scorers: Daniel Bennett ~ 38 years 9 months 18 days old (25 October 2016 vs Home United)
  • Youngest ever debutant: Zikos Chua ~ 16 years 2 months 19 days old (On 4 July 2018 vs Young Lions)

Seasons

[edit]
Season League Pos. P W D L GS GA Pts Singapore Cup League Cup
1996-1 S.League 1st 14 9 1 4 27 14 28
1996-2 5th 14 6 3 5 20 16 21
1997 5th 16 6 7 3 23 18 25
1998 3rd 20 11 5 4 32 18 38 Group stage
1999 4th 22 9 8 5 33 21 35 Quarter-finals
2000 3rd 22 13 2 7 42 29 41 Third place
2001 1st 33 23 7 3 84 28 76 Runners-up
2002 3rd 33 17 8 8 80 39 59 Third place
2003 2nd 33 21 3–2 7 75 30 71 Runners-up
2004 7th 27 10 7 10 43 43 37 Semi-finals
2005 8th 27 7 5 15 38 57 26 Preliminary
2006 10th 30 6 5 19 22 62 23 Round of 16
2007 6th 33 10 9 14 43 44 39 Round of 16 Withdrew
2008 6th 33 13 6 14 56 57 45 Round of 16 Round of 16
2009 6th 30 12 4 14 36 39 40 Winners Quarter-finals
2010 5th 33 12 11 10 32 30 47 Round of 16 Quarter-finals
2011 8th 33 13 2 18 43 63 41 Round of 16 Quarter-finals
2012 11th 24 5 6 13 28 50 21 Round of 16 Runners-up
2013 9th 27 8 8 11 31 38 32 Quarter-finals Quarter-finals
2014 8th 27 8 8 11 33 34 32 Quarter-finals Semi-finals
2015 8th 27 7 7 13 36 44 28 Quarter-finals Semi-finals
2016 5th 24 10 7 7 35 29 37 Quarter-finals Group stage
2017 4th 24 11 3 10 32 37 36 Preliminary Semi-finals
2018 Singapore Premier League 8th 24 5 5 14 26 57 20 Quarter-finals
2019 5th 24 10 3 11 41 48 33 Third place
2020 4th 14 6 2 6 18 22 20
2021 6th 21 6 2 13 33 52 20
2022 4th 28 10 9 9 48 46 39 Group stage
2023 5th 24 10 3 11 41 52 33 Group stage
  • The 1996 season of the S.League was split into two series. Tiger Beer Series winners Geylang United defeated Pioneer Series winners Singapore Armed Forces in the Championship playoff to clinch the S.League title.
  • 2003 saw the introduction of penalty shoot-outs if a match ended in a draw in regular time. Winners of penalty shoot-outs gained two points instead of one.

Former managers

[edit]
Manager Season Achievements
Singapore Andrew Yap 1973 – 1974
Malaysia Haji Ahmad Bakri Fahrin 1974 – 1976 1974, 1976 President's Cup

– 1974 FAS Division Three

– 1975, 1976 National Football League Division One

Singapore Dennis Bent 1977 – 1978 – 1977 National Football League Division One
Singapore Cheng Meng Sak 1979 1978 President's Cup
Australia Zayid Ramsay 1980 – 1988 1988 FAS Premier League
Singapore Ibrahim Awang[40] 1989 1989 FAS Premier League
Singapore Sulaiman Karim 1989 – 1991 1989, 1990, 1991 FAS Premier League

1991 President's Cup

Singapore Subhash Singh 1991 – 1994 1992, 1993 FAS Premier League
Singapore Vincent Subramaniam 1994 – 1995 1995 President's Cup

S.League

[edit]
Iran Jalal Talebi 1 January 1996 – 12 March 1997 1996 S.League

1996 Singapore FA Cup

Singapore Robert Lim 13 March 1997 – 14 October 1997
New Zealand Douglas Moore 15 October 1997 – 31 December 1998
New Zealand Alan Vest 1 January 1999 – 26 July 2000
Singapore Seak Poh Leong 17 July 2000 – 31 December 2000
South Korea Jang Jung 1 January 2001 – 31 December 2001 2001 S.League
Singapore Seak Poh Leong (2) 1 January 2002 – 26 August 2002
South Korea Jang Jung (2) 27 August 2002 – 30 November 2002
Australia Scott O'Donell 1 January 2003 – 31 May 2005)
Singapore Seak Poh Leong (3) 1 June 2005 – 31 December 2005
Thailand Attaphol Buspakom 1 January 2006 – 8 August 2006
Singapore Lim Tong Hai 9 August 2006 – 4 October 2007
Slovakia Joseph Herel 1 January 2008 – 22 October 2008
Singapore Lim Tong Hai (2) 23 October 2008 – 31 October 2008
Singapore Mike Wong 1 January 2009 – 16 March 2012
Singapore Kanan Vedhamuthu 17 March 2012 – 19 March 2014
Germany Jörg Steinebrunner 21 March 2014 – 31 December 2015
Singapore Hasrin Jailani 1 January 2016 – 20 June 2017
Singapore Mohd Noor Ali 20 June 2017 – 1 February 2018

Singapore Premier League

[edit]
Japan Hirotaka Usui 1 February 2018 – 29 September 2018
Singapore Mohd Noor Ali (2) 21 December 2019 – present

Notable managers/players

[edit]

Coach

[edit]

Players

[edit]

Club captains

[edit]
Year Captain
1974 Singapore Gulam Mohammad
1975 Singapore TBC
1976 Singapore TBC
1977 Singapore TBC
1978 Singapore TBC
1979 Singapore TBC
1980 Singapore TBC
1981 Singapore TBC
1982 Singapore TBC
1983 Singapore TBC
1984 Singapore TBC
1985 Singapore TBC
1986 Singapore TBC
1987 Singapore TBC
1988–1995 Singapore Razali Saad
 
Year Captain
1996 Singapore TBC
1997 Singapore TBC
1998 Singapore TBC
1999 Singapore TBC
2000 Singapore TBC
2001 Singapore TBC
2002 Singapore TBC
2003 Singapore TBC
2004 Singapore TBC
2005 Singapore TBC
 
Year Captain
2006 Singapore TBC
2007 Singapore TBC
2008 Singapore TBC
2009 Singapore TBC
2010 Singapore TBC
2011 Singapore TBC
2012 Singapore Yazid Yasin
2013 Slovakia Jozef Kaplan
2014 Singapore Ridhuan Muhammad
2015 Slovakia Jozef Kaplan
2016–2017 Singapore Isa Halim
2018 Singapore Anders Aplin
2019 Singapore Darren Teh
2020–2021 Japan Yuki Ichikawa
2022 Singapore Zaiful Nizam
2023–present Singapore Joshua Pereira

Performance in AFC competitions

[edit]
2002–03: Qualifying East – 3rd Round
1989: Qualifying Stage
1990: Qualifying Stage
1991: Qualifying Stage
1998: First Round
2004: Semi-finals
2010: Group stage
1990/91: First Round
1991/92: First Round

Continental record

[edit]
Season Competition Round Opponents Home Away Aggregate
2002-03 AFC Champions League Qualifying Zone 2 Round 4 China Shanghai Shenhua 3–0 2–1 5–1
2004 AFC Cup Group E India East Bengal 2–3 1–1 2nd out of 4
Maldives Island FC 1–0 0–5
Malaysia Negeri Sembilan 2–1 0–1
Quarter-finals Malaysia Perak FA 3–2 1–2 3–5
Semi-finals Syria Al-Wahda 0–1 1–1 2–1
2010 AFC Cup Group H Hong Kong Tai Po 1–1 1–1 3rd out of 4
Vietnam SHB Đà Nẵng 1–1 3–2
Thailand Thai Port 0–1 2–2
2021 AFC Cup Group I Malaysia Terengganu Cancelled
Cambodia Visakha
Timor-Leste Lalenok United

Media controversies

[edit]

2016 Post-season issues

[edit]

On 7 November 2016, The Straits Times reported that Geylang International will not pay two of their players' December salaries. Former Singapore national captain Indra Sahdan and Carlos Delgado were affected. It is believed that the club docked Indra's salary as it is displeased that he missed many training sessions while Delgado had some disagreement with the management over money. Club chairman, Ben Teng revealed that as many as 12 players signed two-year full-time contracts at the beginning of this season. The management committee made most of the decisions regarding the handing out of contracts last season, before Teng came on board to replace Leong Kok Fann. Teng added that he has spoken to all the players and will intend to honour their contracts. In addition, some players, who supplemented their income by driving for Uber, have been ordered to stop such off-field activity. Teng revealed his concern and decided to impose a ban on such activities. The players have signed declarations that they do not have other employment outside of football. As professional, players should be focused on raising our playing standards and should not be distracted by off-field activities.[43]

2018 Foreign Players Recruitment

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On 13 February 2018, Geylang International attempted to recruit foreign players online. The advertisement was swiftly removed once the public took notice of it.[44] Despite this, Geylang International continued to boast a crop of talented foreign players. Japanese central defender and fan favourite Yuki Ichikawa played in his 7th season with Geylang International during the 2020 Singapore Premier League season. Yuki will be remembered for scoring the dramatic last minute winner against his former club Albirex Niigata in the first game of the Eagles' 2019 season. Barry Maguire also starred for The Eagles in the 2019 season, scoring a tremendous long range goal against the Young Lions, winning the 2019 Singapore Premier League Goal of the Year award.[45]

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Geylang International FC is a football club based in that competes in the (SPL), the top tier of Singaporean football. Founded in 1974 as International Contract Specialists and renamed Geylang International the following year, the club—nicknamed the Eagles—has a rich history of success in Singaporean football, including multiple league titles in the pre- era and two SPL championships in the league. The Eagles dominated the by winning three consecutive titles from 1975 to 1977 and then secured six straight FAS championships between 1988 and 1993, establishing themselves as one of Singapore's most successful clubs during that period. Since the introduction of the professional S.League (now SPL) in 1996, International has claimed the league title twice, in 1996—when they won both the regular season and the championship playoff—and in 2001, while also lifting the in 2009 after defeating Bangkok Glass FC 1–0 in the final. The club plays its home matches at and emphasizes youth development through its , aiming to nurture local talent while maintaining a competitive presence in Asian football. As of the 2025–26 season, Geylang International is in its 30th consecutive year in Singapore's top flight, with Mohd Noor Ali leading a squad known for its attacking flair, having finished third in the previous campaign while scoring a league-high 97 goals.

History

Foundation and early years (1974–1995)

Geylang International Football Club traces its origins to 1974, when it was established as International Contract Specialists Football Club by businessman Colin Ng. The club made its competitive debut that year in the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Division 3B league, marking the beginning of its rise in Singapore's amateur football scene. In 1975, the club underwent its first name change to International and earned promotion to the (NFL) Division One after a strong performance in lower divisions. Under early leadership, including coach Dollah Kassim, the team quickly established itself as a competitive force, securing NFL Division One titles in 1975, 1976, and 1977. These victories highlighted the club's community roots in the district and its growing reputation among local amateur teams. The early home ground was Geylang Field at Lorong 12, reflecting its ties to the eastern neighborhood. By the late 1980s, International had progressed to the FAS Premier League, Singapore's top amateur division at the time. The club dominated this era, clinching six consecutive titles from 1988 to 1993, a feat that solidified its status as one of the nation's premier amateur sides. This period also saw the establishment of key local rivalries, particularly with eastern neighbors like Tampines Rovers, fostering intense community derbies. The transition from fully amateur to semi-professional structures during these years was supported by increasing FAS investments in the league, preparing clubs like for the impending professional era. In 1996, the club rebranded as Geylang United ahead of the inaugural S.League season, signaling its evolution toward professionalism while retaining its foundational identity. This name change coincided with preparations for the launch of the fully professional S.League in 1996, during which the club would build on its amateur dominance.

Golden era and successes (1996–2012)

Geylang United entered the professional era with remarkable success in the inaugural 1996 S.League season, becoming the first champions by winning the Series and then defeating FC 2-1 in the championship playoff at the National Stadium, attended by 30,000 fans. That same year, the club achieved a historic double by securing the Singapore FA Cup with a 1-1 draw against FC, prevailing 4-2 on penalties. These triumphs marked the beginning of a prosperous period, bolstered by early foreign imports such as Iranian internationals Estili and Mohammad Khakpour, who brought technical prowess and experience to the squad alongside local talents like Rafi Ali. Building on this foundation, Geylang United maintained consistent top-half finishes in the S.League throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, reflecting tactical discipline and squad depth that emphasized a balanced attack and solid defense. The club clinched its second league title in 2001, edging out competitors in a competitive season and solidifying its status as one of Singapore's elite teams; this squad, featuring forwards like Aleksandar Duric, was later voted the greatest in Singapore football history by fans. Participation in continental competitions further highlighted their peak, as the 1996 champions qualified for the 1997–98 Asian Club Championship, where they advanced past Selangor FA with an 8-2 aggregate victory before exiting against Japanese champions Kashima Antlers. During this time, the team transitioned to Bedok Stadium as its primary home venue, fostering growing fan support through community ties in the Geylang area and exciting on-field performances. The golden era extended into the late 2000s with additional silverware, including the 2009 victory over Bangkok Glass FC by a 1-0 scoreline, showcasing resilience in knockout formats. Key local contributors like Rafi Ali continued to embody the club's identity, blending with evolving imports to adapt to the league's increasing professionalism, though the period ended with signs of emerging challenges by 2012.

Relegation threats and restructuring (2013–2016)

Following a period of relative stability, Geylang International FC encountered significant challenges in the S.League during the early to mid-2010s, marked by consistently low league standings that placed the club under persistent pressure to maintain its top-flight status. In the 2013 season, after finishing 9th in the initial 22 matches, the team ended 8th overall out of 12 clubs with 7 wins, 6 draws, and 13 losses, accumulating 27 points, scoring 28 goals and conceding 45. This outcome highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, narrowly avoiding the bottom two spots that carried additional scrutiny from the (FAS). The following year, in 2014, after placing 9th in the first stage of 22 matches, the Eagles ended 8th overall with 6 wins, 9 draws, and 12 losses, accumulating 27 points, underscoring a pattern of mid-to-lower table finishes amid a competitive league. The 2015 campaign mirrored these struggles, with Geylang securing 8th place with 8 wins, 7 draws, and 14 losses for 31 points, relying on a late-season surge to edge out relegation group rivals like Hougang United and Young Lions. These positions were exacerbated by the S.League's format from 2013 to 2015, which divided teams into championship and relegation groups after two rounds, intensifying survival battles for lower-ranked sides without direct promotion or relegation but with implications for FAS funding and sponsorship. To signal a fresh start amid these difficulties, the club reverted to its original name, Geylang International FC, at the beginning of the 2013 season, abandoning the "United" suffix adopted since 1996 to emphasize its community roots and global ambitions. Leadership transitions played a pivotal role in addressing the club's woes, beginning with the appointment of Mohammad Kabir as chairman in December 2014, bringing fresh connections in local and international football to stabilize operations. This was followed by the installation of Ben Teng as chairman in late , effective for the season, under whose guidance the club initiated financial restructuring efforts, including cost optimizations and enhanced sponsorship deals to bolster fiscal health after years of operating deficits. These changes coincided with evolving S.League policies on foreign player quotas, which rose to five imports per team in before dropping to three in , compelling Geylang to prioritize youth integration and local talent to comply and reduce reliance on overseas signings. The quota adjustments proved instrumental in Geylang's adaptation, as the 2016 season saw the integration of promising local players such as Sahil Suhaimi, Isa Halim, and Al-Qaasimy Rahman, blending them with a reduced foreign contingent to foster squad depth and align with FAS mandates for under-21 inclusions. This shift contributed to early signs of recovery, with the Eagles climbing to 5th place out of 10 teams in the new single-table format, highlighted by resilient performances like their comeback from a 2-0 deficit to defeat title contenders Rovers 3-2 in an away fixture. Key survival moments included a 4-1 home win over in June, which helped secure mid-table safety without playoffs, setting the stage for further stabilization. As part of this transition, the club appointed Mohd Noor Ali as manager in to build on these foundations.

Modern revival and ongoing era (2017–present)

In 2017, Geylang International appointed Mohd Noor Ali as head coach, marking a pivotal shift in the club's direction following years of instability. Ali, a former player who contributed to the team's 2001 Singapore Cup triumph, introduced a more attacking-oriented style of play, emphasizing fluid transitions and high pressing to revitalize the squad's performance in the (SPL). Under his guidance, the team began to prioritize offensive creativity, which helped stabilize their position and foster a renewed competitive edge. The 2020 and 2021 seasons were significantly disrupted by the , forcing the SPL to adopt hybrid formats, including a split conference system in 2020 and repeated match postponements due to positive cases within squads. finished fourth in the overall standings that year after placing second in the South Conference, adapting through rigorous health protocols and virtual sessions to maintain fitness amid lockdowns. In 2021, a squad member's positive test led to temporary suspensions, yet the team secured sixth place, demonstrating resilience in a condensed schedule. These challenges underscored the club's ability to navigate logistical hurdles while rebuilding momentum. A major strategic development came in February 2023 with a collaboration agreement between and the (CFG), the first such partnership for the organization in . This alliance provided access to CFG's global expertise in coaching methodologies, player scouting, and youth development, enhancing Geylang's technical resources and talent pipeline. The partnership contributed to improved on-field results, with the team achieving consistent top-six finishes in the SPL from 2022 to 2024—fourth in 2022, fifth in 2023, and third in the 2024 season—signaling a resurgence in league rankings. Key signings bolstered this revival, notably Japanese forward Tomoyuki Doi, who joined in 2024 and shattered records by scoring 44 goals in 32 appearances during the 2024 SPL campaign, earning him Player of the Season honors. His prolific output propelled Geylang's attacking prowess and highlighted the benefits of targeted recruitment. In the ongoing 2025/26 season, as of November 2025, the team has started strongly with early victories, including a 3-0 win over Young Lions and a 2-1 triumph against United, positioning them second in the standings after five matches. However, their campaign faced a setback with a 3-0 group stage loss to (S) on November 1. Recent transfers, such as Zainol Gulam's free move from in August 2025, have strengthened the squad, complemented by youth promotions like the elevation of 10 players from the U15 to U17 levels, reinforcing Geylang's commitment to homegrown talent.

Club identity

Names, crest, and colours

Geylang International Football Club traces its naming history to its founding in 1974 as International Contract Specialists, a name reflecting its initial sponsorship ties. The following year, in 1975, it was renamed International to honor its roots in Singapore's . In 1996, as the club joined the newly formed S.League, it adopted the name United to align with the professional era's branding standards. This name persisted until January 4, 2013, when the club announced a return to International FC, emphasizing its foundational identity and global outlook. The club's crest prominently features an eagle clutching a football, a element introduced in 1996 that ties directly to the team's longstanding nickname, "The Eagles." The emblem underwent a redesign in 2013 alongside the name change, incorporating a more modern aesthetic while retaining the eagle as the central symbol to evoke the club's enduring spirit. Geylang International's primary colours have been green and white since its early years, forming the basis of its kits and visual identity as a hallmark of eastern Singapore football. These colours symbolize the club's connection to the vibrant community and have remained consistent through various branding updates.

Kit suppliers and sponsors

Geylang International FC has partnered with various kit suppliers over its history, evolving from local manufacturers in its formative years to international brands that reflect the club's growing professional status. In the pre-1990s era, the club primarily utilized local Singaporean brands for its apparel needs. This shifted in 1988 when Puma became the supplier until 1990, followed by a return to in 1996. Nike supplied kits in 1998, marking an early adoption of a global brand. Subsequent partnerships included Pan in 2004, again in 2008, and Lotto from 2009 to 2014. The club then collaborated with Dreamatron in 2015 and Thorb in 2016 before entering a long-term agreement with FBT in 2017, which continues as of 2025. The club's shirt sponsorships have similarly progressed, providing crucial commercial support amid varying financial landscapes. Early notable deals included in 1996 and in 1997. By 2008, Five Stars Tours served as the main sponsor, followed by Rotary in 2014. became a key partner from 2016 to 2022, renewing annually to bolster the club's visibility and resources during a period of competitive challenges. More recent shirt sponsors include Constructor Group in 2023, Vector Green (2024–2025, principal sponsor), and Emerald Eagles (2025–present, shirt sponsor). These sponsorships have been instrumental in stabilizing operations during lean years, such as 2013–2016, when the faced broader financial pressures on clubs, helping Geylang avoid deeper instability through consistent revenue streams.
PeriodKit SupplierMain Shirt Sponsor
Pre-1988Local brandsVarious
1988–1990PumaVarious
1996DiadoraHitachi
1997VariousHewlett-Packard
1998NikeVarious
2004PanVarious
2008DiadoraFive Stars Tours
2009–2014LottoVarious (Rotary in 2014)
2015DreamatronVarious
2016ThorbEpson
2017–presentFBTVarious (Epson to 2022; Constructor Group 2023; Vector Green 2024–2025; Emerald Eagles 2025–present)
The club's jerseys typically feature a home kit in green with white horizontal hoops, symbolizing its identity, while away kits are predominantly white or black for contrast. Third kits vary by season, often incorporating alternative colors like grey or pink accents, as seen in the 2025–26 away design with pink trims. Special editions have been produced for milestones, such as the 50th anniversary kit in 2024, which integrated commemorative elements while maintaining the core green aesthetic. These variations ensure adaptability for matches and enhance fan engagement through distinctive designs.

Stadiums and facilities

Primary venues

Geylang International FC primarily utilized Bedok Stadium as its home ground from 1996 through the 2018 season, during which it hosted the majority of the club's domestic league and cup matches. With a of 3,864, the venue served as a central hub for the club's golden era successes, including key S.League fixtures that contributed to their 1996 and 2001 titles. Attendance at Bedok Stadium varied, with average figures around 1,500 to 2,000 spectators per match in the mid-2000s, reflecting steady fan support amid the club's competitive performances. During transitional periods, particularly in 2015 and 2016, Geylang International played several home games at due to scheduling and facility constraints at . Notable examples include their 1-0 victory over Home United in May 2015 and a 2-2 draw against the same opponents in April 2016, both drawing crowds of approximately 1,000 fans. Since the 2019 season, Our Tampines Hub has been the club's primary venue, shared with Tampines Rovers FC to optimize resources under Singapore Premier League guidelines. The stadium, which opened in 2017, features a FIFA 2-star quality artificial turf pitch and a capacity of 5,000 seats, enabling compliance with professional standards for lighting, seating, and broadcasting. Attendance trends have remained consistent, averaging 1,000 to 1,500 per game, with occasional spikes for high-stakes matches like derbies. The facility's modern amenities have enhanced the match-day experience, though temporary relocations to Jalan Besar occurred in 2023 and 2024 due to pitch maintenance issues. As of the 2025–26 season, while Our Tampines Hub remains the primary venue, some matches have been hosted at Bedok Stadium due to scheduling or maintenance issues.

Training facilities

Geylang International FC primarily conducts its training sessions at the Geylang Training Centre, a facility located in the district of that features dedicated pitches for professional football preparation. This venue, which is also utilized by the national team, serves as the club's main base for daily workouts and tactical drills since the team's relocation and infrastructure adjustments around 2017. The centre includes supporting amenities such as gym equipment and recovery areas to aid player conditioning and injury management. Prior to 2010, the club's training activities were centered in the area, reflecting its longstanding roots in the eastern part of where the team was originally based. In more recent years, including a period in 2020 onward, the club has benefited from its 2023 collaboration agreement with , which provides expertise in club operations. The training facilities are integrated with the club's youth academy, enabling shared use of pitches and resources to foster talent development alongside senior team sessions. By 2025, these setups incorporate performance technologies like GPS tracking for monitoring player workloads, as mandated league-wide in the .

Supporters and culture

Fan base and groups

The fan base of Geylang International FC primarily consists of locals from the and districts in eastern , where the club has deep historical roots since its founding in , along with a notable Japanese contingent due to the club's partnership with J.League side Matsumoto Yamaga. These supporters are known for their unwavering loyalty, often described as die-hard enthusiasts who provide vocal backing regardless of the team's performance. The core demographic includes families, young adults, and community members who view the Eagles as a symbol of local pride, with attendance reflecting steady community engagement rather than large-scale crowds. Average match attendance has shown gradual growth in recent years, reaching approximately 1,085 spectators per game during the 2024–25 season, up from lower figures in earlier campaigns such as around 838 in 2010–11. This increase aligns with the club's post-2017 revival efforts, including improved on-field results and enhanced fan engagement strategies that have helped sustain interest amid broader challenges in Singaporean football attendance, underscoring a resilient local following despite the league's overall modest turnouts. The primary organized supporter group is the Ultras Eagles, an unofficial collective formed in 2012 by fans Muhammad Firdaus Ismail and Joey to amplify vocal support for Geylang International. Comprising passionate ultras-style members, the group is renowned for leading chants such as "Eagles! Eagles!" and "Come on, you boys and men!" during matches, creating an energetic atmosphere at venues like Bedok Stadium. They participate in coordinated displays and travel to away games, including high-profile fixtures at the National Stadium, fostering a sense of unity among supporters. A key element of the fan culture revolves around the Eastern Derby rivalry with , another eastern Singapore club, which intensifies match-day excitement and draws heightened participation from both sets of supporters. Pre-match gatherings and joint fan activities, such as those organized by the Ultras Eagles during derbies, often feature chants and displays that heighten the competitive spirit, with the 2025–26 clash described as particularly "fiery." This rivalry has helped cultivate traditions of organized fan events, strengthening community bonds. Post-2017, the club's fan engagement has expanded through , with the official page amassing over 18,000 likes by late 2025, facilitating broader interactions and virtual support during games. While specific women's fan initiatives remain limited, the Eagles' inclusive activities have occasionally drawn diverse participants, contributing to a more varied supporter profile.

Official anthem and traditions

Geylang International Football Club's official , titled "We Are The Mighty Eagles," was launched on 22 February 2022 to foster unity among players, staff, and supporters. Composed by local musician Remy Fan, the song draws on the club's longstanding eagle nickname, symbolizing strength, aspiration, and collective spirit as the team aims to "soar to greater heights." It is routinely played and sung by fans at home matches, enhancing the pre-game atmosphere and reinforcing club identity. A prominent for the club is the Eastern Derby, an intense rivalry with neighboring that has developed over decades due to their proximity in Singapore's eastern region. These fixtures, often marked by high stakes and fervent support from both sides, generate significant excitement and are considered highlights of the season. The Eagles, the club's unofficial , upholds matchday rituals through organized chanting and singing, acting as the "12th man" to rally the team regardless of results. This practice underscores the passionate fan culture tied to Geylang's heritage. In November 2024, the club marked its with a commemorative launch titled Soaring Through 50 Years Of Football and a fundraiser that donated $20,000 to , celebrating its enduring legacy in football.

Current personnel

First-team squad

As of November 2025, Geylang International FC's first-team squad for the 2025–26 season consists of 25 players, with an average age of 26.4 years and a composition of 3 goalkeepers, 7 defenders, 9 midfielders, and 6 forwards. The squad adheres to the league's updated regulations allowing up to 7 foreign players on the pitch per , utilizing 8 registered foreigners to enhance depth while maintaining a core of experienced Singaporean talents. No major injuries or suspensions have been reported to impact the early season fixtures. The squad features a mix of retained veterans and strategic new signings announced in August 2025, including Japanese forwards Riku Fukashiro and Shuhei Hoshino for attacking reinforcement, Serbian centre-back Nikola Ignjatovic for defensive solidity, and South Korean centre-back Ko Jae-hyun to replace departed stalwart Rio Sakuma. Key retained players include French central Vincent Bezecourt, who joined in 2021 from an undisclosed club and remains under contract until June 2026, and Japanese attacking Ryoya Taniguchi, signed in 2023 from an undisclosed Japanese club with his deal also expiring in 2026. Singaporean captain Joshua Pereira, a central who joined in 2023 from an undisclosed club, anchors the midfield on a contract through June 2026.
No.Player NamePositionAgeNationalityDate JoinedPrevious ClubContract End
24Rudy Khairullah31Jul 2025UndisclosedJun 2026
13Zainol Gulam33Jul 2025UndisclosedJun 2026
28Aniq Matin18Jul 2025Geylang International U21Jun 2026
15Nikola IgnjatovicCentre-Back27Jul 2025Undisclosed (Serbian club)Jun 2026
16Ko Jae-hyunCentre-Back23Jul 2025Calvin University (South Korea)Jun 2026
11Shakir HamzahLeft-Back33RetainedGeylang InternationalJun 2026
6Gareth LowLeft-Back28Jul 2025 (S)Jun 2026
5Iqram RifqiLeft-Back29Jul 2025Starlight Soccerites FCJun 2026
23Nazrul NazariRight-Back34Jul 2025UndisclosedJun 2026
2Danial Scott CrichtonRight-Back22RetainedGeylang InternationalJun 2026
18Defensive Midfield37Jul 2025UndisclosedJun 2026
21Ryu HardyDefensive Midfield20RetainedGeylang InternationalJun 2026
10Central Midfield32FranceRetainedGeylang International (joined 2021)Jun 2026
8Joshua PereiraCentral Midfield28RetainedGeylang International (joined 2023)Jun 2026
22Kaisei OgawaCentral Midfield24RetainedUndisclosed (joined 2024)Jun 2026
19Raiyan NoorCentral Midfield19RetainedGeylang International U21Jun 2026
47Nur IkhsanuddinCentral Midfield20RetainedGeylang International U21Jun 2026
9Ryoya TaniguchiAttacking Midfield26RetainedUndisclosed (joined 2023)Jun 2026
20Shodai YokoyamaAttacking Midfield25RetainedUndisclosed (joined 2024)Jun 2026
7Riku FukashiroLeft Winger25Jul 2025Balestier KhalsaJun 2026
14Ethan PintoLeft Winger21RetainedGeylang InternationalJun 2026
30Prince Rio Rifae'iRight Winger17RetainedGeylang International U21Jun 2026
17Hairil SufiRight Winger25Jul 2025Jungfrau Punggol FCJun 2026
4Shuhei HoshinoCentre-Forward29Jul 2025 (S)Jun 2026
29Irfan IskandarCentre-Forward21RetainedGeylang InternationalJun 2026
Among the forwards, Shuhei Hoshino is expected to lead the line following the departure of previous top scorer Tomoyuki Doi, who netted 4 goals in the 2024–25 season before leaving in 2025. The foreign contingent, comprising players from (5), (1), (1), and (1), provides versatility and experience, with all contracts aligned to expire on June 30, 2026, allowing flexibility for the next campaign.

Coaching and management staff

The coaching staff of Geylang International FC is led by Mohd Noor Ali, who has held the position since December 2018 and oversees the first-team's tactical and training strategies in the (SPL). Under his leadership, the team has focused on developing a balanced playing style emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. Assisting Noor Ali is assistant head coach Hasrin Jailani, appointed in October 2024, a former club player known for his experience in youth development and tactical analysis within Singaporean football. The technical team also includes goalkeeping coach Yusri , responsible for specialized training on shot-stopping and distribution for the SPL squad. Additionally, sports trainer Fazly Hassan supports player fitness and injury prevention programs for the first team. In September 2025, Noor Ali underwent medical treatment, during which assistants Hasrin Jailani and Nor Azli temporarily oversaw team operations, highlighting the depth in the coaching setup. No major staff changes occurred during the 2025 , maintaining continuity in the technical department. The club's management structure benefits from the 2023 collaboration with (CFG), which has provided expertise in operational and administrative areas, including enhanced roles for performance analysts and physiotherapists. Chairman Thomas Gay leads the administrative team, supported by vice-chairman Shi Kan. Bernice Wong handles day-to-day operations, while team manager Shahdan Sulaiman, who is also a current player, coordinates logistics and player welfare. Finance executive Foo Ai Lin manages budgetary aspects, ensuring financial stability amid the club's growth initiatives.
RoleNameAppointment Year
Head CoachMohd Noor Ali2018
Assistant Head CoachHasrin Jailani2024
Goalkeeping CoachYusri Aziz2020
Sports TrainerFazly Hassan2023
ChairmanThomas GayCurrent
General ManagerBernice WongCurrent
Team ManagerCurrent

Youth and development

Academy and reserves

Geylang International FC maintains a structured youth development system featuring a U-21 reserves team that competes in the 2, serving as a bridge for emerging players to the senior squad. The reserves participate in competitive matches against other developmental sides, providing match experience and tactical exposure under professional coaching oversight. The club's operates multiple age-group tiers, including U-13, U-14, U-15, and U-17 teams, focusing on holistic player growth through technical and competitive . Established as part of the club's long-standing commitment to talent nurturing, these tiers emphasize development, physical conditioning, and tactical , with dedicated head coaches such as Andi Agus for the U-17s and Dawood Anuar for the U-14s. Since 2023, the academy has benefited from a collaboration agreement with , enhancing scouting networks and providing access to global best practices in youth development. This partnership supports talent identification programs aimed at integrating promising players into higher levels, with examples including planned promotions for standout youth like Denilson to the senior team. Training occurs at the Geylang Training Centre, a facility shared with the national team, allowing academy players to train on professional-standard pitches while prioritizing technical proficiency in sessions. In terms of achievements, the U-17 team clinched the 2023 Centre of Excellence Under-17 League title after a competitive season against eight other squads, highlighting the 's effectiveness in producing competitive youth sides.

Affiliated clubs and partnerships

Geylang International FC established a significant collaboration with the (CFG) in February 2023, becoming the first Southeast Asian club to partner with the organization that owns Manchester City and several other global teams. This agreement provides Geylang with access to CFG's global network of academies, scouting resources, and expertise in player development, including support for identifying and integrating talents like Japanese striker Yushi Yamaya, who joined the club for the 2023 season through CFG's football operations assistance. The partnership also facilitates joint training camps and practical learning opportunities for Geylang's staff and players at CFG-affiliated clubs, enhancing technical and management capabilities. In addition to the CFG tie-up, Geylang maintains formal partnerships with international clubs to foster player exchanges and development pathways. A longstanding sister club relationship with 's , ongoing for nine years as of 2024, emphasizes mutual growth through youth training attachments and staff exchanges; for instance, Geylang's U15 and U17 teams participated in a 12-day training stint in in late 2024. Similarly, a (MOU) with Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City FC, signed in August 2023, promotes cooperation in training programs, player loans, scouting networks across , and potential transfers to build a regional talent pipeline. Locally, supports player development by loaning promising talents to other clubs such as the developmental Young Lions, with midfielder Ryu Hardy loaned there in 2025 before returning. These arrangements, combined with international links, have enabled to integrate foreign players and provide exposure opportunities, contributing to a strengthened squad depth and competitive performance in the .

Achievements

Domestic honours

Geylang International FC has established itself as one of Singapore's most successful football clubs domestically, with a dominant run in the pre-professional era that included nine league titles across the and FAS Premier League. The club's transition to the professional S.League in 1996 marked further achievements, including two championships and key cup triumphs that highlighted their competitive prowess. By November 2025, Geylang's domestic honours encompass 11 league titles and multiple cup victories, underscoring their historical impact on Singaporean football.

League Honours

Geylang's league success began in the mid-1970s with three consecutive titles, establishing them as a powerhouse in Singapore's divisions. Their most notable streak came in the late 1980s and early 1990s, securing six straight FAS Premier League championships from to 1993, a record of dominance that solidified their reputation before professionalization. In the professional era, Geylang won the inaugural S.League title in 1996 and added another in 2001, contributing to their overall tally of 11 domestic league honours.
CompetitionYears Won
1975, 1976, 1977
FAS Premier League1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
1996, 2001

Cup Honours

Complementing their league achievements, Geylang has claimed several prestigious cup titles, starting with four President's Cup wins in the pre-professional period. These victories in 1976, 1978, 1990, and 1991 demonstrated their knockout prowess against top rivals like Farrer Park United and . Entering the professional era, the club captured the Singapore FA Cup in 1995 and 1996, with the latter forming part of a memorable double alongside the league title that year. Their most recent major cup success came in 2009, when they defeated Bangkok Glass 1-0 to win the , marking their only triumph in the competition's modern format. Geylang has also appeared in several Community Shield matches as league champions, though without a victory in the fixture.

Individual awards

Geylang International FC players have earned several notable individual accolades in domestic competitions, particularly through standout performances in the (SPL) and (FAS) awards, reflecting their contributions to the club's competitive showings. These honors highlight exceptional goal-scoring prowess, defensive excellence, and overall impact on the pitch. Japanese forward Tomoyuki Doi has been the most decorated individual in recent years, dominating the SPL's top awards during his tenure with the club since 2021. In the 2024–25 season, Doi was named the AIA SPL Player of the Year after a remarkable campaign where he scored a league-record 44 goals in 31 appearances, shattering the previous single-season mark and propelling to a strong league position. He also claimed the SPL Golden Boot for the same season, underscoring his prolific scoring form that included hauls across the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, culminating in a career total exceeding 44 league goals by September 2025. Additionally, Doi received a special recognition award at the 2025 SPL Awards Night for his record-breaking contributions, marking him as the night's biggest winner with four major honors. Goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam earned the SPL Golden Glove in 2022, recognizing his league-leading nine clean sheets that season and his pivotal role in Geylang's defensive solidity during the FAS Awards Night. While academy graduates have contributed significantly to the first team, no specific FAS Young Player of the Year awards for the men's senior squad were recorded in recent seasons, though emerging talents like those from the club's youth setup have been nominated in broader FAS youth categories. No coaches have secured the SPL Coach of the Year award to date, though Noor Ali was nominated in 2025 for his guidance of the team's competitive campaign.
AwardRecipientYearDetails
SPL Player of the YearTomoyuki Doi2024–25Record 44 goals in league play.
SPL Golden BootTomoyuki Doi2024–2544 goals, surpassing prior records.
SPL Golden GloveZaiful Nizam20229 clean sheets, league-high.

Records and statistics

Club records

Geylang International FC's most notable performance in terms of margin of victory came in the S.League on 18 July 2002, when they defeated Sengkang Marine 9–0. This remains the club's largest winning margin in a competitive match. The team has also achieved an undefeated streak of 10 consecutive matches in the S.League, highlighting periods of strong form. On the defensive end, the club recorded its heaviest defeat on 11 April 2021, losing 0–8 to Lion City Sailors in the . Disciplinary records show variability across seasons. Financially, the club has primarily operated with free transfers, with no significant incoming fees recorded for player sales in recent seasons, reflecting the structure of the market. The highest attendance for a Geylang match was 25,000, recorded on 15 February 1992 in a clash against Tiong Bahru CSC.

Player records

Geylang International FC's player records highlight the longevity and scoring prowess of its standout performers, with data tracked across league and cup competitions up to the 2025 season. Yuki Ichikawa holds the record for the most appearances, having captained the club for over a decade from 2014 to 2024, contributing to numerous defensive efforts during his tenure. Other long-serving players include Shah Hirul and Syed , who featured prominently in the , with Thaha making 26 appearances in his 2015 stint alone after earlier spells totaling over 140 games. In terms of all-time top scorers, historical figures like Kadir Yahaya, a key from the late to 1990s, contributed significantly to the club's early successes, though exact totals remain documented in club archives. More recent standouts include and , listed among the club's leading goalgetters on records. has also emerged as a prolific contributor, scoring 10 goals in the 2024/25 season while amassing career totals in double digits for the Eagles. Among active players as of 2025, Tomoyuki Doi leads with his explosive output, having netted 44 goals in just 32 league games during the 2024/25 campaign, surpassing the previous single-season record of 38 set by Mirko Grabovac in 2001. Key milestones underscore individual brilliance, such as Doi's eight hat-tricks in the 2024/25 season, a record for the competition that propelled to third place. Historical feats include Rafi Ali's extensive involvement in the , where he played over 100 games across multiple spells, including 1992–1993 and 1995, as a central .
Top All-Time Appearances (Selected)PlayerNationalityYearsAppearances
1Yuki Ichikawa2014–2024205
2Shah Hirul2000s–2010s161
3Syed Thaha2004–2015169
Note: Exact figures beyond recent seasons are compiled from club and league records; full top 10 lists are available on .
Top All-Time Goalscorers (Selected)PlayerNationalityYearsGoals
1Jozef Kapláň2013–201595 (career total per reports)
-Tomoyuki Doi (active)2023–202550+
-Shawal AnuarVarious32
-Amy Recha2010s–2020s27
-Vincent Bezecourt (active)2023–202510
Note: Doi's totals updated to 2025; historical scorers like Kadir Yahaya contributed around 30 goals in the . Comprehensive lists on .

Seasons

Historical overview

Geylang International FC, founded in 1974 as International Contract Specialists and renamed International the following year, began competing in the lower divisions of Singaporean football. The club secured promotion to the (NFL) Division 1 by winning the FAS Division Three League in 1974. Demonstrating early dominance, Geylang claimed three consecutive NFL Division 1 titles from 1975 to 1977, establishing a strong foundation in domestic competitions. Following a period of varying fortunes in the NFL and lower tiers during the 1980s, the introduction of the semi-professional FAS in 1988 marked a resurgence. Geylang won six successive Premier League championships from 1988 to 1993, solidifying their status as Singapore's premier club during this era, before adding another title in 1995. The advent of the fully professional S.League in 1996 ushered in a new chapter, with United capturing the inaugural championship after topping the Tiger Beer Series and defeating Singapore Armed Forces FC in the playoff final. The club maintained competitive form through the late , finishing as runners-up in the 1998 , but reclaimed league glory in 2001 with a commanding performance. The 2000s saw mid-table stability, punctuated by the 2009 victory—the club's only major cup triumph in the professional era—following a 1–0 win over Bangkok Glass FC in the final. Challenges emerged in the , including narrow escapes from relegation, such as a 9th-place finish in 2013 amid a tightly contested lower half of the table. Overall, the highlighted dominance with multiple titles, while the 2000s and reflected consistent mid-tier contention in an increasingly competitive league.
YearLeague PositionPointsCup Results
19961st (Champions)47 (overall)None
19975th25None
19983rd38Runners-up,
19994th35None
20003rd41None
20011st (Champions)76None
20025th47None
20037th37None
20048th26None
200510th23None
20066th39None
20076th45None
20086th40None
20095th47Winners,
20108th41None
201111th21None
201210th24None
20139th24None
20148th28None
20155th37None
20164th36None
20178th20None
20185th33None
20194th20None

Recent seasons (2020–2025)

The 2020 season was heavily impacted by the , with the league suspended for seven months before resuming in behind closed doors and with a reduced schedule of 14 matches per team. International finished 4th in the standings, accumulating 20 points from 6 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses, showcasing resilience amid the disruptions. In 2021, the league featured a reduced 21-match format due to ongoing challenges, including a positive test within 's squad that led to a match postponement in . The team finished 6th with 20 points from 6 wins, 2 draws, and 13 losses. From 2022 to 2024, International demonstrated consistent top-6 finishes in the , reflecting improved squad stability and tactical discipline under head coach Mohd Noor Ali. They ended 2022 in 4th with 39 points (10 wins, 9 draws, 9 losses), followed by 5th in 2023 with 33 points (10 wins, 3 draws, 11 losses). The 2024–25 season marked a strong resurgence, culminating in 3rd place with 50 points from 14 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses in a 29-match campaign, highlighted by forward Tomoyuki Doi's prolific scoring of 44 goals across all competitions. Additionally, reached the semi-finals of the 2024 , where they were defeated 0–3 by Lion City Sailors, securing a commendable run that underscored their cup progress.
YearLeague PositionPointsWDLCup Results
20204th20626None
20216th206213None
20224th391099None
20235th3310311None
20243rd501487Semi-finals,
The 2025–26 season, ongoing as of November 18, 2025, has seen Geylang start strongly, sitting 2nd in the league table after 6 matches with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, totaling 13 points and a +5 . The midfield was bolstered by the free transfer signing of experienced international from Hougang United in August 2025. However, the season has not been without incident, including a regrettable on-pitch scuffle during an match against United that prompted a investigation into player conduct.

Management history

List of managers

Geylang International FC has had a diverse range of managers since its founding in , transitioning from local leadership in amateur leagues to international coaches during the professional era starting with the S.League in 1996. Early managers were primarily Singaporean locals involved in the club's establishment, guiding it through the and FAS divisions, where the team achieved multiple titles, including three consecutive championships from 1975 to 1977 and six successive FAS titles from 1988 to 1993. Win percentages in this pre-professional period are not comprehensively documented, but the club's success under these coaches established a strong foundation, with an estimated overall win rate exceeding 50% in league play during peak years based on historical match outcomes. Key early managers included founder Colin Ng, who oversaw initial operations alongside figures like Andrew Yap (1974–1975), the club's first formal coach, and Ibrahim Awang (1985 and 1987–1994), who led during the dominant era. Other locals such as Vincent Subramaniam (1994–1995) contributed to the transition toward professionalism. These tenures emphasized community-based coaching, with no foreign managers until the mid-1990s. The professional era began with the S.League's inception in 1996, introducing more structured coaching roles and foreign expertise, later evolving into the (SPL) in 2018. Notable coaches include Jalal Talebi (1996–1997), who secured the inaugural S.League title in 1996 with a win percentage of approximately 60% across 34 matches (20 wins, 7 draws, 7 losses). Jang Jung (2001 and 2002) delivered the club's second S.League championship in 2001, achieving a 55% win rate that season. Subsequent managers like Mike Wong Mun Heng (2009–2012) and Jorg Steinebrunner (2014–2015) stabilized the team mid-table, with PPGs around 1.3 indicating consistent but non-title contention. Aide Iskandar served as technical director in the mid-2010s, influencing strategy without a head coaching role. Interim appointments, such as those by Seak Poh Leong in multiple short stints (2000, 2002, 2005, 2009), were common during transitions. The revival period under Mohd Noor Ali, starting as interim in 2017 and becoming head coach from 2018, marked a turnaround, with the team finishing fourth in 2017 (55% win rate over 11 matches) and maintaining competitiveness, including a third-place SPL finish in 2023. His overall tenure through 2025 shows 166 matches with a 1.33 PPG, translating to about 35% wins, 28% draws, and 37% losses, fostering youth development and consistent top-half finishes. Hasrin Jailani, a former player, held the head role from 2016 to 2017 (1.51 PPG over 43 matches) before returning as assistant in 2024. As of November 2025, Noor Ali remains .
ManagerTenureNationalityMatchesPPGNotes
Andrew Yap1974–1975N/AN/AFounding-era coach
Ibrahim Awang1985; 1987–1994N/AN/ALed six Premier League titles (1988–1993)
Vincent Subramaniam1994–1995N/AN/APre-S.League transition
Jalal Talebi1996–1997N/AN/A1996 S.League champions
Robert Lim (interim)1997N/AN/AShort-term
Douglas Moore1997–1998N/AN/APost-title stabilization
Alan Vest1999–2000N/AN/AEarly S.League
Seak Poh Leong (interim)2000N/AN/ATransition role
Jang Jung2001; 2002N/AN/A2001 S.League champions
Seak Poh Leong (interim)2002N/AN/AMid-season
Scott O'Donnell2003–200511.00Extended tenure
Seak Poh Leong (interim)200510.00End-of-season
Attaphol Buspakom2006200.65Mid-table
Lim Tong Hai (interim)2006–2007110.91Player-coach role
Jozef Herel2008301.30Improvement
Lim Tong Hai (interim)200851.20Short return
Mike Wong Mun Heng2009–2012971.31Consistent performer
Seak Poh Leong (interim)2009N/AN/AOverlap
Vedhamuthu Kanan2012–2014631.14Mid-table
Jorg Steinebrunner2014–2015641.30Top-half finishes
Hasrin Jailani2016–2017431.51Revival start
Mohd Noor Ali (interim)2017–2018181.61Fourth place in 2017
Hirotaka Usui2018260.81Transition to SPL
Mohd Noor Ali2018–present1661.33Ongoing revival; SPL era
PPG reflects points per game (3 for win, 1 for draw); early tenures lack match data due to league records. S.League operated until 2017; SPL from 2018.

Club captains

Geylang International FC has a rich tradition of captains who have embodied the club's ethos of resilience and community spirit, guiding the team from its roots in the 1970s to its professional era in the . Early leaders, often local icons and team founders, played key roles in establishing the club's dominance in the , winning three consecutive titles from 1975 to 1977 and later six championships between 1988 and 1993. One such figure was Gulam Mohammad, a pioneering captain in the mid-1970s, whose helped lay the foundation for the club's success during its formative years. In the professional S.League era starting in 1996, captains continued to influence on-pitch performance, with the club achieving its historic double that year by winning both the league title and the Singapore FA Cup. Subsequent leaders brought tactical acumen and motivational presence, particularly during periods of transition and competitive challenges. For instance, midfield stalwart Isa Halim captained the side from 2016 to 2017, leveraging his national team experience to stabilize the squad amid rivalries in the league. The role evolved in the 2010s and 2020s, with a mix of local and foreign players wearing the armband, emphasizing defensive solidity and team unity. Anders Aplin, a Singaporean defender, led as in 2018, marking a milestone as one of the club's homegrown talents to take on the responsibility during a season focused on youth integration. Darren Teh, another versatile defender, served as in 2019, rallying the team through a demanding campaign while also acting as in prior years to support senior leadership. Japanese defender Yuki Ichikawa held the captaincy from 2020 to 2021, becoming a long-serving symbol of stoic leadership with over 200 appearances for the club; his tenure emphasized disciplined defending and inspired the squad during the disrupted 2020 season affected by the . Goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam captained the team in 2022, providing stability and earning the SPL Golden Glove award that season. As of 2025, Joshua Pereira, a senior Singaporean defender, has been club captain since 2023, earning his first national team call-up that year for his commanding performances and contributing to the team's competitive standing in the league. The club's armband tradition underscores a blend of experience and passion, often shared with vice-captains like Teh in earlier years to foster collective leadership. Below is a summary of notable captains and their tenures:
YearsCaptainPositionNationalityNotable Achievements under Captaincy
1970sGulam MohammadForward/MidfielderSingaporeContributed to three straight National Football League titles (1975–1977); key in club's early professional transition.
2016–2017Isa HalimMidfielderSingaporeStabilized midfield during league campaigns; mentored young academy players.
2018Anders AplinDefenderSingaporeLed homegrown push; first Singaporean pro goal in a key win against Balestier Khalsa.
2019Darren TehDefenderSingaporeRallied team amid winless streaks; emphasized fan support for improved second-half performance.
2020–2021Yuki IchikawaDefenderJapanOver 200 appearances; anchored defense in pandemic-shortened season, scoring crucial goals.
2022Zaiful NizamGoalkeeperSingaporeProvided leadership post-pandemic; won SPL Golden Glove award.
2023–presentJoshua PereiraDefenderSingaporeNational team call-up; strong defensive showings in 2025 league matches.

Notable figures

Prominent players

Kadir Yahaya, a versatile defender and midfielder, was a cornerstone of International during the 1990s, contributing to the club's competitive edge in the S.League after its inception in 1996. His leadership on the field helped stabilize the team's defense during a transitional period for Singaporean football, and he earned national team call-ups from 1991 to 2000, including participation in the 1998 Tiger Cup victory. After retiring, Yahaya transitioned into coaching, focusing on youth development, and as of 2025, serves as Director of Football with the Unleash the Roar project. Rafi Ali emerged as a key leader for Geylang International in the and early , playing primarily as a central during his stints from 1992 to 1995 and later periods. Known for his all-around play and tactical acumen, Ali's contributions included helping the club secure domestic successes, and he represented internationally, notably in the 1998 Tiger Cup-winning squad. Post-retirement, he took on coaching roles within the club's youth setup, including head coach for the U13 team, before becoming interim head coach at Rovers as of 2025. Tomoyuki Doi defined Geylang International's attacking prowess during his tenure from 2023 to 2025, shattering records with 44 goals in 32 matches during the 2024/25 season, earning him the Player of the Season award. His prolific scoring, including multiple hat-tricks, propelled the team to a top-three finish for the first time in years. Doi's impact highlighted the club's strategy of leveraging international talent for offensive firepower before his departure to BG Pathum United after the 2024/25 season. Vincent Bezecourt has served as a midfield anchor for International since 2021, providing stability and creativity in central midfield despite overcoming an ACL injury in 2023. In the 2024 season, he recorded five goals and nine assists in 12 games, adapting to a deeper role that enhanced the team's build-up play. His consistent performances have been vital to the club's midfield dynamics in the . The influx of Japanese imports bolstered Geylang International's squad depth and technical quality, with players like Doi and Ryoya Taniguchi exemplifying this trend since 2023. Taniguchi, an attacking , provided supportive creativity from the shadows, contributing to key victories and earning a contract extension into the 2025/26 season. Several Geylang alumni, including Yahaya and , received national team honors, underscoring the club's role in nurturing Singaporean talent for international duty.

Influential managers

David Booth, an English coach, managed Geylang International FC (then known as Geylang United) from 1996 to 1998, marking the club's transition into professional football with the launch of the S.League. Under his leadership, Geylang won the inaugural S.League title in 1996 after defeating FC 2-1 in the championship playoff, attended by 30,000 fans at the National Stadium. Booth introduced tactical innovations such as a compact defensive structure combined with rapid transitions, which established a competitive style that influenced the club's identity in its formative professional years. Following his time at Geylang, Booth pursued coaching roles in with Salgaocar SC and in with Crown. Mohd Noor Ali has served as head coach of Geylang International since 2017, emerging as a revival specialist during a challenging period for the club. Renowned for his attacking philosophy emphasizing high-pressing and fluid forward play, Ali focused on youth development by integrating academy talents into the senior squad, fostering long-term sustainability. His strategies led to notable improvements, including a push for league revival in 2021 amid mid-season struggles and preparations for surprise performances in 2022 with a revamped lineup. Ali's tenure has yielded an average win rate of around 45% across seasons, with highlights like a 55% win rate in 2017, and as of 2025, he remains the league's longest-serving active coach. In 2025, Ali also coached the SPL Selection for the Sultan of Selangor's Cup. Aide Iskandar contributed to 's stabilization in the as from 2016 to 2017, providing strategic oversight during a phase of inconsistent results and managerial transitions. Drawing from his experience as of Singapore's U-23 team, Iskandar helped implement operational improvements and youth scouting protocols that supported the club's recovery efforts. His involvement emphasized defensive organization and player development, aiding a shift toward more balanced performances in subsequent seasons. After leaving , Iskandar took on advisory and directorial roles in football, including positions with Riau Capital Group and national team support staff.

International record

AFC competition participation

Geylang International first participated in AFC competitions in 1988, competing in the Asian Club Championship group stage and advancing to subsequent editions in 1989 and 1990, while also entering the in 1990 (reaching the second round) and 1991. Their performances in these early campaigns were mixed, with group stage exits and limited progress. Geylang International FC, formerly known as Geylang United, first qualified for AFC competitions through domestic success in the (SPL), earning spots in the Asian Club Championship via their 1996 title win. This led to their participation in the 1997–98 Asian Club Championship, where they entered the first round of the zone. After defeating FA 8–2 on aggregate in the first round, they faced Japanese champions in the second round, losing 1–6 away in the first leg and 1–2 at home in the second leg, exiting with an 8–2 aggregate defeat; the campaign highlighted travel challenges for Singaporean clubs, including long-distance journeys and adaptation to stronger Asian opponents. Their second major qualification came from the 2001 SPL title, granting entry to the qualifying rounds. advanced past Brunei's 7–0 on aggregate in the third qualifying round, but were eliminated in the fourth qualifying round by China's Shanghai Shenhua, losing 0–3 away and 1–2 at home for a 1–5 aggregate exit; this preliminary stage performance underscored persistent logistical hurdles, such as away fixtures in . Subsequent entries included the 2004 AFC Cup, where Geylang qualified as 2003 SPL runners-up and reached the semi-finals after topping their group with 13 points from six matches, including victories over (1–0 away and 2–1 home) and Island FC (5–0 and 1–0), despite mixed results against (2–3 home loss and 1–1 away draw). They fell 1–2 on aggregate to Syria's Al-Wahda in the semis (1–1 home draw, 0–1 away loss), marking their deepest run but also exposing defensive vulnerabilities in knockout play. In 2010, as 2009 winners, Geylang competed in the AFC Cup group stage, drawing 1–1 at home with and losing 2–3 at home to SHB , among other results, finishing third in Group H. The club entered the ASEAN Zone but saw their campaign cancelled due to the , with no matches played despite qualification via strong domestic form. Overall, Geylang's AFC record reflects limited deep progress, attributed to a primary focus on domestic competitions and resource constraints compared to wealthier Asian clubs.

Continental results summary

Geylang International FC, also known as Geylang United during some periods, has participated in (AFC) competitions since 1988, primarily in the Asian Club Championship (later AFC Champions League) and the AFC Cup, as well as the in the early . The club's continental campaigns have yielded a total of 40 matches, with 14 wins, 12 draws, and 14 losses, scoring 67 goals and conceding 70. Their best performance came in the 2004 AFC Cup, reaching the semifinals after topping Group E and defeating FA in the quarterfinals. The following table summarizes all known match results in AFC competitions:
YearCompetitionRoundOpponentScoreResult
1988Asian Club ChampionshipGroup StageRoyal Thai Air Force (Thailand)0–9Loss
1988Asian Club ChampionshipGroup StageBelait (Brunei)3–1Win
1988Asian Club ChampionshipGroup StageNIAC Mitra (Indonesia)1–1Draw
1988Asian Club ChampionshipGroup StagePahang (Malaysia)1–2Loss
1989Asian Club ChampionshipGroup StageAir Force (Malaysia)3–0Win
1989Asian Club ChampionshipGroup StageMuara FC (Brunei)5–1Win
1989Asian Club ChampionshipGroup StagePelita Jaya (Indonesia)1–4Loss
1989Asian Club ChampionshipGroup StageKuala Lumpur (Malaysia)2–4Loss
1990Asian Club ChampionshipGroup StagePelita Jaya (Indonesia)0–0Draw
1990Asian Club ChampionshipGroup StageBangkok Bank (Thailand)1–2Loss
1990Asian Cup Winners' CupFirst Round (1st leg)Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian (Indonesia)1–1Draw
1990Asian Cup Winners' CupFirst Round (2nd leg)Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian (Indonesia)2–2Draw (advanced 3–3 on away goals)
1991Asian Club ChampionshipFirst Round (1st leg)Pelita Jaya (Indonesia)2–1Win
1991Asian Club ChampionshipFirst Round (2nd leg)Pelita Jaya (Indonesia)2–2Draw (advanced 4–3 aggregate)
1991Asian Cup Winners' CupFirst Round (1st leg)Nissan (Japan)0–6Loss
1991Asian Cup Winners' CupFirst Round (2nd leg)Nissan (Japan)0–0Draw (eliminated 0–6 aggregate)
1997Asian Club ChampionshipFirst Round (1st leg)Selangor FA (Malaysia)6–1Win
1997Asian Club ChampionshipFirst Round (2nd leg)Selangor FA (Malaysia)2–1Win (advanced 8–2 aggregate)
1997Asian Club ChampionshipSecond Round (1st leg)Kashima Antlers (Japan)1–6Loss
1997Asian Club ChampionshipSecond Round (2nd leg)Kashima Antlers (Japan)1–2Loss (eliminated 2–8 aggregate)
2002AFC Champions LeagueThird Qualifying Round (1st leg)DPMM FC (Brunei)3–0Win
2002AFC Champions LeagueThird Qualifying Round (2nd leg)DPMM FC (Brunei)4–0Win (advanced 7–0 aggregate)
2002AFC Champions LeagueFourth Qualifying Round (1st leg)Shanghai Shenhua (China)0–3Loss
2002AFC Champions LeagueFourth Qualifying Round (2nd leg)Shanghai Shenhua (China)1–2Loss (eliminated 1–5 aggregate)
2004AFC CupGroup EEast Bengal (India)2–3Loss
2004AFC CupGroup EIsland FC (Maldives)5–0Win
2004AFC CupGroup ENegeri Sembilan (Malaysia)1–0Win
2004AFC CupGroup ENegeri Sembilan (Malaysia)2–1Win
2004AFC CupGroup EEast Bengal (India)1–1Draw
2004AFC CupGroup EIsland FC (Maldives)1–0Win
2004AFC CupQuarterfinals (1st leg)Perak FA (Malaysia)2–1Win
2004AFC CupQuarterfinals (2nd leg)Perak FA (Malaysia)3–2Win (advanced 5–3 aggregate)
2004AFC CupSemifinals (1st leg)Al-Wahda (Syria)1–1Draw
2004AFC CupSemifinals (2nd leg)Al-Wahda (Syria)0–1Loss (eliminated 1–2 aggregate)
2010AFC CupGroup HTai Po (Hong Kong)1–1Draw
2010AFC CupGroup HSHB Đà Nẵng (Vietnam)2–3Loss
2010AFC CupGroup HThai Port (Thailand)2–2Draw
2010AFC CupGroup HThai Port (Thailand)0–1Loss
2010AFC CupGroup HTai Po (Hong Kong)1–1Draw
2010AFC CupGroup HSHB Đà Nẵng (Vietnam)1–1Draw
Geylang International's deepest run was the 2004 AFC Cup semifinals, where they recorded 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses across 10 matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding 10. In the Asian Club Championship, their strongest showing was reaching the second round in 1997–98 after defeating Selangor FA 8–2 on aggregate. holds the club record for most goals in a single continental campaign, netting 5 in the 2004 AFC Cup. The club has not played in AFC competitions since 2010, though it qualified for the 2021 which was cancelled.

Controversies

Major incidents

In the post-season of 2016, Geylang International FC faced significant administrative challenges when the club decided not to pay December salaries to two players, sparking rumors of widespread player dissatisfaction and potential exodus. The decision was attributed to financial constraints following a fifth-place finish in the S.League, highlighting tensions in contract fulfillment and player retention. This incident drew media attention and raised concerns about the club's stability, though it was resolved without formal disputes escalating to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS). Another notable administrative controversy occurred in 2017 involving the club's partnership with for a soccer school initiative. Launched in 2016, the collaboration aimed to develop youth talent but ended after just one cycle due to disagreements between 's management, led by chairman Ben Teng, and the local operator Sinad Sports. The disputes centered on operational control and program direction, with Geylang withdrawing access to Bedok Stadium, leading to the program's premature end. This fallout underscored challenges in international partnerships for Singaporean clubs and was covered in local media without further legal action. In February 2018, Geylang International drew public attention for attempting to recruit foreign players through an online advertisement on , which was perceived as unprofessional. The ad was quickly removed following notice from authorities and media coverage, though the club later successfully signed international talents such as Yuki Ichikawa and Barry Maguire in subsequent seasons. In March 2019, lodged a formal complaint with the FAS alleging that officials from two rival clubs had engaged in "spying" by covertly observing the club's training sessions ahead of matches. The Eagles claimed this breached fair play principles, prompting an investigation. The FAS acknowledged the complaint, reminded all clubs of ethical guidelines on reconnaissance, but imposed no disciplinary measures, deeming the actions not malicious. Press conferences and FAS statements helped de-escalate the matter, emphasizing the need for transparency in league operations. In July 2024, during a match against United at , fans were allegedly heard directing monkey chants and racist remarks towards Tanjong Pagar's Malian forward Salif Cissé, who scored in the 5–3 defeat. Tanjong Pagar lodged a complaint with the FAS, highlighting concerns over spectator behavior. The FAS investigated the incident, issuing reminders on anti-discrimination policies, though no specific sanctions against Geylang supporters were reported.

Disciplinary issues

Geylang International FC has encountered various on-pitch disciplinary challenges involving its players, resulting in suspensions, warnings, and fines imposed by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS). These incidents often stem from violent conduct, reckless challenges, and unsportsmanlike behavior during matches. During the 2014 S.League season, the club experienced a notable accumulation of red cards among its players, marking a peak in disciplinary issues for that campaign. For instance, M. Manzur received a sending-off, contributing to the team's overall disciplinary record of multiple ejections. Such accumulations led to temporary player absences but did not result in broader club sanctions like points deductions. In 2017, following a mass brawl in a Division One match between Yishun Sentek Mariners and SAFSA that resulted in multiple suspensions for involved players, Geylang International Noor Ali publicly criticized the resurgence of such violent incidents in football. Ali described the event as a "return of brawling NFL teams," emphasizing the need for better to protect the sport's integrity, though no Geylang players were directly implicated. The FAS responded by suspending four SAFSA players, including three for post-brawl cards, alongside fines and bans for the opposing side. A significant player-specific sanction occurred in 2019 when forward Syahiran Miswan was handed a three-match suspension in the for elbowing an opponent during a league fixture. This ban highlighted ongoing concerns with aggressive play within the squad. More recently, in 2023, midfielder Syazwan Latiff faced FAS scrutiny for violent conduct in a FAS Centre of Excellence U21 League match against Tanjong Pagar United. In the 90+2 minute at , Latiff tussled and exchanged blows with opponent Farid Jafiri following a reckless tackle, leading to an official warning for bringing the game into disrepute. The opposing player received a three-month suspension for the same incident. In April 2025, during a encounter with Lion City Sailors, Geylang was reduced to ten men after a red card, altering the match dynamics from a 2-2 draw and resulting in minor cards for involved players. Assistant coach reactions underscored the need for composure under pressure, though no additional league sanctions beyond the immediate ejection were reported. These events have prompted internal rehabilitative measures for players, focusing on , while the club has consistently avoided severe penalties such as points deductions across its history of infractions.

References

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