We take a look at some of the country's finest talents born in the 21st century
Singapore might not have had too many superstars throughout its young history, but there's no denying we've seen some truly exciting players donning the jersey of the national team.
The legendary Fandi Ahmad dancing past opponents was a sight to behold, while Nazri Nasir leading the Lions to AFF Cup glory in 1998 is something most Singaporeans still fondly remember. The likes of Daniel Bennett and Mohd Noh Alam Shah were instrumental in more AFF Cup success in 2004 and 2007, with Shahril Ishak one of the shining lights in 2012.
It have been dark days for Singapore since, though, regardless of the presence of the supremely talented Hariss Harun.
The Lions failed to make it through the group stages at the AFF Cup in 2014, 2016 and 2018 and have started to build on a new team, with promising youngster Ikhsan Fandi quite possibly the standout performer in Singapore's most recent outings.
From Hariss Harun to Khairin Nadim — Meet Singapore Premier League's youngest debutants
It might be upon the next generation to turn Singapore into a force to be reckoned with again, however, as there are a number of hot prospects around in the game who were all born after January 1, 2000.
We look at some of the best players around in that age category as we present #NxGnSg, the wonderkids representing the future of Singapore.
First up on the list, and probably the biggest name of the lot, is the Young Lions’ energetic striker, Ilhan Fandi. The third son of Singapore football legend Fandi Ahmad, Ilhan is looking to make waves in the local game, having made his league debut last season.
Aged just 17, the young attacker already has experience playing abroad, having turned out for the i2i Football Academy in England, a prestigious youth setup with links to Leeds United.
With three goals in his first five appearances for Young Lions, Ilhan will look to follow in the footsteps of his two older brothers Irfan and Ikhsan, who play for Thailand’s BG Pathum United and Norway’s Raufoss IL, respectively.
FULL STORY:'Being in the UK on my own was tough, but I just needed to suck it up and deal with it' — Inside the life of Singapore's star in the making Ilhan Fandi (exclusive)
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Farhan Zulkifli | 10-11-2002 | Hougang United
Already a household name in Singapore football despite his relative inexperience, 17-year-old Farhan Zulkifli became the SPL’s second-youngest goalscorer when he netted on his debut against Home United in 2019.
Farhan has already been called up by the national team and was described as a “player who can bring the ball 30m” by Singapore manager Tatsuma Yoshida.
Having started Hougang’s SPL opener against Young Lions and been selected for centralised training with the national team, 2020 could be a huge season for Farhan.
FULL STORY:From NFA rejection to Singapore call-up aged 16 — Inside the meteoric rise of Hougang hotshot Farhan Zulkifli
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Marc-Ryan Tan | 08-01-2002 | Young Lions
Yet another youngster with familial football heritage, Malaysia Cup hero Steven Tan’s son, Marc-Ryan, seems to have the world at his feet. Fleet-footed and nimble, the winger has displayed the quality and willingness to take players on and provide the X-factor for his side.
Having trained with the academies of English sides West Ham, Wolves, Stoke and Charlton back in 2016, Marc-Ryan now plays for the Young Lions in the SPL, and made his professional debut in March when he came off the bench against Geylang International.
With his sights set firmly on the national team, the 18-year-old could be set to form a lethal partnership with Ilhan Fandi in the Young Lions strikeforce this season.
FULL STORY:Meet Marc Ryan Tan — The globetrotting youngster who models his game on Sterling
Zikos Chua | 15-04-2002 | Geylang International
Looking to recover from a serious ACL injury sustained last August, Singaporean-Greek striker Zikos Chua will once again don the green and white kit of Geylang in the SPL this season. Having already notched five goals in 13 games for Geylang, the Ultras Eagles will be eagerly awaiting the return of their 17-year-old starboy to the fold.
A strong, physical striker with an instinctive ability to finish, Zikos displayed his prowess in front of goal on numerous occasions for both club and country, having made 13 appearances for Singapore’s age-group sides and scoring eight goals.
As his return from injury nears, it is hoped that the 1.84m centre forward will be able to recapture the form that made him one of Singapore’s brightest young talents.
FULL STORY:Meet Zikos Chua: Singapore's very own Greek god in the making inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo
