Irfan Fandi

Irfan bin Fandi Ahmad (born 13 August 1997), more commonly known as Irfan Fandi or mononymously as Irfan, is a Singaporean professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Thai League 1 club BG Pathum United and the Singapore national team.[2] Earlier in his career, he played as a striker and a winger before converting into a centre-back. In 2013, he was listed as one of Goal.com's Top 20 Southeast Asian Rising Stars.[3] In 2014, Irfan was also named as one of the top 40 best young talents in world football on The Guardian.[4][5]

In this Malay name, there is no family name. The name Fandi is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Irfan.
Irfan Fandi
Irfan playing for Singapore in 2018
Personal information
Full name Irfan bin Fandi Ahmad[1]
Date of birth (1997-08-13) 13 August 1997
Place of birth Singapore
Height 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)[2]
Position(s) centre-back, winger, striker
Team information
Current team
 BG Pathum United
Number 17
Youth career
2012–2013 National Football Academy
2013 Hércules
2014 Barnechea
2014–2015 Universidad Católica
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2015 Universidad Católica 1 (0)
2015 Young Lions 9 (2)
2016–2017 Home United 25 (6)
2018 Young Lions 18 (2)
2019– BG Pathum United 85 (7)
International career‡
2015–2019 Singapore U22 7 (1)
2014–2019 Singapore U23 32 (8)
2016– Singapore 46 (2)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Singapore
Merlion Cup
Winner2019 Singapore
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:06, 21 August 2023 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 20:32, 30 December 2022 (UTC)

Irfan began his footballing career by going through the youth system at the National Football Academy (NFA), with subsequent stints and trials at various clubs before debuting as a professional at the age of 18 at top tier Chilean Primera División side Universidad Católica in 2015.[6] Although Irfan was offered a two-year contract by the club, he rejected it to return to Singapore. For the next three years, Irfan played for local clubs the Young Lions and Home United.[upper-alpha 1] Around this time, he went on trials with Dutch Eredivisie side FC Groningen and Portuguese Primeira Liga side S.C. Braga, rejecting a contract offer from the latter.

In 2018, Irfan signed for Thailand's BG Pathum United FC prior to the 2019 Thai League 2 season, where he was instrumental to the club's immediate promotion back to the Thai League 1 and soon after when the club become the Champions of Thailand during the 2021–22 Thai League 1 season – becoming the first Singaporean to win Thailand's top tier league trophy.[7] During their title winning season, Irfan led BG Pathum's defence with the club only losing a single game the entire season, while conceding just 11 goals in 24 matches and keeping 15 clean sheets.[8]

Irfan made his senior international debut for Singapore in 2016, with a single goal as a centre-back coming against Turkmenistan in 2017, and earning 38 caps as of 2022. He has represented his country at various international tournaments, including the 2018 and 2020 AFF Championships, the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification as well as the AFC 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds.

Early life and family

Irfan was born on 13 August 1997 in Singapore. Irfan is the eldest son of Singaporean footballing legend Fandi Ahmad and South African former model Wendy Jacobs. He has four siblings, younger brothers Ikhsan, a club teammate who plays for BG Pathum United as well as Ilhan, who plays for Deinze and Iryan, who plays for Hougang United and the other being his sister Iman.[9] His grandfather, Ahmad Wartam, was an ex-national goalkeeper.[10] Hafiz Abu Sujad and the national team's physiotherapist Nurhafizah are the cousins of his father Fandi Ahmad.[11]

Club career

Youth

Irfan started his career by going through the youth system of the National Football Academy (NFA).

In March 2013, Irfan had an opportunity to secure his first overseas stint, which was supposed to be with Hércules, a second-tier Spanish professional club. However, he failed to secure a contract with the club due to visa issues.[12] He later joined Chilean side A.C. Barnechea, signing a two-year contract with the Chilean Primera División club.[13]

Universidad Católica

Irfan then joined Chilean Primera División club Universidad Católica in 2014 and made his first team debut the following year, appearing from the bench for the club's senior team in the 81st minute, when Universidad Católica were leading 4-0 against San Luis de Quillota.[14] However, Irfan later rejected a two-year contract from the club in order to return to Singapore and fulfil his National Service obligations.[15]

Young Lions

On 5 March 2015, it was announced that Irfan would join S.League side Young Lions for the 2015 S.League season on a six-month contract.[16][17][18] On the same day, he was immediately named in the starting line-up to face Tampines Rovers, due to an injury suffered by Shakir Hamzah.[19]

Home United

In January 2016, it was announced that Irfan signed a two-year contract for Home United for the upcoming 2016 S.League season along with his brother, Ikhsan. He scored a brace against Balestier Khalsa in only his second start of the season after being away for most of the season due to National Service commitments.[20]

On 14 March 2017, Puma was revealed to have signed Irfan on a two-year sponsorship deal. Irfan's former Chilean club, Club Deportivo Universidad Católica was also reportedly interested in re-signing him following the completion of his national service.[15]

Irfan scored his first goal for the 2017 S.League season in a 0–2 victory over Hougang United, later following up with his first at the continental level, scoring in the 24th minute against Yadanarbon F.C. to give his side a 3–0 lead in an eventual 4–1 win.[21] The win saw Home United become the first side to advance to the zonal semi-finals.[22] Irfan was later nominated for the S.League's Young Player of the Season award.[23] His performances also drew the attention of Thailand's BG Pathum United, which he would eventually sign for, and was offered also offered a trial with English side Leeds United in December 2017.[24][25]

Return to Young Lions

Irfan returned to join the Young Lions after his national service for the inaugural 2018 Singapore Premier League season.

Trials in Europe

In February 2018, Irfan, together with his brother, Ikhsan, went on trials at Eredivisie club, FC Groningen in which his father, Fandi Ahmad who used to play for the club.[26] He also went on another trial with Portuguese top-tier side, S.C. Braga, and was later offered a two-year deal, with the club retaining the option to extend the contract by two additional years. Irfan rejected the offer, citing that he felt lonely and homesick during his brief stint with the club. He also added that the clause of having to fork out a hefty compensation of 15 million euros should he decide to leave the club during the contract was one of the other reasons that he did not accept it.[27] Irfan eventually rejoined the Young Lions and ended the season with 22 appearances with 3 goals.

BG Pathum United

On 11 November 2018, it was confirmed that Irfan would join BG Pathum United to fill up the club's ASEAN slot for the 2019 Thai League 2 season. Irfan agreed to join the Thai side despite their relegation as they had been interested in signing him for two years.[28][29] In his first season, he helped BG Pathum to win the Thai League 2 title which helped the club to secure promotion back to the Thai League 1.[30]

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors interest

In December 2021, South Korea's reigning champions Jeonbuk Hyundai is interested in Irfan in which BG Pathum and Jeonbuk met in the AFC Champions League in September 2021, with Irfan putting up a solid performance in the Thai side's defence. According to The Straits Times, a Jeonbuk agent had asked for Irfan's number a day after the match. Following Jeonbuk's interest, BG Pathum's chairman, Kawin Bhirombhakdi requested no less than 30 million baht (S$1.23 million) for Irfan's transfer fee but Irfan told Straits Times that he respected his club's decision, having been able to grow on and off the pitch at the club.[31][32]

Thai League 1

Irfan was sent off in the first half of his first top-flight game in Thailand, when BG Pathum trailed Muangthong United 1–0. The club eventually won the game 2–1.[33]

The following season after winning Thai League 2 title, Irfan became the first Singaporean to win the Thai League 1 title after his club swooped to the title having garnered an unassailable 19-point cushion over second-placed Buriram United, with six games left.[8][34] Irfan was key to their triumph with the defence having only conceded just 11 goals in 24 matches, while keeping 15 clean sheets.[8]

Irfan won his fourth silverware in the form of the 2022 Thailand Champions Cup with BG Pathum in a 3-2 win over Buriram.[35] He helped the team to finished as group leaders in the 2022 AFC Champions League which see the club qualified to the Round of 16 in which Irfan managed to keep a clean sheet in the entire game in a 4-0 win against Hong Kong club, Kitchee SC. The club than progressed to the quarter-finals for the first time in the history of the tournament in which they lost against eventual cup winners, Urawa Red Diamonds where Irfan played the full 90’ minute.

On 22 August 2023, Irfan played the entire 90' minute match in the 2023–24 AFC Champions League qualifying play-offs against Shanghai Port at the Pudong Football Stadium in which BG Pathum won the game 3-2 thus qualifying straight to the group stage.

International career

Youth

Irfan was part of the Singapore U16 side in the 25th edition of the Canon Lion City Cup held in 2013, impressing against Arsenal U15 and Eintracht Frankfurt U15.[2][3] He made his Singapore U23 debut on 14 February 2015, scoring against the Japan U22s, and was selected by coach Aide Iskandar for the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.[36][37]

Senior

In September 2016, Irfan was called up by national team coach V. Sundramoorthy for the friendlies against Malaysia and Hong Kong on 7 and 11 October respectively. He made his debut for the senior national team against Hong Kong at the Mongkok Stadium.[38] He earned his second cap in a friendly against Afghanistan before securing his first start against Bahrain in Singapore's first third-round match of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification, helping the Lions earn a 0-0 away draw.[39][40]

Irfan was selected as part of the Singapore Selection squad for The Sultan of Selangor's Cup to be held on 6 May 2017.[41] He also made his AFF Championship debut in the 2018 iteration on 9 November, with a 1–0 win over Indonesia.

Irfan received a call up to the national team for a friendly against Afghanistan and the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches held in Riyadh against Palestine, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia along with brothers, Ikhsan and Ilhan. This was the first time all three brothers of were called up.[42]

On 25 December 2021, in the second leg of the 2020 AFF Championship semi-final match against Indonesia, Irfan was controversially sent off in the 67th minute after tackling down Irfan Jaya for allegedly denying a goalscoring opportunity.[43]

On 26 March 2022, against Malaysia, Irfan played alongside his younger brothers Ikhsan and Ilhan. It was the first time that the three Fandi brothers played in the same match for the national team together. It was also the first time in Singapore's history to have three brothers playing for the national team.[44] The Singapore team won 2–1 thanks to a brace from his younger brother Ikhsan.[45]

On 27 December 2022 of matchday 3 in the 2022 AFF Championship group stage, he scored his 2nd goal for Singapore against Laos with a diving header.

Personal life

Irfan attended the Singapore Sports School at Woodlands.[46]

Irfan, along with his brother Ikhsan, served their National Service (NS) obligations for the Singapore Police Force (SPF) while Ikhsan served in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) from 2016 to 2018. During their stint, they had continued to play and train professional football under the Sportsmen Scheme by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) that gives special dispensation for local athletes with flexible timetables for sports events – including representing Singapore at international competitions.[47][48]

Career statistics

Club
As of match played 27 April 2023.[49]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Asia Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Young Lions 2015 S.League 920000—92
Total 9200000092
Home United 2016 S.League 820000—82
2017 S.League 17420007[lower-alpha 1]1265
Total 256200071347
Young Lions 2018 Singapore Premier League 1820000—182
Total 182000000182
BG Pathum United 2019 Thai League 2 274104200326
2020–21 Thai League 1 191000000191
2021–22 Thai League 1 25130105[lower-alpha 2]0341
2022–23 Thai League 1 121304120212
Total 83770937010610
Career total 13517909314115221
  1. Appearances in the AFC Cup
  2. 1 appreance in the 2021 AFC Champions League and 4 appearances in the 2022 AFC Champions League

International
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Singapore 201610
2017101
2018100
201950
2021100
202291
Total452

International caps
No Date Venue Opponent Result Competition
5 5 December 2021 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Myanmar 3–0 2020 AFF Championship
6 8 December 2021 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Philippines 2–1 2020 AFF Championship
7 14 December 2021 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Timor-Leste 2–0 2020 AFF Championship
8 18 December 2021 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Thailand 0–2 2020 AFF Championship
9 22 December 2021 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Indonesia 1–1 2020 AFF Championship
10 25 December 2021 National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore  Indonesia 4–2 2020 AFF Championship

International goals
Scores and results list Singapore's goal tally first.[50]
NoDateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
110 October 2017Köpetdag Stadium, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan Turkmenistan1–11–22019 AFC Asian Cup qualification
227 December 2022New Laos National Stadium, Vientiane, Laos Laos1–02–02022 AFF Championship

International U23 goals
NoDateVenueOpponentResultCompetition
121 February 2015Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore Syria1–2U23 International Friendly
214 February 2015Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore Japan1–8U23 International Friendly
331 March 2015New Laos National Stadium, Laos Mongolia2–22016 AFC U-23 Championship qualification
431 March 2015New Laos National Stadium, Laos Mongolia2–22016 AFC U-23 Championship qualification
523 May 2015Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore Laos5–1U23 International Friendly
629 May 2015Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore Timor-Leste2–0U23 International Friendly
720 June 2018National Stadium, Singapore Myanmar0–2Friendly
826 March 2019MFF Football Centre, Mongolia Mongolia3–12020 AFC U-23 Championship qualification
95 December 2019Rizal Memorial Stadium, Philippines Brunei7-02019 Southeast Asian Games

Honours

BG Pathum United

International

Singapore U-22

Individual

Notes
  1. Home United has been known as the Lion City Sailors since 2019.

References
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  4. Blight, Garry (14 October 2014). "Next Generation 2014: 40 of the best young talents in world football". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
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  51. https://www.instagram.com/p/CvWrALUN-1a/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f9945921-f106-404d-838a-a86905ebc18d&ig_mid=726101B7-9C23-49E1-B79F-DD16DA416CE7. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
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