Fandi Ahmad On Why He Believes Studies Are More Important Than Football In Singapore

Singapore football legend Fandi Ahmad,63, and his youngest son Iryan, 20, take centre stage on the latest episode of DNA, where they sit down with host Rebecca Lim to talk about life in the spotlight, what Fandi is like off the pitch, — and, of course, football.

For Fandi, the love for the game started early. He picked up football as a child and was already representing Singapore at youth level by 15 — the beginning of a career that would go on to define local football

Today, that passion runs deep within the family. Four of his sons — Irfan, 29, Ikhsan, 27, Ilhan, 24, and Iryan, 20 — have followed in his footsteps as professional footballers. Even his daughter Iman, 26, who chose showbiz instead, played the sport growing up.

In other words, football isn’t just part of the Fandi name — it is the Fandi name.

Which is why it might come as a surprise that when Becks asked whether studies or football mattered more, Fandi didn’t hesitate.

“In Singapore, studies are the most important for the kids. They have that to fall back on if they don’t make it, because not everyone can be a footballer,” he said.

Still, growing up under the weight of a legacy like his comes with its own set of pressures.

“It’s tough for them, but they have to learn because football is not an easy sport. You always have to be at that level, you cannot go down, and you must always carry the [Fandi] name, which is added pressure.”

“So I told them, once you step out of our house, you must be able to be disciplined, because people are watching,” he added.

And yes, the rules apply everywhere — even outside the pitch.

“I want to play catching at the mall also cannot,” Iryan chimed in with a laugh.

Fandi’s parenting style is straightforward but firm. Among the biggest no-nos? No smoking and no drinking — with the warning that “something” would happen if he ever found out.

More than rules, though, he has instilled a set of guiding principles he calls the 3Ds and 1S.

“The S stands for sacrifice, and the [3Ds are] determination, dedication, and discipline,” Iryan explained.

Those values aren’t just words — they’ve shaped real decisions. When his sons expressed their ambition to go pro, Fandi made it clear they would have to “sacrifice”.

To reach the next level, he encouraged them to leave Singapore for tougher training environments and higher-level competition — which is why, after completing national service, his sons headed to Europe.

And judging by where they are now, the approach has paid off.

Irfan currently plays for Thai League 1 side Port FC, while Ikhsan and Ilhan are also competing in the league — Ikhsan on loan at Ratchaburi FC from BG Pathum United, and Ilhan on loan at Buriram United from BG Pathum United.

Iryan, meanwhile, is plying his trade in the Singapore Premier League with the Young Lions, on loan from Hougang United, while completing his national service.

Photos: Mediacorp, wendyjacobs/IG

To watch the full episode, click here or scroll down to watch.