Fandi Ahmad Calls Turning Down AFC Ajax His “Biggest Regret”

Singapore football legend Fandi Ahmad started his professional journey at just 16 — and never looked back.

Over a career spanning more than two decades, the former striker became one of the most recognisable names in local football, representing the Lions and playing for clubs across Asia and Europe before retiring in 1999.

Now 63, Fandi is still very much in the game. Beyond coaching and managerial roles, he continues to shape the next generation through the F17 Football Academy, which he founded in 2011 to train young footballers.

On the latest episode of DNA, Fandi sits down with his youngest son Iryan, 20,to revisit the defining moments of his career — and share the lesser-known stories behind the legend.

One of those moments came early on, when opportunity knocked from Europe.

While chatting with host Rebecca Lim, he recalled: “I was very lucky. When I was 16, I was offered to go to Ajax, but I couldn’t because I was still in school. After, when I was 18, I got offered again, and I went for the trial.”

AFC Ajax, one of the Netherlands’ most storied clubs, has produced some of football’s greatest names — making the offer a dream come true for the young Fandi.

Even more surreal? Getting to share the pitch with his idol.

“I’m very lucky because he’s my idol. I used to wear his national team number 14,” Fandi added, referring to the legendary Johan Cruyff.

During his trial, Fandi found himself among rising stars like Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten. The stakes were high, but in a moment that felt almost scripted, everything clicked.

He controlled the ball with his chest and scored with a stunning bicycle kick — a goal that instantly turned heads and earned him a contract offer the very next day.

It should have been the beginning of a dream chapter.

Instead, it became his biggest “what if”.

“[Not signing with] Ajax is my biggest regret. My grandmother was very old and when I came back she said, ‘please don’t go too far, just go [somewhere] in the region, because if you go, you won’t see me anymore,’” said Fandi.

When Rebecca noted how difficult that decision must have been, Fandi didn’t hesitate.

“Till today, [it’s still something I think about].”

He eventually signed with Indonesian club Niac Mitra, before later realising his European ambitions with FC Groningen in the Netherlands and OFI Crete in Greece.

For all the accolades and milestones, Fandi insists fame was never the goal.

“I never thought of being famous at all. I just loved to play.”

That love, however, was forged the hard way.

“But I knew [I loved football], because when I was young I played with the big boys — always fighting, getting punched, getting kicked, crying because they whack me. I went back thinking my mum would sympathise with me, but she also whack me. Last time our parents were different, they were wrestlers,” he added with a laugh.

Photos: Mediacorp, fandiahmadofficial/ Instagram

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