S'pore footballer Adam Swandi, 28, retires from pro football due to heart condition

Singaporean footballer Adam Swandi is retiring from professional football due to a heart condition.

According to a press release on Dec. 24, Lion City Sailors Football Club (Lion City Sailors) said that the 28-year-old had felt unwell during a Singapore Premier League (SPL) match with Tanjong Pagar United in September 2024.

Medical checks later revealed that the Lion City Sailors midfielder had cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease.

Condition may deteriorate if he continues playing football competitively

Adam, who was later substituted at half-time, was given immediate medical attention.

Although his condition improved, it was subsequently revealed that he had an underlying heart condition which makes it hard for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body.

According to Lion City Sailors, Adam is at an "extremely high risk" of experiencing a deadly "cardiac event" if he continues playing football competitively, as his condition may lead to more serious heart conditions such as heart failure.

"As a result, the ex-Singapore international has regretfully decided to end his decade-long professional football career," Lion City Sailors said.

Will explore "non-playing roles" with club

Adam, who had been the captain of the Singapore Under-15s, gained popularity in the 2011 Lion City Cup after his team won third place after beating Newcastle United and Juventus.

He had gotten a two-year contract with French Ligue 2 football club FC Metz and represented their Under-19 team.

His other achievements include playing for the Young Lions for two seasons upon his return to Singapore in 2015, being the first Singaporean to sign for Albirex Niigata, winning Young Player of the Year at the FAS Award Nite in 2018, and was part of Lion City Sailors' inaugural batch of players when it was first formed in 2020.

Upon his retirement, Adam is expected to explore technical and non-technical roles within the club.

Lion City Sailors chairman Forrest Li said: "As a club, we're committed to giving him all the love and support he needs as he transitions into his post-football journey, and we hope he will continue contributing to the club in other capacities."

"I know I have no regrets about my football journey": Adam

In a separate interview on Lion City Sailors website, Adam noted that his supporters had "pinned their hopes" on him to "elevate Singapore football to a higher level" since the beginning of the Lion City Club.

"I have to say it wasn't easy, but I never wavered in the face of challenges and have always given my best," he said.

He added that he has "no regrets about his football journey", despite others' opinions.

Adam said that apart from a professional footballer, he is also a husband and father, and that he understands that he has to prioritise his family and health.

"While I'm sad that I can't contribute to the club on the pitch anymore, I'm excited to help steer the ship in other areas," he said.

Adam added that he is "very thankful" for his career, and thanked the club for their support "every step of the way".

Top photos via Lion City Sailors Football Club/Facebook