Stand a chance to catch Vinicius Jr, Takefusa Kubo & other players at The Kallang on Nov. 13, 14 & 17

How good are we against the best?

That’s what the upcoming Mizuho Blue Challenge - The Kallang Football Series Singapore will let us find out.

With world-class Brazilian, Japanese & Paraguayan stars on show, we’ll be able to see just how far Gavin Lee’s boys have come against some of the very best in the world.

Here’s who you should keep an eye on during the tournament.

Vinicius Jr.

The Brazilian winger has been considered one of the very best players in the world for a few years now.

In 2024, he finished 2nd in the Ballon D’or — a trophy awarded to the world’s best player — behind Spain’s Rodri. Though many (including 5-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo) felt that Vinicius should have been the rightful recipient.

With lightning pace and a bag of tricks, Rhyhan Stewart & co will face an enormous task against the Real Madrid star, who is certainly one of the most exciting talents that local fans will hope to see up close at The Kallang this November.

Takefusa Kubo

It’s easy to see why Kubo was once dubbed the “Japanese Messi”.

With a wand of a left-foot, close control & low centre of gravity, Kubo certainly has the familiar characteristic qualities befitting of such a venerated comparison.

Coming through the ranks of Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy, great things have been expected of the 25-year-old for most of his career.

While a move to Real Madrid in 2019 did not represent the breakthrough to superstardom that many Japanese fans hoped for, Kubo has gone on to impress in Spain’s top-flight for various teams, and is currently plying his trade at Real Sociedad, as one of their most important players.

Even amongst a nation with technically-outstanding players, Kubo’s talent will surely catch the eye if he graces the grass of The Kallang.

Julio Enciso

If you are a fan of Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City, the name Julio Enciso might trigger some traumatic memories.

“La Joya” — as he is known back home in his native Paraguay — has a penchant for producing incredible long-range strikes, especially against big name opposition.

Having featured in the Premier League first for Brighton & Hove Albion and now for Ipswich Town, Enciso is undoubtedly one of Paraguay’s leading lights.

Here’s hoping that Singapore fans will get to witness one of his signature screamers at The Kallang.

Nathan Mao

Do you remember the 2008 financial crisis? Nathan Mao doesn’t, he was just born.

What were you doing at 15? Nathan Mao was stepping onto the field for Lion City Sailors to become the youngest-ever debutant in Singapore Premier League history.

Having your first beer at 18? Not Nathan Mao, the only liquid he was involved with was probably his father’s tears when he pulled on the National Team shirt for the first time against Bangladesh in March.

Aside from making this writer feel very very old, the teenage attacker has also shown a keen eye for goal and tactical maturity beyond his years, despite the little time he has experienced in professional football.

Currently a full-time National Serviceman, this writer’s hopes are high that he’ll also be serving the nation in the form of goals and assists for the National Team.

One to watch, for sure.

Make The Kallang Roar great again

The Mizuho Blue Challenge is the opportunity to witness some of the world’s best footballers in the flesh, a privilege that fans should not take for granted.

As the last chance to see the Lions at home before their Asian Cup campaign kicks off in December in Saudi Arabia, come give your support and help rekindle the famous Kallang Roar.

Short on time? Two matches are playing out back-to-back on the third matchday, which means you can catch all four teams and their stars in action with just one ticket on Tuesday, 17 November.

13 Nov: 8pm - Singapore vs Paraguay

14 Nov: 6:15pm - Japan vs Brazil

17 Nov: 6pm - Singapore vs Brazil | Japan vs Paraguay

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at S$28.

Note that player line-ups are to be confirmed & subject to change.

This branded article made this writer try to pull on some boots last weekend and now he is injured for six months