On the cover from left to right: Iman in Louis Vuitton Wool vest, leather skirt, leather boots, Twist MM leather shoulder bag. Irfan in Louis Vuitton Wool baseball jacket, jeans, LV trainer canvas sneakers
Humidity was at an all-time high on this swelteringly hot Saturday afternoon in the middle of June. Streaks of sunlight spilt through what could have been visible heat waves, but a shoot involving all five of the Fandi siblings — who live across multiple countries and timezones — was not going to happen on any other day, thanks to the scheduling magic of longtime family manager Adrian Oh.
On the cover from left to right: Ikhsan in Louis Vuitton Wool sweater, wool pants, LV trainer canvas sneaker. Ilhan in Louis Vuitton Cotton shirt with metal embellished collars, jeans, metal necklace, LV trainer canvas sneakers. Iryan in Louis Vuitton Wool sweater, wool pants, crystal embellished metal necklace, LV trainer canvas sneakers.
Irfan, Ikhsan, Iman, Ilhan and Iryan Fandi (in order of birth) — children of celebrated Singapore footballing icon Fandi Ahmad and South African model Wendy Jacobs — have collectively schooled and lived across Singapore, Indonesia, Chile, the UK, Norway, Belgium and Thailand since young. Couple that with the fact that Irfan, the oldest, is only turning 26 this month, and one can get a slight sense of why each sibling is able to take ownership of their futures from the young ages that they did.
From left to right: Ikhsan in Louis Vuitton Wool sweater, wool pants, LV trainer canvas sneaker. Iman in Louis Vuitton Wool vest, leather skirt, leather boots, Twist MM leather shoulder bag. Iryan in Louis Vuitton Wool sweater, wool pants, crystal embellished metal necklace, LV trainer canvas sneakers. Ilhan in Louis Vuitton Cotton shirt with metal embellished collars, jeans, metal necklace, LV trainer canvas sneakers. Irfan in Louis Vuitton Wool baseball jacket, jeans, LV trainer canvas sneakers, Keepall leather bag
Surely, it is easy to accord this as a result of their genes. Being children of two high-profile public figures comes with a lot of benefits. While learning the extent of their parents’ fame was slightly belated, these instances of “advantage” became especially apparent for all four boys who chose to follow in their father’s footsteps for a footballing career.
Today, Irfan and Ikhsan play for the Thai League 1 club BG Pathum United F.C., Ilhan is gearing up for his debut season with Belgian club K.M.S.K. Deinze, while the youngest, Iryan, plays for Singapore Premier League club Hougang United. Even Iman, who had grown up with the same disposition for physical activities, has now carved a name for herself in the local creator scene as a natural in front of the camera, on stage and off, citing an early interest in the field that came from tagging along when her mother went for photoshoots and other modelling gigs.
But the truth is, there is a lot more to prove once you are regarded as the “child of someone”. This August, we get up close and personal with the Fandi siblings to better understand who they are beyond their names and accolades.
Iman in Miu Miu Cotton shirt, cotton shorts, leather boots; Mikimoto V Code Necklace with Akoya cultured pearls. Ikhsan in Hermés Cotton tank top, cotton pants, cotton sandals; Mikimoto Japanned Noir necklace with Black South Sea cultured pearls, Japanned Noir bracelet with Black South Sea cultured pearls, Japanned Noir Talisman Glide bracelet with Black South Sea cultured pearls
Firsts in Football
Upon arrival, the sight of the siblings standing side by side was imposing, to say the least. Even if you do not know who they are, their toned physiques accompanied by undeniably good looks, are not a common sight in Singapore, especially when seen as a group. Thankfully, their radiant smiles are anything but unapproachable.
As they trickled in slowly, Irfan, the oldest and tallest of the quintet, stood outside the no-shoes studio, allowing the rest to enter before settling himself by the couch at the door to remove his sneakers.
He is noticeably more reserved than the rest on first impression, but an hour in and a Boost smoothie later reveals that he is quite the goofball. Despite standing at 1.89m tall — a height that is indicative of why he chose to go from playing as a striker to a defender on the football pitch — there is a charming ease to his posture and physique that explains why all the brothers have inherited the same passion for the ball sport, perhaps even if they did not have a celebrated footballing figure for a father.
“Football has always been part of my family. It all started with my dad having football clinics for youth, and we would all go down together to support,” said Irfan. “I was the first to play football — it just sort of grew on the rest after that.”
While it is a given in most instances to look up to older siblings as role models, Irfan clarifies that everyone is embarking on very different paths to become a footballer on their individual terms. They occasionally hit the gym together but rarely have all four boys train on the pitch.
“Being involved in football from a very young age meant that we often had to play with older boys and take responsibility for our training. Iryan, who is playing at Hougang (United), is experiencing that right now,” he said.
“Our targets to become footballers were all kind of set from a young age, and we were quite strict with it. Since we had no one to look up to for our paths, we just kind of figured it out on our own.”
Zegna Wool knit sweater; Mikimoto Baroque pearl necklace, Japanned Noir ear cuff with Black South Sea cultured pearls
If Irfan was reserved, Iryan, whose birthday falls on National Day, would be better described as quiet. But like Irfan, he casts a loving gaze whenever he looks towards his siblings and has in him a steely tenacity that can be felt in the sincere way he responds to questions not just from the interview but from those around him in the studio.
While he did join the football team while schooling at Anglo-Chinese School (Junior), he was plagued by fainting spells resulting from asthma. He frequented the hospital as a result and was cut from the team soon after. He later joined the rugby team instead at the suggestion of a friend.
“After seeing my brothers play (football), I tried to convert back to football because I wanted to be on the same pitch as them,” Iryan remarked.
His attempt to join the school football team again at Anglo-Chinese School (Barker) in Secondary three was rejected due to lack of technique, even with his asthmatic condition under control. Instead of being dejected, Iryan found the resolve to train until he eventually made the cut. “Now that I’ve played rugby, I have more strength for football and learnt to use my body better, to block and shield.”
Longtime family manager Adrian adds that he has not seen any brothers more committed to training — twice daily every day — as him.
No Pressure To Enter The Field
Despite their obvious athletic gifts and coming from a family well-connected with the professional football scene, Ikhsan, who is the second eldest and wears a gentle disposition, emphasises that he never felt pressure from his parents or siblings to pursue football professionally.
“Our parents always said that we could do whatever we wanted. But if we were to start something, we should put the hard work in and finish it and not be half-hearted. So it honestly would not matter if it was anything athletic or not — we just are,” he said.
“Sports is in our blood.”
Iman in Louis Vuitton Cotton rib tank top, cotton pants, leather heels. Irfan in Louis Vuitton Cotton kimono shirt, wool pants, LV trainer canvas sneakers. Ilhan in Louis Vuitton Denim jacket, jeans, metal necklace. Iryan in Louis Vuitton Wool baseball jacket, cotton cargo pants, leather boots, Keepall leather mini bag
Before joining BG Pathum United F.C. in mid-2022, the 24-year-old and Irfan were whisked away to Chile for a two-year stint with the Chilean Primera División club Universidad Católica before returning to Singapore to complete their National Service. At the height of the global pandemic, Ikhsan was stationed at Norway, where he joined Raufoss IL and FK Jerv later.
“We were always doing our own stuff growing up, chasing our dreams. Since I was 8, I’ve been constantly travelling. So when I’m overseas for work, I solely focus on what I am there for. I don’t have the time to miss my family,” before adding, “But I’m never too busy for family. I call them once in a while to let them know how I’m doing, and they appreciate that.”
“Although this is part of another conversation, being a footballer or athlete also means being mentally strong. We’ve been quite lucky to have been raised independently from the start, so no one saw the need to be constantly messaging each other daily for updates,” quipped Ikhsan.
Iman, the family’s only daughter and a refreshing, radiant presence in the dressing room, kindly explains further that time zone differences also make it hard for them to constantly update the family about their whereabouts and what they are doing.
“Our dad also experienced this himself, so he knows how important it is to be fully focused on football or work when you are abroad. Our parents are very open and understanding to us being in different places experiencing different cultures, which helps us stay on track with what we set out to do,” she said.
“Occasionally sending each other funny videos in the family group chat uplifts us and reminds us of who the joker is, so in some ways, we are never truly away from home.”
On Chasing Dreams
Throughout the interview, the word independent crops up again and again.
Iman also had a go at football while they lived in Indonesia, playing with the boys until her father stepped in to help start a girls’ team in her school. While she did eventually have a change of heart towards making sports her career — even after being scouted by the Singapore Sports School to join their track and field program at an interschool track meet — she knew that only she alone could make her wildest dreams come true.
Louis Vuitton Wool and leather dress, leather boots, Onthego PM leather bag
“Being the only girl at home meant I had to grow up and figure life by myself. It was more regular for me when it came to school, but when I was finishing up my studies, seeing my brothers already working at that age gave me the drive to pursue my goals,” she said.
Growing up, Iman followed her mother to photoshoots, so it is no surprise that she eventually developed an aptitude for modelling and being in front of the camera, so much so she is perfect for it. The air of confidence she carries with her every word and gesture is the answer as to why she emits a perpetual and endearing glow.
But music is what Iman was aiming for.
She joined The New Paper New Face modelling competition at the tender age of 14 and only told her mother about it after being accepted. While both her parents have been very supportive, they always remind her to stay grounded despite the highs that come with the occupation.
“My dad used to be very protective over me, even as I became a working teenager,” she said. “He would always say that I had to finish my studies as a backup plan, so I got my psychology degree.”
“Once I proved I could manage my time juggling school and work, music came shortly after. I was 19.”
Ilhan, who is getting ready for his debut season with K.M.S.K. Deinze in Belgium, is also not one to shy away from ambition. The extroverted and resident prankster of the Fandi siblings is lively on and off camera, with most of the banter coming from him. It is no surprise that he picked the reggae playlist blasting in the studio.
“I’m playing in Belgium because I want to play in Europe. I’m in Deinze now, but I want to play for bigger teams, so I’m trying to take it step by step,” he said. “My ultimate goal is to take all these experiences and learnings and apply them back home to help my national team. Representing my country is something I would love to do. Hopefully, I can still play in Europe at a higher level in the near future while representing Singapore.”
Zegna Wool sweater, wool pants; Kenzo Canvas hat; Mikimoto Pearl Necklace with Black South Sea cultured pearls
Just earlier this year, Ilhan suffered a serious knee injury and underwent surgery. This setback, however, has only spurred him on further. He has since been rehabilitating well, having resumed training in June while preparing for the new season starting in mid-August.
“Being part of this family comes with a lot of pressure. But I enjoy the pressure. That is what motivates me and makes me do even better.”
F is for Family
Travelling for football and other work aside, the Fandis also frequently visit their maternal family, who reside in Cape Town. They are, after all, half South African, and even if their presence in public does not emphasise this as much, they are very close to family that reside there — their own family’s close-knitted nature is largely influenced by the very family-oriented South African culture.
“My grandmother loves to throw big gatherings and barbecues we call braai in Afrikaans, and I love hiking and going to the beach there,” Iman commented. “It’s so nice that we get to experience another culture and community that we are a part of, and it just goes to show how much our family has absorbed from so many different places.”
And that is only one of the many aspects that make the Fandi family so much more impressive than their professional achievements. From a young age, all five have also cultivated the habit of giving back to the community by helping charities and underprivileged children whenever possible.
“When people think of “Fandi”, they think honourable, humble and respectful. I think we, as the children, can continue to build a great reputation for our family name by continuously giving back while we can,” said Ikhsan.
“I have a friend who does a great job building houses and feeding the poor in Bali. I’ve been trying to support that cause since I know a little donation can go a long way.”
The family also participates in community football events that bring children from all over Singapore to play football games for charity.
“Some of these less fortunate love football too, so that’s another way we can connect with them and brighten their day, to give hope and faith. Their smiles are always priceless.”
Ilhan in Zegna Wool sweater, wool pants; Kenzo Canvas hat; Mikimoto Pearl Necklace with Black South Sea cultured pearls. Irfan in Balenciaga nylon bomber jacket, jeans. Iryan in Balenciaga Cotton linen jacket, cotton linen pants, patent leather and vinyl boots.
This is why as much as their career choice is aligned with how the public might perceive to be the most obvious of decisions, they were not simple or light decisions made on a whim.
“We don’t get to choose the family we are born into, so we are very lucky to have such supportive parents that allow us to grow up and do what we want to. We will never be able to meet everybody’s standards of what we should be, but as long as we meet our own goals and are authentic to ourselves, that I think is the most important,” said Iman.
“As a family, we want to show people that you can reach your dreams with hard work. Of course, it takes a lot of motivation and courage, and you have to be mentally ready for the challenges, especially if you’re trying to make your dreams come true at such a young age. We do try, that’s why we don’t regret anything we have done in our lives.”
“We don’t even fight amongst ourselves because of this,” says Irfan. “Yes, we are competitive and do our best to win on the field, but as siblings, we are always more willing to help than compete with each other.”
So where do they see each other in the next five years? “Ilhan will probably have a few children already,” joked Irfan. Iman looked towards the ceiling with a shy smile. “I’ll be 28, so hopefully engaged or married?”
Ikhsan, Ilhan and Iryan all agree they will still play football. But where? “We’ll see where life takes us,” said Ikhsan. And wait, in patient excitement, we will.
Photography Chee Wei
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Grooming Sha Shamsi, Laea Hidayah, Nikki Fu | Makeupartist.inc
Hair Grego, Michelle | Hairfolio
Styling Assistants Cheryl Ong, Sadiq Shah, Manfred Lu
Set Assistants Danial Mirza, Kerk Jing Yi
Art Assistant Miao
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our August 2023 issue!
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