There’s no family that best demonstrates strength in numbers than the Fandi’s. Three generations of star players have given the family and our nation much to celebrate, with its youngest torch carriers trailblazing new paths. But according their lineage of powerful moves — whether in a match or beyond — to the genes they proudly carry would be a large disservice to the laurels each have earned on their own. A team works best when there is a common goal, and while the four who play football play for different clubs, they are all out to help each other win in life; the sole reason why their competitive streaks have instilled in them a natural disposition of sportsmanship that’s not just cool for their job, but also especially charismatic, valiant and even radiant in everyday life.
While both Ikhsan and Ilhan Fandi — second and third oldest amongst the Fandi sons — have matched pace at this point of their careers playing together for BG Pathum United F.C., they’ve gained experience on the field in different parts of the world, in their own times and on their own terms; Ikhsan in Chile and Norway, and Ilhan in Belgium. Since we last spoke to them in August 2023, they’ve become more established and confident in their stance, both emerging from injuries much stronger and driven than before. But these two in particular have also grown closer since then, living overseas and playing on the same field deepening their sibling bond, chemistry and connection in a way that was palpable even at the shoot for this story.
It is thus only fitting that the last of three Men’s Folio April-May 2025 digital covers is fronted by these two spirited, young men, Armani beauty’s Stronger With You campaign perfectly realised in this meeting. Immortalised here are Ikhsan and Ilhan’s current expression of brotherhood, kinship and a forever friendship — still steadily growing in and with grace, each other’s unwavering support and passion for the game their secret to winning plays on and off the pitch.
Ikhsan Fandi
What motivates you?
I’m always striving to be the best version of myself — and of course, I’m incredibly grateful for my family and friends who have supported me through it all.
What would a close friend say when asked about your strengths?
I think they would describe me as resilient and determined. I never give up, and I’m a loyal friend.
In your opinion, what makes someone a strong person? If you have someone in mind, could detail why you find them strong?
To me, strength means having the courage to take risks and fail, but more importantly, to get back up every time you fall.
How have you grown stronger as a player compared to you two years ago — since we last met you and your siblings?
I’ve grown stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually. Through my struggles and challenges, I’ve been able to learn a lot about myself.
When was the last instance you realised you had more strength and resilience in yourself than you expected?
Just a few weeks ago actually… It’s never easy to find your rhythm and flow again on the pitch after an injury. I had to stay patient, work hard, and be ready to seize any opportunity. I was rewarded with a goal — on my 26th birthday, no less.
How has pursuing sports made you a stronger person?
In sports, you face constant challenges: injuries, limited playing time, and disappointing results. But the strongest players always find a way to bounce back and show why they belong at the top.
What are words that give you strength?
The two words would be patience and discipline.
What makes your bond with Ilhan a strong one?
The fact that we’re on the same mission, aiming for the same goals. When one of us succeeds, the whole family does.
Last but not least, what aspects of yourself are you looking to strengthen in 2025?
One area I’d like to strengthen is my ability to maintain a healthy balance — between work and rest, ambition and contentment.
Ilhan Fandi
What motivates you?
My family and friends, who always believe in me, and all the people who doubt me — I love proving them wrong.
What would a close friend say when asked about your strengths?
I think a close friend of mine would say that I’m a very bubbly person, easy to get along with, a joker and in general a very happy guy. Always smiling and I guess it’s always a vibe to be around me.
In your opinion, what makes someone a strong person? If you have someone in mind, could detail why you find them strong?
Being strong means having a strong mentality and heart in whatever I do, be it in football or in life. Someone who I think embodies this is my beautiful mother; she has been through so many tough periods in life, and it’s her mind and heart that has got her to where she is today.
What do you think makes someone the strongest player on the football field?
Not fearing your opponent, having the courage to fight, and helping my team most efficiently by going into the game with only one thing on my mind — winning.
How have you grown stronger as a player compared to you two years ago — since we last met you and your siblings?
I think I’ve grown a lot physically and mentally as I’m older and more mature now. It was quite unfortunate for me to get a big injury during that time, so I think what I’ve learnt now is to appreciate what I have and to always remember that everything happens for a reason.
What about as an individual? How have you become a stronger person?
Definitely. Due to the injury, I started to look at life differently, and that change in perspective was made me mentally and physically stronger.
What do you think makes your family bond a strong one?
We are all very competitive with each other — even my mom and dad — so sharing the same mentality drives the family to do better.
What makes your bond with Ikhsan a strong one?
My bond with Ikhsan is very good. I think we have similar goals that we want to achieve, and I’m lucky to have him as my striker partner for club and country. We both also had to heal from an injury at the exact same time, so I believe having each other to lean on helped motivate us to get better faster, as well as allow us to grow closer to each other.
Last but not least, what aspects of yourself are you looking to strengthen in 2025?
I want to enjoy football and stay injury-free. Make my family proud, and appreciate the life I have.
Editorial Director Izwan Abdullah
Photography Chee Wei
Styling Manfred Lu
Interview Charmaine Tan
Grooming Natcha Tangmanus
Hair Chinnaglid Phetmunee
Production Assistant Ratchada Tuptimphet
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our April 2025 issue.