As an extension of the issue’s celebration of origins and roots, we invite footballers Jared Gallagher, Jordan Emaviwe and Lila Tan to revisit how they carefully let passions bloom into full-fledged careers, describing that moment, or the fine-tuning of a realisation that this was it. With special access granted by the hopeful glint of CHANEL Watches and Fine Jewellery, the trio run it back to where their heart started to sing at its loudest — the stadium.
Coco Crush necklace, CHANEL
J12 Watch Calibre 12.1, CHANEL
Jared Gallagher, 24
I think when I reflect on my journey in football so far, there are countless “pinch-me” moments that I can reflect on. Signing my first professional contract, my first chance to ever represent Singapore in front of my family, my first professional goal, etc. The list goes on and on, and for that reason exactly I’ve come to the realisation that the journey is the reward.
For each of those amazing moments, there have been at least 10 bad ones. The misery of heavy defeats, the heartache of missing out on National Team Call-Ups or the loneliness I felt whilst playing overseas.
These are all part of my journey in football so far, moments that have shaped me into the person and footballer I am today and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Coco Crush earcuff, Coco Crush choker, Coco Crush rings, all CHANEL
(on Jordan) J12 Watch Calibre 12.1, (on Lila) Coco Crush necklace, Coco Crush ring, Coco Crush bracelet, (on Jared) Coco Crush ring, Coco Crush bracelet, all CHANEL
Lila Tan, 23
I don’t think there was one single, definitive moment where I decided I wanted to play football competitively. Rather, it was a series of moments that kept propelling me back to the game. Growing up with three brothers who all played football, it was constantly around me. What started as a way to avoid feeling left out and join them for a kickabout slowly became something that felt like my own.
Between kicking a ball around as a kid and playing more competitively, football became part of my routine, part of my life. I realised it gave me something I couldn’t really find anywhere else. It challenged me physically, but more importantly, mentally, and it gave me a sense of purpose.
Looking back, I think I realised it was worth pursuing when I started making life-changing decisions centred around the sport. Moving countries, leaving behind family and familiarity, and stepping into an environment where I could continue growing as a player wasn’t easy, but it reminded me how much this dream means to me. If I’m willing to build my life around football, then I owe it to myself to see just how far I can go
Coco Crush earring (worn as earcuff), Coco Crush necklace, Coco Crush rings, all CHANEL
(on Lila) Coco Crush ring, (on Jordan) Coco Crush necklace, all CHANEL
(on Jordan) J12 Watch Calibre 12.1, (on Lila) Coco Crush necklace, Coco Crush ring, Coco Crush bracelet, (on Jared) Coco Crush ring, Coco Crush bracelet, all CHANEL
Coco Crush earring (worn as earcuff), Coco Crush necklace, Coco Crush rings, all CHANEL
Jordan Emaviwe, 25
I was introduced to football by my dad, who was a professional footballer himself. Some of my earliest memories are of kicking a ball around with him at the park near our house. At first it was just something we did for fun, but those sessions slowly became more structured. He started teaching me the fundamentals, pushing me to improve, and helping me understand the discipline that the game demands.
There wasn’t one defining moment where I suddenly decided I wanted to become a professional footballer. It happened gradually. As I got older, football stopped feeling like just a hobby and became something I genuinely loved. I looked forward to every training session, every match, and every opportunity to improve. The more I played, the more I realised I wanted to test myself at the highest level possible.
Looking back, I think the decision was made through all those small moments rather than one big one. Every training session with my dad, every game, and every challenge reinforced the same feeling: football was what I wanted to dedicate my life to.
Coco Crush bracelet, Coco Crush ring, all CHANEL
Coco Crush rings, all CHANEL
Editorial Director Izwan Abdullah
Photography Bing Bai
Videography Jaya Khidir
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Art Direction Danessa Tong
Illustrations Marisa Xin
Grooming Sha Shamsi
Hair Junz Loke
Photography Assistants Stills Network
Styling Assistants Laura Louis Hogiono
Art Assistant Jane Tan
Videography Assistant Shiro Kuan
Location Jalan Besar Stadium
Special Thanks Football Association of Singapore
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our August 2026 issue.