Forrest Li has given Singapore football a lift, but can he build a legacy that lasts?

Forrest Li has injected new life into Singapore football, but can he establish a lasting legacy? The billionaire turned football president is aiming to revitalize the sport after a period of public indifference and poor performance by the national team. His wealth and star power are seen as much-needed assets for the sport.

When Li assumed the presidency of the Football Association of Singapore in April 2025, he faced the challenge of an aging senior squad and a need for younger talent to step up. Within months, he rolled out a financial incentive structure to boost player motivation, including tripling win bonuses and nearly doubling local training allowances.

Singapore qualified for the Asian Cup in November 2025 for the first time on merit under interim coach Gavin Lee, earning a S$2 million prize from Li. Under Lee, the national team's win rate rose from 25% in 2024 to 40% in 2025 and 50% as of late 2026. However, there have been setbacks, including a 6-0 loss to Malaysia that highlighted areas for improvement.

Li's commitment to football extends beyond the national team. His company Sea Group pledged S$50 million to support the long-term development of football in Singapore. This funding aims to strengthen youth development, improve the domestic league, and make the game more inclusive. Former commentator Edwin Yeo acknowledges that while the jury is still out, Li's passion project shows promise.

Li's decision to appoint Lee as permanent head coach has generally been well-received. Lee's tactical discipline and emphasis on positional awareness have shown positive results, with the Lions conceding fewer goals in recent seasons. However, challenges remain, and analysts agree that Li's efforts to build a stronger football ecosystem are ongoing.