Geylang International FC Signs Diego Aspiras, Making Him the First Home-Grown Filipino Player in Singapore Premier League History

Geylang International Football Club today announced the signing of Diego Aspiras, a move that makes the young Filipino the first home-grown player from the Philippines to feature in the Singapore Premier League (SPL). The signing marks a new chapter for both club and player, and adds another layer to Geylang International’s growing reputation as a launchpad for rising Asian talent.

Aspiras arrives in Singapore with more than football pedigree behind him. He is the son of one of Philippine cinema’s biggest leading men of his generation, who went on to build a second career as a prominent national politician. His mother is one of the country’s best-known lifestyle entrepreneurs. Diego, however, has carved out his own lane entirely on the pitch, and now arrives at Geylang International ready to write his own story.

The move was brokered through a collaboration between Aspiras’ agents Rookbook Sports and movon, a brand-new transfer platform that bridges opportunities with players directly.

Geylang International head coach Noor Ali explained what drew the club to Aspiras and where he fits into the squad’s plans:

“He’s young and has good energy to bring to this year’s GIFC team,” said Ali on the decision to sign the 20-year-old. We signed Mark Hartman in 2017, so Diego is our second Filipino player, but the difference is Diego has long-term potential that we’re looking at. Maybe it’s a good platform for young Filipino players to get exposure in the SPL,” Ali said, hinting at a broader pipeline of talent the club could look to tap in the future.

On Aspiras’ early days in pre-season, Ali struck an optimistic but measured tone:

“He’s just started training, and it’s only pre-season, but he’s putting in 100 percent effort. Hopefully, when given the opportunity, he’ll grab it during our pre-season trip (in Cambodia).”

For Aspiras, the move to Geylang International is both a personal milestone and a statement of intent for Filipino football on the continental stage.

“Joining Geylang feels incredible,” Aspiras said. “To be part of a team of this caliber and to play alongside the players here, while having top coaches to guide me to the level I need to be at, will only help me grow as a player, on and off the pitch.”

Reflecting on how the move came together, Aspiras credited his support team:

“I joined Geylang with the help of my agent Vikram (Director of Marketing, Rookbook Sports), in collaboration with movon. They were the ones who got me this move.”

Looking ahead, Aspiras was clear-eyed about what he wants to accomplish this season – both individually and for the wider Filipino football community:

“My goals at Geylang are to have a great season with the team, and to develop and grow all aspects of my game. As well as that, I want to show that Filipinos can bring a lot to the table in football around Asia – that we can compete and perform at a high level.”

Aspiras has linked up with the rest of the Geylang International squad for their pre-season tour of Cambodia as he looks to kick off his time with the Eagles with a flying start.