The quick and meteoric rise of Lion City Sailors full-back Akram Azman in 2025 has been one of the most remarkable stories in Singapore football this year.

In just three months, the 24-year-old has gone from battling at the foot of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) with Tanjong Pagar United to establishing himself as a key figure in a Sailors side chasing silverware on multiple fronts. His rapid ascent was further underlined by a maiden call-up to the Singapore national team, where he earned his first senior caps against Hong Kong and Nepal in the recent international window.

“I think it’s definitely an exceptional feeling as a footballer – I’ve always wanted to represent my nation,” said Akram. “But that being said, as we return to club duties now, the main focus will be on the club and its objectives for the rest of the season.”

Life has changed dramatically for the full-back, who now finds himself enjoying minutes for the Sailors in three competitions – including one of the most prestigious tournaments in Asian football.

Having captained Tanjong Pagar United twice against the Sailors earlier this season, Akram’s first league appearance for his new club came full circle – with a debut against his former side. And in a twist of fate, his first and only goal for the Sailors so far also came against the Jaguars, this time in the Singapore Cup.

The full-back has since made his continental bow, coming on as a substitute in the second leg of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Round of 16 clash against Muangthong United – a clear marker of how far he has come in such a short space of time.

“Since moving to the Sailors, the expectations are a lot higher and it’s important to get myself in the right mindset for matches,” shared Akram. “So, in terms of mental preparation, just staying strong and knowing my role as a player is much more important than anything else.”

“I try not to worry about things beyond my control – instead, I focus on what I can control. The things I do on the pitch directly affect my performance, and that’s where I put all my energy.”

The focus now shifts to this Sunday’s SPL clash against the Young Lions – a side Akram knows well, having started his professional career with them.

Back in the 2019 season, the then-18-year-old made his SPL debut for the developmental side in a 4-1 defeat to Balestier Khalsa. Fast forward nearly six years, and Akram is now set to take to the pitch for the Sailors against his former club.

“I think there’s no difference from any of the preparations we’ve done throughout the season,” said Akram. “We’re really just focusing on getting the wins, one match at a time. So yes, we’re all set – and the preparation has been amazing.”

The Sailors currently sit four points clear at the top of the SPL, with two games in hand over nearest challengers BG Tampines Rovers. But they are not taking anything for granted ahead of Sunday’s clash, especially against a Young Lions side brimming with confidence after a stunning 7-1 Singapore Cup victory over defending league champions Albirex Niigata (S) a week ago.

Kaisei Ogawa was the standout performer with four goals, while Sailors loanee Bill Mamadou impressed across the full 90 minutes in central defence.

Akram is under no illusions about the challenge ahead, even as the Sailors look to stretch their unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions.

“They’re a young team full of energy. Technically, they’re sound – and most of them have decent league experience, if not all. It’s important that we get our mindset right to face them and we need to be at our best to defeat them,” noted the Sailors full-back.

“In terms of the challenge, we expect them to try and wear us down with their energy. But apart from that, our approach remains the same – we prepare well and look forward to getting the job done like we do in every other game.”

Once Sunday’s SPL clash with the Young Lions is over, attention will swiftly turn to a massive midweek showdown — the Sailors’ ACL Two semi-final first leg clash against Australian giants Sydney FC, which will take place at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday, 9 April.

The A-League outfit arrives with a major name in tow: former Juventus and Bayern Munich star Douglas Costa. The Brazilian winger has lifted multiple Serie A and Bundesliga titles, and was part of the Bayern side that won the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup.

For Akram, the stage may soon be set for the next chapter in his remarkable 2025 story. And while the opportunity to go head-to-head with a player of Costa’s pedigree is one to savour, the 24-year-old remains laser-focused on the task at hand.

“I’m not thinking that far ahead just yet – the focus is on Sunday, not Wednesday,” said Akram. “But of course, it would be a great experience to play against someone like Douglas Costa – a big star, a big-name player coming to Southeast Asia. It would be wonderful to go up against him.”

That said, Akram is not planning to change his routine when the Sydney game comes around.

“I’ll be my usual self – having my lunch about five hours before kick-off, and a can of Red Bull if I’m starting. That’s the routine,” he said with a smile.