Signing for FC Vizela, Khairin Nadim joins a list of young starlets pursuing their footballing dreams in Portugal, including his former teammate Nur Muhammad Asis
Singaporean Lion City Sailors attacker, Khairin Nadim secured a move on Wednesday (5 February) to Portuguese second-division side FC Vizela on a one-and-a-half-year deal, a move that will take the 20-year-old's talents to one of the world’s top footballing nations.
Khairin’s burgeoning potential has been evident since his historic debut in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) at just 15 years and 298 days with the Young Lions in March 2020 — making him the youngest-ever player to feature in the league at the time. While that record has since been surpassed by Raoul Suhaimi in 2021 and Nathan Mao in 2023, Khairin remains the third-youngest debutant in SPL history.
A trailblazer in more ways than one, Khairin still holds the record as the second youngest Singaporean to score in the SPL, netting his first goal against BG Tampines Rovers at 16 years and 194 days. He also became the youngest player ever to reach five SPL goals at 16 years and 316 days—an achievement that underlines his knack for making an impact on the big stage.
Khairin’s journey with the Sailors began when he joined the Sailors Academy, where his skills were further honed and refined, laying the foundation for him to become the dynamic, versatile attacker he is today.
With the help of his club, Khairin managed to secure the opportunity to trial—and subsequently impress—with the Portuguese club.
Having signed a contract that runs until 30 June 2026, Khairin will feature primarily for Vizela’s Under-23 squad that competes in the Liga Revelação, while being closely monitored by the first-team coaches.
Vizela’s first team currently competes in Liga Portugal 2 (LigaPro), where they sit eighth in an 18-team league that includes the B teams of Benfica and FC Porto.
Vizela has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth development, with 16 of their Under-23 players featuring for the first team over the past four years — a pathway that Khairin will be determined to follow. Vizela’s current top scorer, Prosper Obah, was part of the club’s Under-23 squad as recently as last season, highlighting the clear opportunities available for young talents to make their mark.
Vizela Sporting Director Toni Dovale, who played a key role in the deal, said, “We’ve been investing a lot in our youth development program in the past few years, and signing top international talents is a part of our step forward as a club.
“Having played in Asia as a player, I’ve heard very good things about Khairin Nadim, and that was why I was keen to find out more about him. That proved to be the case in his trials with us, and we’re excited to see how far his potential can take him.”
Sailors Technical Director Luka Lalić is optimistic that Khairin has the qualities and mental fortitude to succeed at Vizela.
“As the youngest senior debutant in the SPL at one point, Khairin showed immense promise. Signing him for the Sailors at 17 was a no-brainer for me because he displayed a range of qualities that define a modern-day winger,” said Lalić.
“Technically gifted, quick to find solutions in tight spaces, and adept at beating defenders 1v1 with pace and natural flair — Khairin has the kind of abilities that make him stand out from the crowd. He’s earned this opportunity to compete in Portugal, and he must make the most of these 18 months to prove he’s ready for the next step in his development.
“Given Vizela’s club structure, the people working closely with him, and Khairin’s own mindset and desire to succeed, I believe — with a bit of luck — he can do very well and make both clubs proud.”
Khairin could make his European debut on 25 February when Vizela’s U23s take on Benfica B in the Liga Revelação. Inspired by his peer Nur Muhammad Asis — who made history as the first Singaporean to sign a professional contract with a top-flight Portuguese club, C.F. Estrela da Amadora, in July 2024 — Khairin is determined to carve out his own path and make Singapore proud on the European stage.
“My friend Asis is doing well in Portugal now, and that motivates me. It makes me believe that taking this step is possible,” said Khairin, who has represented Singapore at the Under-23 level.
“I’m grateful to the Sailors not just for shaping me into the player I am today, but also for creating this incredible opportunity for me.
“Playing in Europe has always been my goal, and I’m happy to be able to realise this dream. I’m not just representing the Sailors, but also Singapore as a young player here. I’ll train hard, prove myself, and show that I belong on the big stage.”
The Sailors Academy are one of only four academies in Southeast Asia to be conferred a Two-Star Academy status by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under its AFC Elite Youth Scheme.
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