European football heavyweights Arsenal, AC Milan, and Newcastle United are set to thrill fans in Singapore as they clash in the much-anticipated Singapore Festival of Football (SFOF), marking a high-octane return after a two-year break.
Backed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and TEG Sport, this year’s edition promises an unforgettable experience both on and off the pitch, offering two blockbuster matches, fan zones, football clinics, exclusive meet-and-greets, and a debut showcase of new kits.
The action kicks off on July 23, when Arsenal take on Italian giants AC Milan in the Tridentity Cup, presented by Trident Digital Tech Holdings.
The second match will see Arsenal clash with Newcastle on July 27. Both fixtures are scheduled at 7.30pm at the National Stadium.
The matches will not only serve as pre-season warm-ups for the clubs, but also give Singaporean fans a rare chance to watch elite European football live.
Tickets for each match start from S$108, and an Open Training Session by Arsenal will be held on July 25 at 6pm, with general admission tickets priced at S$32, all available via Ticketek Singapore.
The festival is more than just about football – it’s also about fostering community ties and celebrating sport’s power to unite. Each club is rolling out a slate of activities that include football clinics, charitable events, meet-and-greet sessions, and exclusive merchandise activations.
For Arsenal fans, the club will conduct a Football Development Programme that brings together youth from Singapore, Hong Kong, and China.
Over four days, 60 to 90 budding footballers each day will train under the eyes of coaches and legends, and receive access to both the Open Training Session and the Arsenal v AC Milan match.
Arsenal legends Gilberto Silva and Bacary Sagna will also be on hand to connect with fans and attend community-driven events.
Likewise, Newcastle will be represented by Shay Given and Shola Ameobi, while AC Milan sends fan favourites Serginho and Alexandre Pato, who will headline meetups and charitable initiatives.
On July 22, Milan fans will get a special treat with a PUMA event at the Weston Corp Store (Level 4, 313@Somerset), where first-team players will meet and greet fans.
The following day, on matchday, supporters can visit the Fan Zone at Stadium Riverside Walk, where the electric energy of the festival will be in full swing, with merchandise stalls, interactive booths,and even a futsal court.
Leading the charge for the opening fixture is Trident Digital Tech Holdings, presenting partner of the Tridentity Cup. The NASDAQ-listed digital identity firm is not only backing the event but aims to integrate digital innovation with the matchday experience.
“We are thrilled to present the Tridentity Cup at the Singapore Festival of Football,” said Mr Lim Soon Huat, founder, chairman and CEO of Trident. “Our collaboration with this world-class event reflects our commitment to uniting communities through football, while enhancing fan engagement with secure, seamless technology.”
Arsenal and Milan will also debut their 2025/26 Away kits during the Cup. AC Milan’s new jersey, launched on July 3, features a clean white base adorned with dynamic red and black accents — a bold nod to the club’s Diavoletto (little devil) legacy.
“This is always a special occasion,” said AC Milan icon Pato. “To represent AC Milan around the world is a privilege, and we can’t wait to meet our fans in Singapore. Their passion means everything to us.”
Newcastle, who last played in Singapore nearly 30 years ago, are making a triumphant return fresh off their Carabao Cup win earlier this year. Their match against Arsenal on July 27 is a must-watch.
Beyond football, the Magpies will also engage in a food drive with local charity Pertapis on July 26, followed by an exclusive retail event at Weston Corp, 313@Somerset (8pm to 10pm), where fans can meet Given and Ameobi and pose with the Carabao Cup trophy.
Fans can also interact with the club’s legends again at the Fan Zone before the match.
Speaking about the partnership, TEG Asia Managing Director Timothy Ho said: “We are pleased to welcome Trident on board as presenting sponsor. Football has the unique power to bring people together, and this festival reflects that energy. With clubs like Arsenal, AC Milan, and Newcastle here, we’re delivering top-tier experiences to fans across the region.
“This year’s festival is bigger and better, with not just two world-class matches, but an entire ecosystem of fan engagement opportunities – merchandise booths, futsal zones, youth programmes and more.”
The SFOF 2025 is part of a five-year collaboration between TEG Sport and STB, designed to bring top-flight European clubs to Singapore in alternate years (2025, 2027, and 2029). This year, the event marks Arsenal’s first return since 2018, while AC Milan will play in Singapore for the first time ever.
