Tomoyuki Doi named Player of the Year at Singapore Premier League awards night

Geylang International's Tomoyuki Doi wins the AIA Player of the Year gong, Golden Boot and a special award at the SPL Awards Night held at Orchard Hotel on June 1, 2025. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Deepanraj Ganesan

UPDATED Jun 02, 2025, 01:35 AM

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SINGAPORE – Fresh off a stunning season in which Tomoyuki Doi plundered a league-record 44 goals in 31 Singapore Premier League (SPL) appearances, the Geylang International striker was crowned the AIA Player of the Year for a second time on June 1.

The Japanese striker’s hands were full after the 2024-25 SPL Awards Night at Orchard Hotel, as he also won the Golden Boot and a special award for surpassing former Singapore Armed Forces FC forward Mirko Grabovac’s 38 goals in a 33-game campaign in 2001.

“At the start of the season, of course I couldn’t imagine that I will end it with these goals and awards. I am thankful for all my teammates who have helped me to achieve such a special season and night,” said the 27-year-old.

Just as he did in 2021, when he won the Player of the Year award and Golden Boot with Hougang United before returning home to play in the Japanese third tier with Fujieda MYFC, Doi confirmed that he will leave the SPL again.

ST understands that he has sealed a move to Thai giants BG Pathum United. While Doi declined to confirm his destination, he added: “I am going for a new challenge and a new experience which I’m really excited about.

“I will miss my teammates and coaches and I’m really sad to leave Singapore.”

Revealing that he had received several offers from the region before deciding on the move, Doi said he was “stressed” while weighing up his options.

Brunei DPMM, who will be playing in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) next season, had publicly indicated their interest in SPL’s top hitman, while reports in Malaysia also linked him with MSL runners-up Selangor FC.

“Ultimately, I felt positive about what (the new club) thought about me. How much they expressed they wanted me, what kind of players they have and the project they are building,” he added without naming the club.

Doi, whose goals helped Geylang finish third in the nine-team league – their highest placing since finishing second in 2003 – was also named in the SPL Team of the Year.

He also became only the second person to win the SPL Player of the Year award more than once, joining former Lions forward Aleksandar Duric, who claimed the prestigious honour in 2007, 2008 and 2012.

Another Japanese talisman leaving the SPL following an award-winning season is Seia Kunori. The BG Tampines Rovers attacker was named the Young Player of the Year for the second time running.

It is understood that the 24-year-old will be joining Thai top-tier side Bangkok United after two seasons here. Like Doi, Kunori declined to confirm the move, but said he was looking to improve as a player.

Kunori, who racked up 17 goals and 12 assists in 32 SPL games, added: “Every year, I keep wanting to be a better player. Wherever I go, I want to be champion and that is what I will try to achieve.”

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Meanwhile, the Sailors’ domestic clean sweep – winning the SPL and the Singapore Cup – saw Aleksandar Rankovic bagging the Coach of the Year accolade.

They also made a historic journey to the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) final, where they lost 2-1 to Emirati giants Sharjah FC.

The 46-year-old Serb, who was appointed Sailors coach in June 2023, said: “Winning everything domestically, getting to the ACL2 final was a dream.

“It’s an honour to win this award but it belongs to my staff and players because without them, I won’t get it.”

The Sailors were represented by their Player of the Year nominees Bailey Wright and Shawal Anuar, as well as Toni Datkovic, Maxime Lestienne, Bart Ramselaar and Lennart Thy in the Team of the Year.  

Rankovic and his players will now be heading overseas for a break with their families before the next season kicks off in August.

ST understands that among the changes mooted for the new season is an increase in the foreign player quota. 

The latest campaign saw each club registering up to nine foreigners, including three Under-21 players, with clubs having to field at least five local players in the starting XI each matchday.

SPL AWARDS NIGHT: ROLL OF HONOUR (selected)

Player of the Year: Tomoyuki Doi (Geylang International)

Young Player of the Year: Seia Kunori (BG Tampines Rovers)

Coach of the Year: Aleksandar Rankovic (Lion City Sailors)

Goal of the Year: Shawal Anuar (Lion City Sailors) – Lob from halfway line in 2-2 draw with Tampines in September 2024

Golden Boot: Tomoyuki Doi (Geylang International) – 44 goals in 31 games

Golden Glove: Syazwan Buhari (BG Tampines Rovers) – 11 clean sheets in 31 games

Team of the Year (3-4-3): Syazwan Buhari (Tampines), Toni Datkovic, Bailey Wright (both Sailors), Milos Zlatkovic, Seia Kunori (both Tampines), Vincent Bezecourt (Geylang), Maxime Lestienne, Bart Ramselaar, Shawal Anuar, Lennart Thy (all Sailors), Doi (Geylang).

Fairplay award: BG Tampines Rovers

Deepanraj Ganesan is a sports journalist at The Straits Times focusing on football, athletics, combat sports and policy-related news.

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