BG Tampines Rovers forward Hide Higashikawa earned the Player of the Year award at the Singapore Premier League (SPL) Awards Night on May 22, 2026. He netted 19 goals in 20 league matches during the 2025-26 season, helping Tampines finish as runners-up in both the SPL and the Singapore Cup behind Lion City Sailors [1, 2, 3].
Higashikawa also scored six goals in nine games in the AFC Champions League Two, including the lone goal in a group stage victory over Pohang Steelers [1, 2, 3]. After being on loan from Japanese second-tier club Tochigi City, he signed a two-year permanent contract with Tampines Rovers this season. Club executive Shungo Sakamoto said they chose to acquire him permanently because "Hide is a good player, so we invest in him, take care of him." Sakamoto added the club hopes to find coaching stability next season after having five different coaches in 2025-26 [1].
Albirex Niigata captain Shingo Nakano won the Golden Boot for scoring 20 goals in 21 league games and was also named Young Player of the Year. Albirex coach Keiji Shigetomi received the Coach of the Year award [1, 2, 3]. Nakano may consider leaving Albirex Niigata to explore overseas opportunities or join other local teams [1, 2, 3].
Higashikawa expressed his happiness at winning the award and praised his team and coaching staff. He said, "I’m very, very happy to get this award and I want to thank my teammates, coaching staff and my family." He also stated, "I love Singapore!" [1].
BG Tampines Rovers aim to resolve their coaching issues, having employed five different coaches during the last season, Sakamoto noted, "We’ve had a lot of problems with coaches so far, so next season I hope to have that stability, try to win regional games and perhaps the SPL too." [1]
The next SPL season is expected to test BG Tampines Rovers' efforts to build on Higashikawa’s contributions while addressing coaching consistency [1].
