It was June 2022 and a number of prospective young talents from around the globe had gathered in Portugal for a prestigious training camp. For the then 13-year-old Putera Nur Muhammad Irfan Bin Ismail, this was not just another opportunity but a defining moment in his burgeoning footballing journey.

“Training with Boavista FC was an exhilarating experience,” Putera recalls, his eyes lighting up. “The intensity and pace were unlike anything I had ever encountered. It was a real test of my abilities.”

The Portugal stint was a reward for his exceptional performance at a camp organised by Individual Football Training (IFT) in Singapore, where he was chosen as the best player among his peers. The chance to train with top-tier coaches and play against some of Portugal’s finest youth talents was a dream come true for the young footballer from Singapore.

Yet, this was only one chapter in Putera’s remarkable story. His journey has seen him rise through the ranks of Singapore football at a remarkable pace.

Early Beginnings: A Passion Ignited

Putera’s journey began in an unexpected yet heartwarming way. His passion for football was sparked on his first birthday when he received a ball and goalpost as gifts. “From that moment, football became a central part of my life.” he shared.

His early experiences were filled with joy, playing the game he loved with his friends and scoring goals along the way. The support of his friends and the guidance of his early coaches made a significant impact. At age six, he met Coach Richard Bok, whose encouragement and belief in his potential were pivotal. “Coach Richard was one of the most supportive coaches I had,” Putera recalls. “He believed in me and pushed me to always do my best.”

Despite facing challenges, such as being underestimated due to his petite build, Putera learned to let his skills speak for themselves. He looked up to his footballing idols—Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Fandi Ahmad for inspiration due to their hard work, skill, and dedication. “Ronaldo’s physical and mental strength taught me that hard work leads to success,” he says. “Locally, Fandi Ahmad’s skills in finishing and dribbling have been a huge inspiration for me.”

Development and Training: From Casual to Professional

Putera’s dedication to football was evident from a young age. “Football has always been my drive,” he says. “I even made sure to study hard so my mum would allow me to go for training.”

A significant moment came when he was 6 years old and attended a training camp in Barcelona. “Visiting La Masia and seeing where the professionals train was incredible,” he remembers. “It inspired me to tell my mum that I would be back in Spain one day. Now, with the UTR! scholarship, I believe dreams can come true if you work hard.”

Putera was one of nine recipients of the 2nd batch of overseas scholarship under the Unleash The Roar! (UTR!) project that was handed out on 29 July 2024.

He was one of nine recipients, alongside Charis Han, Nadila Nur Danisha, Charlotte Chong, Gavriel Lai, Aidan Irfan, Chia Wayne Hon, Miguel Garcia and Lukyan Tan.

Announced by the Football Association of Singapore and UTR!, the scholarship is designed to support and elevate young talents like Putera to new heights.

Achievements and Challenges: Triumphs and Trials

Putera’s footballing journey thus far has been marked by impressive accomplishments. His prowess on the football pitch quickly ascended him to be a standout player in local competitions like the JSSL League, Albirex Cup and the National School Games. Putera’s performances helped his team triumph on multiple occasions, including the JSSL league Under-12 and Under-13 titles as well as the Albirex Cup Under-14 championship, while elevating him to a notable prospect in Singapore’s footballing community.

Recently during a training trip to Europe with the Singapore National Development Centre team, he scored against his boyhood club, Liverpool. “Scoring against Liverpool was a dream come true,” he says. These accolades highlighted his growing reputation as a promising young talent.

However, he has faced his fair share of challenges, particularly related to his size. “Being smaller than many players was a setback,” he admits. “But I focused on improving my ball mastery, speed, and football intelligence to compensate.”

During tough times, Putera draws strength from his supportive family. “My family’s encouragement and advice help me stay motivated and mentally strong,” he shares.

Personal Life and Interests: Balancing Passions

Outside of football, Putera enjoys playing a game of chess with his family. Inspired by his primary school teacher Mr. Chang, he views chess as a medium for him to sharpen his strategic thinking as well as stay calm. These qualities are especially needed with the pressure of managing expectations from family, friends and the community. “Understanding and managing expectations is key,” he says. “I stay mentally strong and focused on my goals.”

Balancing football with personal life is made easier by his supportive family. “My family is deeply involved in football,” he says. “We travel together to tournaments and support each other. Both of my younger brothers play football too, so it’s a big part of our life.”

Support from Family: A Pillar of Strength

Putera’s family has been instrumental in his footballing journey. “I first noticed his talent when he was just a toddler, kicking the ball into the goalpost without instructions,” his mother Mdm Maslinda Sabtu recalls. She supports Putera and his brothers’ interest in the Beautiful Game and has even taken up football coaching, becoming an FAS Grassroots and FIFA grassroots coach developer, to immerse herself in the football experience that her kids are enjoying. “With that knowledge, I can coach them along the way, nurture their potential and groom them to be the best versions of themselves.”

Future Outlook: Hopes and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Putera’s family hopes that he will achieve his dreams of playing football professionally overseas as well as donning the National Team jersey for Singapore. “My advice to him is to stay humble, be receptive to advice from coaches and always be resilient” Mdm Maslinda added.

“This is just the beginning of my journey,” Putera says. “I want to make Singapore proud and achieve great things in football.”