PITCH PERFECT

With his infectious smile, positive vibes, and dedication to his craft, Ilhan Fandi is poised to make an impact both on and off the field.

- AZHAR RAHIM

What strikes you the most about Ilhan Fandi is his disarming smile. At 1.84 metres tall, the fourth of five children is striking yet approachable. But during our shoot, it was his megawatt smile that lit up the room. He smiles easily, and takes direction effortlessly, embodying the perfect blend of professionalism and playful charm. His positive energy brings an undeniable light to any setting, making him a natural in front of the camera.

Growing up in the illustrious Fandi family, Ilhan and his siblings—Irfan, Ikhsan, Iman, and Iryan—were all immersed in the world of sports and entertainment from a young age. Their father is, of course, Singapore footballing icon, Fandi Ahmad. Their mother, Wendy Jacobs, is a former model. It’s a small wonder that he is such a natural on set. Speaking of his family, Ilhan shares that the boys especially share a special bond because “all of us play football”. And while there is the competitive spirit amongst the brothers, who are all professional footballers, Ilhan emphasises the supportive nature of their relationships. “There’s a healthy competition between us, especially with Ikhsan, since we play the same position. We learn from each other and support each other. This, I believe, makes us better players. We all have our own playing styles and personalities. I’m more the one who likes to get on the ball and then pass it to him. I look up to Ikhsan. He is my brother but also my striking partner.” But if Ilhan could swap lives with any of his siblings, it would be not with any of his brothers, but rather with his multi-hyphenate elder sister, Iman Fandi. “Her life is totally different from all the boys,” he reveals with a twinkle in his eye. “Her work is crazy—she’s always either in the studio, travelling for music, or working on something new. But I really respect that about her.”