Brighton will defend their title at the 2025 HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens, headlining a stellar lineup of high-profile clubs when the latest edition of the tournament kicks off at the Hong Kong Football Club.
Brighton defeated seven-time winners Aston Villa in last year’s decider to lift the trophy for the first time and the Premier League pair will again feature in the 16-team Main Event field when the world-renowned competition returns on May 16-18.
“We’re thrilled that Brighton will be back at Sports Road to defend the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens title they won in such impressive fashion last year,” said Scott Semple, chairman of the organizing committee.
“Last year’s event was a huge success for all involved and we are delighted to once again host a lineup that is sure to deliver exciting and entertaining football played by some of the finest up-and-coming talents in the game today.”
Former Premier League champions Leicester City, winners of the Soccer Sevens in 2013 and 2017, and J1 League outfit Yokohama F Marinos will also return alongside regular participants Newcastle and West Ham.
“The Soccer Sevens is a great experience for our young players and we look forward to competing again this year,” said Brighton’s Academy Manager, Ian Buckman. “We are always made welcome and it is a fantastic tournament and atmosphere to be a part of. We are excited and looking forward to returning to Hong Kong and the opportunity to defend the title.”
AZ Alkmaar from the Netherlands, Australia’s Western United and Macau FA will be among the debutants at the tournament, with local representation from the Hong Kong Football Club, BC Rangers, Hong Kong China U22 and the Yau Yee League Select.
“We are looking forward to be part of this fantastic tournament in Hong Kong,” said AZ Alkmaar’s Coach, Sylvano Comvalius.
“We think that this tournament can be a great benefit to the development of our youth players, on their way to become professional football players. Our players must adapt to circumstances they are not used to and challenge with top clubs from around the world.”
The 2025 tournament will also see the continuation of Standard Chartered Priority Private’s sponsorship, with the company extending their relationship with the Hong Kong Football Club for a further two years after a successful first event as partners in
2024.
“It is a pleasure to again be able to partner with Standard Chartered Priority Private following a hugely rewarding event last year,” said Semple.
“Thanks to their support in 2024, we were able to take the HKFC Soccer Sevens into a new era with the launch of the first-ever Women’s Tournament and we are delighted to be working together once more.”
The event will again feature the much-loved Masters Tournament while the Women’s Tournament will return after a making its hugely successful debut in 2024.
The draw for this year’s event will take place at the Hong Kong Football Club on April 9.
