The management team at Phnom Penh Crown FC has acknowledged the departure of several foreign players — who played crucial roles in the club’s success with their remarkable performances — as significant.

Despite the recent losses, the club has reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in high-quality foreign players, while also developing local football talent to ensure the best possible reparations for the upcoming season.

In a June 2 statement, Crown emphasised the contributions of the foreign players who had been with the team for four to five seasons, referring specifically to Japanese players Yudai Ogawa and Takaki Ose, as well as Colombian attacking midfielder Nieto Rondon. All three had played long enough in the Cambodian Premier League (CPL) to acquire Cambodian citizenship and represent the national team.

“These players have been the core of Phnom Penh Crown for the past 4 or 5 seasons. However, at this time they have decided to seek new opportunities and football experiences for themselves,” it said.

“The club’s leadership respects their decision to pursue new challenges in their respective contexts. Over the years, they have sacrificed crucial moments of their careers for Phnom Penh Crown and have made significant contributions to our success and development both on and off the pitch,” it added.

Nieto Rondon (back row from right), Jelle Goselink, Javier Gayoso, Takaki Ose, Park Yi-Young and Yudai Ogawa (front row from left) when they played together Phnom Penh Crown in the past. Crown FC

Rondon joined the club in 2020, while Ogawa and Ose both signed in 2021. Over approximately five seasons, all three played key roles in helping Crown win the CPL title twice in a row in 2021 and 2022, and finish as runners-up in the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons.

They also recently helped the club win the Hun Sen Cup for the third time in 2025 — 16 years after the club last won the cup consecutively in 2008 and 2009.

“During their time with Phnom Penh Crown, these players showed professionalism, talent and consistent commitment. They were key figures in securing memorable victories and driving the development of our team,” said the statement.

“The achievements they made with the club will remain a lasting and permanent part of our history. We will always remember them because they are important members of the Phnom Penh Crown family,” it added.

In addition departing Dutch striker Jelle Goselink – who joined the club in 2023 – and Nigerian striker Ibeh Ofufu and Filipino player Javier Gayoso – who signed in 2024 – are also leaving. The club noted that even during their short tenures, under the guidance of head coach Oleg Starynskyi, the three performed well and made meaningful contributions to the club.

The Phnom Penh Crown football family expressed its deep gratitude to all the departing players for their efforts and sacrifices, which were invaluable. The club also extended its best wishes to them in their football careers and personal lives, stating they are always welcome to return in the future.

The club also expressed its respect for the fans and called on them to continue supporting the club with strength and commitment as it moves forward. The club emphasised that it will continue to invest in quality foreign players as part of its preparation for future competition.

“The club will continue to invest in strengthening talent, capability, development and training of football resources in line with our vision, to ensure we are well-prepared for future challenges and opportunities in the upcoming season,” added the statement.

Penh Crown has not yet announced any new foreign signings, but head coach Oleg Starynskyi, who has renewed his contract with the club for another two years, was not concerned.

“Our goal is to achieve even more success for the club, both domestically and on the international stage. Although we are currently the most successful club, we remain hungry and eager to win even more trophies,” he said.