The 1996 S.League season was Geylang United's 1st season in the top flight of Singapore football and 21st year in existence as a football club. Geylang emerged the winner of Series 1 (Tiger Beer Series) and finished fifth in Series 2 (Pioneer Series). It qualified for the Championship Playoff and won the inaugural S.League season. It also won the inaugural Singapore FA Cup.
Geylang United was selected as part of the eight teams to participate in the inaugural S.League season. Fandi Ahmad returned as team captain.
Geylang won the Series 1 (Tiger Beer Series) and qualified for the Championship Playoff at the end of the season. However, Geylang finished fifth in Series 2 (Pioneer Series). During the Championship Playoff, Geylang defeated Singapore Armed Forces Football Club (SAFFC) 2âÂÂ1 to emerge champions of the inaugural season of S.League and qualified for the 1997âÂÂ98 Asian Club Championship.
In the inaugural Singapore FA Cup, Geylang defeated SAFFC again, 4âÂÂ2, in a penalty shootout after a 1âÂÂ1 draw in normal time and extra time.