Balestier Central FC was originally founded in 1898 under the name Fathul Karib Football Club. The team was initially based in the Farrer Park area of Singapore. The club's name was changed to Balestier United FC in 1975, when it joined the inaugural National Football League competition. The team captured the Singapore Cup in 1958 and 1992. The club played in the Singapore Premier League (the forerunner to the S.League) from 1988 to 1995. In 1996, the club became a founder member of the S.League and changed its name to Balestier Central FC.