Indonesia’s football scene has seen a remarkable rise in recent years, with talented players making waves domestically and internationally. From young prodigies to seasoned professionals, here’s a look at the 10 best Indonesian soccer players shining on the global stage in 2025.
1. Marselino Ferdinan
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Oxford United (English Championship)
Marselino Ferdinan is Indonesia’s brightest young star. At just 20 years old, he became a household name after scoring a stunning brace against Saudi Arabia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, leading Indonesia to a historic 2-0 victory. His technical dribbling, vision, and clutch performances have earned him a move to Oxford United, where he aims to become the first Indonesian-born player in the English Championship.
Career Highlights:
- Scored 5 goals in 35 senior appearances for Indonesia
- Named The Guardian’s “60 Most Promising Young Players” in 2022
- Key player in Indonesia’s 2023 AFC Asian Cup campaign
2. Pratama Arhan
Position: Left-Back
Club: Bangkok United (Thai League 1)
Known for his rocket-like throw-ins and pinpoint free kicks, Pratama Arhan is a defensive powerhouse. His versatility and leadership have made him a mainstay in Indonesia’s backline. In 2023, he was nominated for the AFC’s “11 Players to Watch,” cementing his reputation as one of Asia’s top full-backs.
Career Highlights:
- Won the 2023 Southeast Asian Games with Indonesia
- Named “Best Young Player” at the 2020 AFF Championship
- Key contributor to Indonesia’s 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification
3. Rafael Struick
Position: Forward/Winger
Club: Brisbane Roar (A-League)
Standing at 6’1”, Rafael Struick is a versatile attacker who can play as a center-forward or winger. Born in the Netherlands, he chose to represent Indonesia in 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite. His standout moment came at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, where his 18-yard screamer against South Korea was voted “Goal of the Tournament.”
Career Highlights:
- Scored 2 goals in Indonesia’s U-23 Asian Cup quarterfinal win over South Korea
- Key player in Indonesia’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign
- Signed with Brisbane Roar in 2024, becoming a regular starter
4. Asnawi Mangkualam
Position: Right-Back
Club: Port FC (Thai League 1)
Asnawi Mangkualam is Indonesia’s most experienced defender abroad. After stints in South Korea’s K League, he joined Thailand’s Port FC in 2023, where his speed and crossing ability have made him a standout. His leadership was crucial in Indonesia’s 1-0 upset over Vietnam at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Career Highlights:
- Named K League 2’s “Player of the Month” in April 2021
- Scored the winning goal against Vietnam in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup
- Over 50 caps for the Indonesian national team
5. Justin Hubner
Position: Center-Back
Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers (Premier League)
Justin Hubner, a Dutch-Indonesian defender, made headlines by choosing to represent Indonesia in 2023. His composure and aerial prowess have bolstered Indonesia’s defense, and his move to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ senior squad in 2024 marked a milestone for Indonesian players in Europe’s top leagues.
Career Highlights:
- Key player in Indonesia’s 2026 World Cup qualifying clean sheets
- Part of Wolverhampton’s 2024-25 Premier League squad
- Instrumental in Indonesia’s rise to 121st in FIFA rankings
6. Elkan Baggott
Position: Center-Back
Club: Blackpool FC (EFL League One)
At 6’4”, Elkan Baggott dominates the air and is a set-piece threat. The Thai-born defender joined Blackpool on loan from Ipswich Town in 2024, earning praise from coach Steve Bruce for his “outstanding” performances. His physicality and tackling make him a cornerstone of Indonesia’s defense.
Career Highlights:
- Scored 2 goals in 24 senior appearances for Indonesia
- Named to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup “Team of the Group Stage”
- Helped Indonesia secure a 0-0 draw against Argentina in a 2023 friendly
7. Witan Sulaeman
Position: Winger
Club: Persija Jakarta (Liga 1)
Witan Sulaeman is Indonesia’s creative spark. After spells in Poland and Slovakia, he returned to Liga 1 in 2023, where his dribbling and playmaking have electrified Persija Jakarta’s attack. His versatility allows him to play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder.
Career Highlights:
- Youngest Indonesian to score in AFC Champions League qualifying (age 19)
- Named “Player of the Match” in Indonesia’s 2024 friendly against China
- Over 50 Liga 1 appearances by age 23
8. Ivar Jenner
Position: Central Midfielder
Club: Jong FC Utrecht (Dutch Eerste Divisie)
Ivar Jenner, a dual Dutch-Indonesian citizen, is a rising midfield maestro. His precise passing and work rate have drawn comparisons to Dutch legend Frenkie de Jong. Though still developing at Jong FC Utrecht, he’s already a regular call-up for Indonesia’s senior team.
Career Highlights:
- Key player in Indonesia’s U-23 Asian Cup semifinal run (2024)
- Recorded 3 assists in 2026 World Cup qualifiers
- Named “Most Promising Youth Player” at FC Utrecht’s academy
9. Hokky Caraka
Position: Forward
Club: PSS Sleman (Liga 1)
Hokky Caraka is Indonesia’s homegrown goal machine. His explosive speed and clinical finishing earned him the 2024 Liga 1 “Golden Boot” with 18 goals. Despite interest from Thai and Malaysian clubs, he remains a loyal figure at PSS Sleman, where fans call him “The Indonesian Mbappé.”
Career Highlights:
- Liga 1’s top scorer in 2024
- Scored a hat-trick against Malaysia in the 2024 AFF Championship
- Named to the 2024 Liga 1 “Team of the Season”
10. Arkhan Fikri
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Arema Malang (Liga 1)
At 20 years old, Arkhan Fikri is Indonesia’s most exciting young playmaker. His creativity and flair have drawn crowds to Liga 1 matches, and his performances at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup put him on the radar of European scouts.
Career Highlights:
- Scored 4 goals in 10 appearances for Indonesia U-23
- Named “Young Player of the Year” at the 2024 Indonesian Football Awards
- Led Arema Malang to the 2024 Liga 1 playoffs
Conclusion
From Europe’s elite leagues to Southeast Asia’s competitive circuits, Indonesian players are proving their talent globally. These 10 athletes exemplify the nation’s footballing growth, blending skill, determination, and a passion for the game. As they continue to shine, Indonesia’s dream of World Cup qualification inches closer to reality.