Indonesian Football Passion Reaches Religious Fervor, Says National Team Player Calvin Verdonk
JAKARTA – Calvin Verdonk, a recent addition to the Indonesian national team, has described the country’s passion for football as akin to religion, highlighting the intense dedication of fans that extends beyond the stadium. The Dutch-born player’s observations come as Indonesia continues its campaign to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fueled by recent victories and a growing sense of national pride.
Verdonk, who currently plays for Lille in the French League, shared his experiences witnessing the fervor firsthand. He noted stadiums filling hours before kickoff and fans congregating outside the team’s hotel, requiring security measures. This level of devotion, he explained, mirrors the deep faith held by many Indonesians. “Like people who believe in god,there [Indonesia] also many people who consider football and religion the same,” Verdonk stated.
The 28-year-old former NEC Nijmegen player also praised the advancements in Indonesian football, attributing the progress to the arrival of Dutch coaching staff led by Patrick Kluivert. “Football is also growing now with tactics, especially now with a new coach with Patrick (Kluivert) with staff from the Netherlands, yes it is very developed and crazy fans there,” he said.
Verdonk believes Indonesia’s recent successes, including victories against Saudi Arabia and Iraq, are building momentum towards World Cup qualification. He emphasized the significance of these wins as crucial steps in achieving their goal. The national team’s performance is captivating the nation, with football increasingly becoming a central part of Indonesian identity and a source of collective hope.
