TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, confirmed that FC Volendam striker Mauro Zijlstra will become a new naturalized player for the Indonesian national team. The 20-year-old descendant player is expected to participate in the fourth round of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in October, the U-23 national team for the AFF U-23 Cup in July, and the 2026 U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers in September.
Erick revealed that the naturalization process is already underway. The PSSI has sent a letter to the Ministry of Youth and Sports. "I have sent a letter to the Minister of Youth and Sports," Erick told journalists after watching the Indonesian women's national team match in Tangerang Regency on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
Furthermore, the man who also serves as the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, said that Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, is very open to the plan. "Thank you, Minister of Youth and Sports. We hope that this week it will be sent to the Minister of Law. The next week, it will be sent to the Minister of State Secretary. And of course, we will have support from the President. After that, the process will be submitted to the House of Representatives as usual," he said.
Erick hopes that the presence of the young striker could enhance the national team's preparation. "We know that our national team (men) is lacking young and senior players. So hopefully, this could also enhance the preparation for the team in the future," he said.
When asked whether Zijlstra is the only one to strengthen the Indonesian national team this year, Erick replied, "For now, there's only one."
Zijlstra was born in Zaandam, the Netherlands, on November 9, 2004. He has lineage from his grandmother, who once lived in Bandung. His father also has mixed Indonesian and Dutch heritage.
Standing at 1.88 meters, he plays as a center forward and can also be deployed as an attacking midfielder. Currently, he is under contract with FC Volendam until June 2027.
Last season, he scored 17 goals and provided four assists from 21 appearances for his club. His outstanding performance led to his promotion to the first team, and he has already made seven appearances, including one in the Dutch Cup.
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