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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - World Atlas revealed that football, also known as soccer, is the most popular sport in the world, with approximately 3.5 billion fans worldwide. European, African, and Asian countries are where this sport is thriving, and Indonesia is no exception.
Over the past few years, the Indonesian national football team, under the leadership of coach Shin Tae-Yong, has performed outstandingly, exceeding expectations and setting new records. To further strengthen the team's capabilities, the South Korean coach has decided to integrate a number of naturalized players into the team.
Speaking of players, some of them have established themselves as some of the most expensive players in Indonesia, with staggering market values. To find out more, let's take a look at some of the most valuable Indonesian footballers in 2024, as cited by Transfermarkt and the official website of the Indonesian Football Association or PSSI.
1. Mees Hilgers (Rp173.82 billion)
As of 2024, Mees Hilgers currently holds the title of the most valuable Indonesian football player, with a market value of approximately Rp173 billion. The young talent is a part of the Dutch’s FC Twente Enschede and currently serves as a center-back for Indonesia.
Hilgers was born in the Netherlands, but he has Indonesian roots on his mother's side, who’s from South Sulawesi. He officially acquired his Indonesian citizenship on September 30, 2024, and made his debut with the Indonesia National Football Team during the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
2. Kevin Diks (Rp69.53 billion)
Another naturalized player with exceptional market value is Kevin Diks. Valued at almost Rp70 billion, Diks was granted his Indonesian citizenship on November 8, 2024, and made his debut during the Indonesia vs Japan match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Despite being versatile and able to serve as a wing-back, Diks has established himself especially as an accomplished center-back. The Dutch-born player has shown remarkable performances while playing for FC Copenhagen, providing rock-solid defense against Europe’s football giants.
His addition sparks hope for all Indonesian football enthusiasts to strengthen the defense line of the Indonesia National Football Team.
3. Thom Haye (Rp52.14 billion)
Born in Amsterdam, Thom Haye plays for Almere City FC and was officially naturalized on March 18, 2024, along with Ragnar Oratmangoen. During his time with the Indonesian national team, Haye has been a reliable midfielder.
One of his most impressive performances came in the FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Indonesia and the Philippines. Haye's long shot from outside the penalty area found its way into the Philippines' goal to put Indonesia on the scoreboard.
As of 2024, Thom Haye's market value is approximately Rp52.14 billion.
4. Calvin Verdonk (Rp43.45 billion)
Calvin Verdonk is another valuable Indonesian player with a market value of Rp43.45 billion. Verdonk underwent his naturalization on June 5, 2024, while still playing for N.E.C. Nijmegen, a Dutch football club.
Verdonk primarily plays as a left-back. His addition is expected to diversify the team's recent composition and help Indonesia achieve international success.
5. Jay Idzes (Rp43.45 billion)
Rounding out our list of the most valuable Indonesian football players is Jay Idzes. His market value is the same as Verdonk's, with a market value of Rp 43.45 billion.
The Dutch-born center-back plays for Venezia FC, an Italian Serie B club. As reported by Tempo, Idzes is of Indonesian descent, inherited from his grandparents. He was first presented as a candidate for naturalization on September 6, 2023.
With over 7 years of experience in football, Idzes is a player who stands out on the field. He scored a goal in a match against Vietnam in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on March 26, 2024.
These players, from Mees Hilgers to Thom Haye, are not the most expensive, but they have outstanding skills and remarkable performances, making them great additions to the Indonesian team.
Continue reading our previous list of the world’s most valuable football players in 2024, featuring acclaimed soccer figures from top clubs.
Transfermarkt | PSSI
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