Netherlands and Barcelona football icon Patrick Kluivert has been appointed as the new head coach of Indonesia’s national football team. The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking a significant move for the Southeast Asian nation as they aim to secure their first FIFA World Cup qualification since gaining independence.
Kluivert, 48, signed a two-year contract running from 2025 to 2027, with an option for extension. His appointment follows the controversial dismissal of South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong, who had led Indonesia to the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Indonesian squad, which includes several naturalized players of Dutch origin, is currently ranked 127th by FIFA. They remain in contention for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, sitting third in their qualifying group, with a critical match against Australia in March.
Despite Kluivert’s legendary playing career—including stints at Ajax, AC Milan, and Barcelona—his managerial record has yet to achieve similar acclaim. His most recent role was a brief stint with Turkish club Adana Demirspor in 2023.
The Indonesian Football Association highlighted Kluivert’s potential to bridge communication gaps with European-born players, a reported issue under the previous coach. However, the appointment has received mixed reactions from fans, many of whom had supported Shin’s leadership.
Kluivert will arrive in Indonesia on Saturday and is set to be officially introduced to the public the following day. As he takes on this new challenge, the football world will watch to see if the Dutch legend can replicate his on-field success in the coaching arena.
Peoplesmind
