Maarten Paes: The Unlikely Star of Indonesian Football
In the bustling streets of Dallas, Texas, Maarten Paes blends seamlessly into the crowd as the starting goalkeeper for Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas. With his towering frame and agile movements on the pitch, he commands attention when donning his goalkeeper gloves. Yet, outside the realm of professional football in the United States, he is just another face walking down the street, unknown to most. This all changes, however, when he crosses oceans to his newfound heritage—Indonesia.
A Dual Identity
At just 26 years old, the Dutch-born Paes made headlines earlier this year by taking a significant step in his career: he became an Indonesian citizen. Initially representing the Netherlands at youth levels, he had a lingering connection to Indonesia through his grandmother, whose declining health became a pivotal turning point in his decision. "It was a thing I could do that would make her smile at the end of her life. That was huge for me," Paes reflects on the personal significance of his nationality shift.
The response from Indonesia has been overwhelming. Since his citizenship in April, Paes has experienced a meteoric rise in his social media following. He now boasts 1.7 million followers on Instagram and 1.2 million on TikTok, a testament to the country’s passion for football and their players. "It’s surreal that suddenly you’re getting adored by so many followers and such big crowds," he admits.
The Indonesia Effect
In Indonesia, the level of adoration for football players transcends mere fandom. The country, with a population exceeding 280 million, exhibits an intense love for the sport, particularly for those who don the national team jersey. Paes, like many of his teammates, finds himself mobbed by fans during visits. He explains, “You already know before it happens because you’ve seen it happen to other players. It’s such a huge country and they are all in love with soccer.”
This phenomenon is not limited to Paes. The Indonesian national football team comprises players with international experience, who, due to their heritage or dual citizenship, have gained rapid stardom in a country starved for football heroes. The excitement culminated during Paes’ first matches with the Indonesian team; a goalless draw against Australia in a crowded Gelora Bung Karno Stadium proved to be an eye-opening experience. "We couldn’t leave the hotel without security," he recalls, a nod to the high-profile status he garnered.
Comparative Stardom
The attention Indonesian players receive starkly contrasts their counterparts in countries with relatively larger populations and extensive football histories, like the United States. Recent statistics reveal that the starting XI for Indonesia amassed an astonishing total of 26.9 million Instagram followers, dwarfing the US men’s national team’s starting XI, which collectively drew only 1.4 million. This disparity highlights the passionate engagement Indonesian fans have with their players, translating into remarkable social media presence despite the relative obscurity of their club affiliations.
Players like Marselino Ferdinan and Rafael Struick, who recently joined clubs in England and Australia, respectively, also reflect this trend. With no notable fame in Europe or Australia prior to their arrivals, they quickly amassed significant social media followings, leading to enhanced visibility for their clubs. Oxford United, for instance, saw their Instagram followers skyrocket from 83,000 to 226,000 almost overnight following Ferdinan’s signing.
Celebrity Status and Personal Impact
For players like Rizky Ridho and Justin Hubner, the adoration is palpable. Hubner, who has endured the dual pressures of life in Europe and Indonesia, describes the stark differences. “When I landed in Indonesia, I tried to hide myself with a cap and a mask, but they recognized me straight away. There were 50 to 60 people who wanted a picture," he explains. The excitement and emotional connection Indonesian fans have with their players often lead to heartfelt encounters, with some fans moved to tears.
This celebrity status extends beyond the players; even their families become public figures. Hubner shares that his mother has gained popularity on social media, amassing nearly 50,000 followers, a phenomenon that started with fans recognizing her resemblance to her famous son.
The Influence of Clubs
Clubs are taking notice of this phenomenon, realizing the vast potential for engagement within the Indonesian market. Paes acknowledges, “There’s been a big boost in terms of engagement for the club. If I play for a club, I like to help them as much as possible because they help me a lot too.”
The enthusiasm from club management is palpable, particularly in clubs with Indonesian connections. Oxford United’s co-owner, Erick Thohir, explains that by investing in young Indonesian talent, they are not only strengthening their team but also tapping into a massive fanbase that showcases increasingly potent online engagement.
Embracing a New Journey
As Maarten Paes navigates his career through the highs of Indonesian football, he embodies the spirit of duality—a Dutch goalkeeper donning the colors of Indonesia and bringing them global recognition. With each match, he contributes to the bridging of cultures and the intertwining of identities, proving that football can indeed pave the way for understanding and connection across continents.
This transformational journey illustrates that where one may not find recognition in one space could very well lead to monumental stardom in another, as the love for the game resonates deeply within the heart of a nation.