Marselino Ferdinan, a rising star in Indonesian football, made a notable debut at the FA Cup with Oxford United. However, the match brought mixed emotions for fans.
Marselino Ferdinan officially made his debut for the English club against Exeter City.
A Memorable Milestone in His Career
The match in the third round of the FA Cup last night marked an important milestone in Marselino Ferdinan’s career. The 20-year-old midfielder was brought on in the 89th minute when Oxford United was trailing Exeter City by 1-3. Although he only played for a short time, the young player still managed to make an impression—though not in a positive way, as he received a yellow card.
Nonetheless, Marselino became the first native Indonesian player to participate in England’s oldest football competition, the FA Cup. This is a historic achievement for Indonesian football, regardless of the disappointing result.
The Journey of a Young Talent
Born in 2004, Marselino Ferdinan is seen as a bright hope for Indonesian football. In November 2024, he scored a brace that helped the national team secure a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the third round of World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Earlier, in 2021, he was named one of the world’s 60 most promising young players by The Guardian.
The young star aims to establish himself in professional English football.
His journey abroad began in February 2023 when he left Persebaya Surabaya to join Belgian club Deinze. This year, he transferred to Oxford United in the English Championship. However, his playing opportunities have been limited so far.
Support from Powerful Figures
Marselino Ferdinan’s developmental path has been strongly supported by influential figures in Indonesia. Erick Thohir, President of the Indonesian Football Association, and Anindya Bakrie, major shareholders holding 51% of Oxford United’s shares, have consistently encouraged and facilitated Indonesian players’ participation in foreign leagues. This not only opens opportunities for Marselino but also inspires many other young talents.
Conclusion
Despite an unspectacular debut at the FA Cup, Marselino Ferdinan remains a significant source of pride for Indonesian football. Participating in such a prestigious competition is clear evidence of his potential and hard work. Fans expect this to be a stepping stone for the young midfielder to continue developing and shining even brighter in the future.
Follow Marselino Ferdinan’s journey and look forward to his contributions to Vietnamese and Southeast Asian football.
Source: Dantri.com.vn
