Last night, Oxford United’s academy team delivered an impressive performance, securing a dominant 6-0 victory over Banbury in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup. This result not only propelled the team into the semifinals but also highlighted the brilliance of a young talent from Indonesia—Marselino Ferdinan.
Marselino Ferdinan nets a brace and provides a brilliant assist in the match against Banbury (Photo: Oxford United).
Marselino Ferdinan: A Rising Star on the English Football Scene
In the recent match, Marselino Ferdinan was the standout player. The 2004-born midfielder scored two crucial goals and provided a top-tier assist, significantly contributing to the team’s victory. The opening goal was scored by Leo Snowden after an assist from Marselino. He continued to shine with two accurate finishes, taking the score to 3-0.
Apart from Marselino, two other players also scored doubles in the match: Leo Snowden and Harrison Bradney. However, the spotlight remained on the Indonesian star. The official Instagram account of Oxford United’s youth team praised Marselino: “The Indonesian player made intelligent runs into space, received a pass from Leo Snowden, and executed a world-class finish to make it 2-0.”
Despite not regularly featuring in the first team, Marselino is proving to be a key player for the youth squad. Impressive performances like these bring him closer to his goal of playing professionally in the English Championship.
A Historic Milestone at the FA Cup
Marselino Ferdinan made history as the first local Indonesian player to compete in the FA Cup. In November 2024, he was registered for a Championship match. He then officially made his debut in the third round of the FA Cup against Exeter City in January 2025. This milestone is not only a source of pride for Marselino but also for Indonesian football.
Marselino Ferdinan leaves his mark at the FA Cup, becoming a pride of Indonesian football (Photo: Getty).
From Indonesia to Europe: An Inspirational Journey
Marselino Ferdinan’s career journey began in his home country, Indonesia. In 2021, he was listed among the top 60 promising young players in the world by The Guardian. In February 2023, he left Persebaya Surabaya to join Belgian club Deinze. Currently, Marselino plays for Oxford United in the English Championship.
Although he has had limited opportunities in the first team, Marselino continues to demonstrate his potential through matches with the youth squad. Notably, support from two prominent Indonesian billionaires—Erick Thohir and Anindya Bakrie, major shareholders of Oxford United—has facilitated his development.
International Achievements and a Bright Future
Marselino’s brilliance extends beyond club football; he is also a source of pride for the Indonesian national team. In November 2024, he scored a brace to help Indonesia defeat Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the third round of World Cup 2026 qualifiers. This further underscores his ability and influence on the international stage.
With his talent, dedication, and supportive environment, Marselino Ferdinan is poised for even greater achievements. His story not only inspires young Indonesians but also elevates Southeast Asian football on the global map.
Conclusion
Marselino Ferdinan is steadily establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in Indonesian football. From impressive performances with Oxford United’s youth team to historic milestones at the FA Cup, he has proven that he deserves high expectations. Let’s look forward to his next steps on the path to the pinnacle of world football.
For the latest updates on Marselino Ferdinan and other rising stars, visit our website regularly.
References
- Dantri.com.vn – Indonesian Star Shines in England
- Official Instagram of Oxford United’s youth team
- Guardian report on the 2021 list of promising young players
