For the first time, an Indonesian player competes in the Bundesliga

An Indonesian footballer has officially made his debut in the Bundesliga, marking a historic milestone for Indonesia’s football in Germany’s top league.

Indonesian football has just reached a memorable landmark as Kevin Diks officially became the first player from the country to appear in the Bundesliga. In the opening match of the 2025/26 season between Borussia Monchengladbach and Hamburg, Diks was brought on by the coach in the 77th minute, played the final 14 minutes, and ended the historic day with a promising performance.

Although he only played briefly, Diks made a clear impact. According to Sofascore statistics, he earned a rating of 6.8,a positive score for a substitute entering late in the game. During 14 minutes, Diks recorded 15 touches, achieving a passing accuracy of 91% (10 out of 11 passes). He also registered 1 clearance, 1 successful tackle, won 2 out of 3 aerial duels and 2 out of 3 ground duels. Additionally, the defender made 1 shot, although it did not hit the target. He also committed 1 foul and was fouled once, demonstrating his aggressive style of play.

Before arriving in Germany, Kevin Diks had a career journey across Europe. Developed at Vitesse’s academy (Netherlands), he played for Serie A clubs such as Fiorentina and Empoli. His experience in these tough leagues helped Diks mature and prepare for the new challenge in the Bundesliga, which demands high physicality, speed, and tactical adaptability.

Diks’s presence at Borussia Monchengladbach is not only a personal milestone but also holds special significance for Indonesian football. For the first time, fans from the archipelago witnessed one of their beloved players participate in Germany’s top professional league. This is a positive sign showing that the European door is opening wider for Southeast Asian talents.

The moment Diks stepped onto the pitch at Borussia-Park will surely inspire the next generation of young Indonesian players. From now on, the Bundesliga is no longer unfamiliar but a tangible goal to strive for. With such a promising start, Kevin Diks can continue his journey, not only as a “pathfinder” but also as a symbol of success for Indonesian football in Europe.