Indonesia has long been home to a passionate community for gaming, football, and esports, but in recent years more than ever, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has emerged as a protagonist behind the country’s growing football esports scene. Through grassroots initiatives, national tournaments, and strategic integration with traditional football, PSSI has laid the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive esports ecosystem, on top of the already clear enthusiasm from the community.

These efforts came to global attention in 2024, when Indonesia achieved two historic international victories. First, their outstanding victory at the FIFAe World Cup™ featuring Football Manager with the Ichsan Miracle Taufiq, and his Assistant Manager Manar wednesday Hidayat; and later that year, Indonesia capped off its success by claiming the title at the first-ever FIFAe World Cup™ featuring eFootball™ Console.

For the PSSI, the impact of these achievements runs deep and it translates into much more than top spots in the scoreboard. We spoke with Rahmatul Aufa, from the Competition Department of the PSSI, to understand what the roots and the future of these achievements within football esports hold for the nation.

The inspiring impact of the victory

When we asked Aufa how the 2024 achievements have had marked football and esports communities in Indonesia, she told us “It’s hard to overstate how powerful that moment was. These victories weren’t just about lifting a trophy — they were about shifting perceptions. Esports, once seen as outside the mainstream of Indonesian sports culture, suddenly became a source of national pride. The wins sparked unity across football and gaming communities alike. Our players, who dedicated themselves with remarkable discipline, became national heroes. Young fans now look up to them just as they do their favorite footballers — realizing that they too can represent their country, not just on the field, but with a controller in hand. It’s a powerful cultural shift: digital football is no longer just entertainment — it’s a career path, a source of identity, and a symbol of what modern sport can be. These victories laid a strong foundation, and now our job is to ensure the momentum becomes lasting progress across all levels of Indonesian esports.”

Indonesia’s victories in esports not only marked a historic milestone but continue to be celebrated and encouraged within the community. The impact of these achievements is expected to grow, inspiring individuals across the nation in the years to come.

The talent develops in every day settings

The foundation of Indonesia’s success in football esports has been years in the making. Its current strength is rooted in sustained grassroots growth and organic community development. When asked about the pathways available for aspiring and established players, Aufa highlighted how the PSSI's structures continue to support professional growth within the football esports scene.

“Indonesia’s success is not accidental; it’s the result of years of layered development. You’ll find the beating heart of Indonesian esports in school tournaments, internet cafés, shopping malls, and especially in humble PlayStation rentals scattered across small towns. These rentals, often overlooked, have become informal academies — places where youth gather to compete, learn, and grow. For many, they are the first gateway into structured competitive play.

The PSSI has seen through the organic growth and has then become an essential part of a structured framework and development of esports players and consequent success. "Building on this foundation is our formal role at PSSI that is offering legitimacy, organizing national qualifiers, and establishing clear pathways from local scenes to international competition. We’ve ensured our tournaments remain open and merit-based, allowing undiscovered talent to rise. Through these competitions, players not only gain recognition but are also connected to the FIFAe structure, opening doors to global stages. Supported by partners and a national football culture that transitions naturally into the digital space, we’re cultivating a truly sustainable and inclusive esports ecosystem”

The combination of Indonesia’s grassroots passion and PSSI’s structured approach has made competitive play accessible to all, while creating a clear path for progression. By grounding its efforts in local communities and aligning with global standards, the PSSI has built more than just a pipeline — it has shaped a culture where digital football is both a source of national pride and a real opportunity.

What sets Indonesia apart

The success of Indonesian players is also rooted in their mindset and holistic preparation. Many of them carry a lifelong connection to football in different ways. We asked Aufa what qualities or factors are considered the ones that have contributed to the peak performance of Indonesian players on the recent global esports stage.

“Indonesian players are fueled by deep-rooted passion for football. Many of them have grown up playing sports physically and digitally. This dual exposure shapes a foundational knowledge which gives them an edge, but what really sets them apart is their adaptability, they adjust quickly and remain calm under pressure.”

Beyond passion for the sport and esports, and their versatility, the consistency of the players and the PSSI’s efforts have not gone unnoticed either. Aufa says “Since Indonesia's entry into the global football esports scene in 2021, our players have demonstrated consistent performance, which gradually has spurred increased support and investment, leading to improvements in training facilities and coaching resources. We treat esports with the same seriousness as traditional football. Our training programs emphasize technical skill, team dynamics, strategy, and equally important, mental and physical wellness. That holistic support combined with raw talent and a competitive environment has enabled our players to not just compete but consistently shine on the world stage.

This commitment to player development has transformed raw potential into performance, enabling players representing the PSSI to thrive and secure their place among the world’s football esports elite on a long-term basis.

Football esports within the long-term strategy of the PSSI

The PSSI notably insists in developing football esports just as any other football discipline within the association. Aufa states that “Football esports has become an essential part of our [the PSSI] vision for the future of football in Indonesia. As digital engagement grows rapidly, esports gives us the tools to reach a generation of fans who may not have easy access to physical pitches but are deeply connected through consoles, mobile devices, and online communities. Esports enables us to make football more accessible and inspire participation in innovative ways."

As part of its long-term vision to integrate esports into the broader football ecosystem, PSSI has launched key initiatives that bridge the gap between digital and traditional football. A notable milestone was the official inclusion of the Indonesian National Team in the eFootball™ series, reflecting growing international recognition. Additionally, the launch of the eFootball Indonesia Cup 2025 serves as a national scouting platform, offering global opportunities for emerging talent.

So besides talent development, these launches and integrations have become important factors of the visibility and engagement of Indonesia locally and across the world when it comes to digital football. “Football esports also provide a powerful tool for expanding Indonesia’s football identity globally. With notable successes in international competitions like the FIFAe World Cup, esports offers Indonesia a global spotlight that mirrors its aspirations in traditional football. As we pursue our dream of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, esports is a strategic extension of our efforts—bringing innovation, access, and excitement to the next generation of Indonesian football fans.”

The PSSI's ambitions within traditional football and football esports are now closely aligned. As esports continues to elevate the country’s global presence, it’s clear that the journey is only just beginning.

Local and global message

As football esports continue to evolve, PSSI is clear about the role it wants to play for the community at the local and international stages. The PSSI sees itself as a connector between tradition and innovation, working to ensure that football, regardless of platform, remains a source of opportunity and national pride.

Within the country, the federation aims to be a symbol of opportunity and connection“Locally, we want to be seen as a bridge between tradition and innovation, connecting physical football with esports in a way that’s collaborative, empowering, and inclusive”says Aufa. “Whether a player comes from a big city or a small village, we want to ensure that their passion for football, on any platform, can turn into opportunity. We aim to be a partner in that journey.”

Abroad, the PSSI wants to be seen as a model of modern sports governance “Globally, we aim to be recognized as a forward-thinking federation that understands the evolving landscape of football. Our approach not only emphasizes the importance of preserving the cultural and sporting values that define the game but also embraces the transformative power of technology to engage new audiences and explore innovative formats. At the same time, we are fully committed to fostering meaningful collaboration through international scrimmages, cross-border tournaments, technical exchanges, and the sharing of best practices with other federations and organizations. We believe football in all its forms, physical or digital, has the power to unite, inspire, and elevate our nation on the global stage.”

By combining cultural heritage with technological advancement, particularly within digital football, the PSSI is shaping a future where Indonesian football — on the pitch or in esports — can thrive globally. Their vision is not just about competitiveness, but about connection, collaboration, and the shared power of football to inspire across generations and borders.

About Indonesia and FIFAe

Indonesia’s rise in football esports has been fast and impactful. Since entering the global football esports stage in 2021, the country has built a solid foundation through a mix of organic grassroots environments designed by and for enthusiasts, and a more structured national support from the PSSI. Informal settings like school tournaments, internet cafés, and local PlayStation rentals have served as early training grounds for aspiring players. Building on this, the PSSI has introduced open, merit-based competitions to connect this local talent with the international scene, helping them transform an everyday passion into professional potential and a national signature.

This steady progression to success translated into results and started to show soon after the country’s involvement in the FIFAe ecosystem. In 2022 and 2023, Indonesia came close to qualifying for the FIFAe Nations Cup 2022™ and FIFAe Nations Cup 2023™ respectively, signaling its growing presence within FIFAe and the world. The breakthrough came in 2024, when the Indonesian squads claimed two major titles at the FIFAe World Cup™ featuring Football Manager, and another at the FIFAe World Cup™ featuring eFootball™ Console claimed by the young Indonesian players BINONGBOYS, akbarpaudie and SHNKS-ELGA, while also marking a stellar appearance in the FIFAe World Cup featuring eFootball Mobile with the performance of the renown GARUDAFRANC.

Indonesia’s story within FIFAe highlights not only Indonesia’s competitive emergence but also the strength of a long-term vision within the PSSI: to embed digital football into the heart of the nation’s sporting future, and to keep growing as a football nation.