Dutch media 'shocked' as 21-year-old star rejects them to become Indonesian citizen

Indonesia - Ảnh 1. — Miliano Jonathans is completing the process of naturalizing as an Indonesian citizen - Photo: IMAGO

The Dutch media was surprised by the decision of young talent Miliano Jonathans, when he turned down the opportunity to play for the Dutch youth team to pursue the naturalization process and play for the Indonesian national team.

Dutch newspaper Voetbal Primeur reported that the 21-year-old had been named in the preliminary list of the "Orange Storm" youth team. However, Jonathans did not respond to the call-up because he is in the process of completing the procedures to become an Indonesian citizen.

"According to Voetbal Primeur, Jonathans was on the provisional list of the Dutch youth team. However, he did not accept the invitation because he is in the process of applying for Indonesian citizenship," the newspaper wrote.

According to CNN Indonesia , the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) is speeding up the naturalization process for Jonathans.

PSSI President Erick Thohir hopes that the striker can soon make his debut for the national team in friendly matches in September, before entering the important matches in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in October.

"We are speeding up the naturalization process for Jonathans to strengthen the national team for the friendly matches in September, instead of letting him play right away in October," said Mr. Erick Thohir.

Unlike many other naturalization cases of the Indonesian team, when many players of Dutch origin chose to play for this Southeast Asian country when they were in their twilight years, the case of Jonathans at the age of 21, who has a bright future in the Netherlands, is quite special.

Jonathans’ presence is considered a necessary addition to the attack of the “thousand islands” team. Especially in the context that main striker Ole Romeny is out of action due to injury.

The Indonesian team will have a busy schedule in September and October. They will participate in a friendly tournament with Kuwait and Lebanon from September 2 to 8. After that, coach Patrick Kluivert and his team will face Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Miliano Jonathans was born on April 5, 2004 in Arnhem, Netherlands. But he has Indonesian roots and is eligible to play for the "island country" team. He plays as a right winger, striker or attacking midfielder.

Jonathans came through the Vitesse youth system and made his Eredivisie debut in April 2022. He made 40 appearances and scored 11 goals for Vitesse before moving to FC Utrecht earlier this year.

According to Transfermarkt, Miliano Jonathans is currently valued at up to 900,000 euros.

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THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/truyen-thong-ha-lan-soc-khi-ngoi-sao-21-tuoi-tu-choi-ho-de-nhap-tich-indonesia-20250822084144642.htm