Erick Thohir Hails PSSI Awards 2026 as Comprehensive Appreciation for Indonesian Football Ecosystem

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir has emphatically declared that the inaugural PSSI Awards 2026 transcends the conventional notion of a mere celebratory event. Held at Studio 6 Emtek in Jakarta on Saturday evening, the ceremony was positioned by Thohir as a profound gesture of appreciation for every individual and entity contributing to the advancement and dynamism of Indonesian football. This landmark event, the first of its kind in the federation’s 95-year history, aimed to shine a spotlight on the collective effort that underpins the sport’s growth, from the pitch to the farthest reaches of its supporting infrastructure.

A New Dawn for Recognition: Context and Vision

The initiation of the PSSI Awards marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Indonesian football under Erick Thohir’s leadership. Since his election as Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) in February 2023, Thohir has consistently championed a holistic approach to football development, emphasizing professionalism, integrity, and inclusivity. His tenure has been characterized by concerted efforts to address long-standing issues within the sport, including refining league structures, improving national team performance, enhancing refereeing standards, and fostering robust grassroots programs. The PSSI Awards 2026 is a direct manifestation of this vision, designed to institutionalize a culture of recognition and excellence across the entire footballing spectrum.

Historically, while individual achievements in Indonesian football have been celebrated informally or through club-specific accolades, a comprehensive, federation-backed awards system was conspicuously absent. This void often left many unsung heroes, from dedicated coaches and administrators to passionate supporters and innovative program developers, without formal acknowledgment. The PSSI Awards aim to rectify this, drawing inspiration from international best practices seen in FIFA, AFC, and UEFA awards, which annually honor various facets of the game, thereby stimulating higher standards and greater participation.

Thohir articulated this philosophy clearly, stating that national football is not solely built by players on the field but by a diverse array of elements, including referees, provincial associations, sponsors, and, crucially, the passionate supporters. "The PSSI Awards arrive with a warmer, more grounded spirit, giving recognition to those who keep the dream of Indonesian football alive," Thohir remarked, underscoring the inclusive nature of the initiative. This sentiment reflects a broader strategy to unite all stakeholders under a common banner, fostering a sense of shared ownership and collective responsibility for the sport’s future. The awards are thus not merely about trophies but about building a stronger, more cohesive football community.

A Historic Inauguration: The Timeline of Recognition

The journey to the PSSI Awards 2026 began shortly after Erick Thohir assumed leadership, with the federation outlining plans to create a platform that would celebrate achievements systematically. The planning involved extensive consultations to define categories that accurately reflect the multifaceted nature of football contributions. This meticulous preparation culminated in the grand event on Saturday night, signifying a pivotal moment in Indonesian football history. The decision to hold the first awards ceremony after 95 years of PSSI’s existence underscores the ambition to usher in a new era of transparency, accountability, and appreciation within the federation.

The ceremony itself was a meticulously organized affair, bringing together key figures from the Indonesian football community, including players, coaches, club officials, provincial association representatives, referees, sponsors, and media. The atmosphere was one of anticipation and celebration, marking a departure from previous, less formalized acknowledgments of excellence. The 17 categories of awards were carefully curated to cover a broad spectrum of contributions, ensuring that recognition extended beyond the most visible figures on the pitch.

Celebrating Excellence: The Award Winners and Their Impact

The PSSI Awards 2026 featured a diverse array of winners across 17 categories, each embodying excellence and dedication within their respective roles. These awards serve not only as individual accolades but also as benchmarks for future generations and inspiration for continued development.

Men’s Football Accolades:

• Best Men’s Player: Jay Idzes was deservingly crowned Best Men’s Player. The naturalized central defender has been a transformative figure for the Indonesian national team, bringing a blend of tactical discipline, aerial prowess, and calm leadership from his experience in European leagues. His instrumental role in recent FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the AFC Asian Cup has significantly bolstered the team’s defensive solidity and overall confidence.
• Best Men’s Young Player: The prodigious talent of Marselino Ferdinan earned him the Best Men’s Young Player award. Currently plying his trade in Belgium, Ferdinan represents the future of Indonesian football, known for his electrifying dribbling, creative playmaking, and crucial goals for both the U-23 and senior national teams. His continued development abroad is closely watched by fans, who see him as a potential global star.
• Best Goal: Rizky Ridho took home the award for Best Goal. While specific details of the goal were not provided in the original snippet, such an award typically recognizes a strike of exceptional skill, importance, or aesthetic beauty, often from a crucial league or national team match, highlighting the defender’s unexpected offensive prowess.
• Best Assist: Yance Sayuri was recognized for the Best Assist, celebrating the creative vision and precise execution required to set up scoring opportunities. This award acknowledges the often-understated but vital role of playmakers and wingers in creating decisive moments.
• Best Men’s Goalkeeper: The highly anticipated Maarten Paes received the Best Men’s Goalkeeper award. Despite ongoing processes for his national team eligibility, Paes’s consistent high-level performances for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer have positioned him as a formidable presence. His recognition underscores PSSI’s forward-looking approach, acknowledging talent with Indonesian heritage regardless of current national team appearances.

Women’s Football Accolades:

• Best Women’s Player: Safira Ika was named Best Women’s Player. A prominent figure in Indonesian women’s football, Ika is known for her leadership, skill, and consistent contributions to both her club and the national team, playing a crucial role in raising the profile of women’s football in the country.
• Best Women’s Young Player: The emerging talent of Claudia Alexandra Scheunemann earned her the Best Women’s Young Player award. Scheunemann is a rising star, whose performances at youth levels and early senior appearances have marked her as one of the most promising female footballers in Indonesia, embodying the potential for future success in the women’s game.
• Best Women’s Goalkeeper: Iris de Rouw was honored as Best Women’s Goalkeeper, recognizing her vital role between the posts. This award highlights the growing quality and recognition for women’s football goalkeepers, a position critical to team success.

Technical and Development Awards:

• Best Save: The award for Best Save went to Emil Audero. As a high-profile Indonesian diaspora goalkeeper currently with Inter Milan, Audero’s inclusion is significant. Though he has not yet committed to the Indonesian national team, his recognition by PSSI signifies an acknowledgment of his heritage and his world-class talent, potentially fostering future connections.
• Best Referee: Thoriq Munir Alkatiri was chosen as Best Referee, a testament to his consistent professionalism, fair judgment, and ability to manage high-pressure matches in the Indonesian league. This award is crucial for promoting higher standards of officiating, a critical component of fair play and competitive integrity.
• Best Assistant Referee: Fuad Qohar received the Best Assistant Referee award, acknowledging the precise decision-making and fitness required to excel in this demanding role, particularly in offside calls and foul detection.
• Best Provincial Association: Asprov PSSI Jawa Timur (East Java PSSI Provincial Association) was lauded as the Best Provincial Association. This recognition typically signifies excellence in regional football governance, including successful local league organization, robust youth development programs, effective talent identification, and adherence to PSSI’s administrative standards. It underscores the importance of strong regional foundations for national football development.

Development and Special Recognition:

• Football Development Program of the Year: The Gala Siswa Indonesia (GSI) was honored as the Football Development Program of the Year. GSI is a nationwide school-level football competition designed to identify and nurture young talent from an early age, integrating sports with education and providing a structured pathway for aspiring footballers.
• Grassroots Development Program of the Year: The MilkLife Soccer Challenge received the Grassroots Development Program of the Year award. This program is instrumental in promoting football at its most fundamental level, often targeting specific demographics like young girls, fostering participation, basic skills, and a love for the game from the ground up.
• Man Behind The Jersey of the Year: Setyo Putro Utomo was recognized as the Man Behind The Jersey of the Year. This special award shines a light on the invaluable contributions of unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes—such as kit managers, physiotherapists, team managers, and administrative staff—whose dedication is crucial for team performance but often goes unnoticed.
• Supporter of the Year: The late Mas Katon was posthumously honored as Supporter of the Year. This deeply touching award recognizes the profound passion, loyalty, and positive impact of dedicated fans. Such recognition celebrates the "12th man" and the vibrant fan culture that is the lifeblood of Indonesian football, often acknowledging individuals who have contributed significantly to their club’s community or promoted positive fan behavior.
• Special Recognition Award: A special award was also presented to Tan Liong Houw through the Yayasan Bakti Sepak Bola (Football Service Foundation). Tan Liong Houw is a legendary figure in Indonesian football history, a former national team player whose contributions spanned decades. This award underscores PSSI’s commitment to honoring its heritage and the pioneers who laid the groundwork for the sport’s present and future.

Broader Impact and Implications for Indonesian Football

The PSSI Awards 2026 is more than a one-off event; it represents a strategic shift in how Indonesian football acknowledges and nurtures its talent and infrastructure. Its implications are far-reaching:

1. Motivation and Performance Standards: By celebrating excellence, the awards create a powerful incentive for players, coaches, referees, and administrators to strive for higher performance standards. Knowing that their efforts can be formally recognized can drive greater dedication and professionalism across all levels of the game.
2. Professionalization of the Ecosystem: The structured nature of the awards, covering various facets from playing to development and officiating, pushes Indonesian football further towards international professional standards. It encourages accountability and best practices in governance, training, and talent management.
3. Enhanced Visibility and Investment: Awards for women’s football, youth development, and grassroots programs significantly increase their visibility. This can attract greater investment from sponsors, government bodies, and private entities, which is crucial for sustainable growth and expanding participation, particularly for underrepresented groups.
4. Unity and Inclusivity: Erick Thohir’s emphasis on appreciating all contributors fosters a stronger sense of unity within the often-fragmented Indonesian football community. It reinforces the message that every role, no matter how seemingly small, is vital to the collective success of the sport, promoting a more inclusive and collaborative environment.
5. Benchmarking and Data Collection: The selection process for such awards can encourage more robust data collection and performance analysis within PSSI and its affiliated bodies. This data can then be used to identify areas for improvement, track progress, and make more informed decisions regarding future development strategies.
6. Inspiring Future Generations: Seeing their heroes and mentors celebrated inspires young aspiring footballers, coaches, and officials. It provides tangible examples of success and demonstrates clear pathways for achievement within Indonesian football, from playing professionally to contributing off the pitch.
7. Addressing Historical Gaps: For a federation existing for 95 years, the absence of such comprehensive awards was a notable gap. Its introduction signals a commitment to rectifying historical oversights and building a more forward-looking, merit-based system of recognition.

While the PSSI Awards 2026 is a commendable step forward, the journey for Indonesian football remains long and challenging. Issues such as improving league infrastructure, ensuring financial stability for clubs, tackling fan violence, and continually combating corruption within the sport are ongoing priorities. However, the awards signify a tangible commitment from PSSI leadership to acknowledge achievements, foster a positive culture, and build a more robust and appreciative ecosystem. It underscores the belief that by celebrating the collective spirit and individual excellence, Indonesian football can continue its upward trajectory on both national and international stages. This inaugural event is not just an end in itself but a promising beginning for a new tradition that aims to keep the dreams of Indonesian football alive and thriving for generations to come.