Rizky Ridho's Screamer Lands Him Historic Puskas Award Nomination.

Jakarta – Indonesian football has erupted in celebration following the announcement that Rizky Ridho, the towering defender for Persija Jakarta and the national team, has been nominated for the prestigious FIFA Puskas Award 2025. This marks a watershed moment for Indonesian football, as Ridho becomes the first player from the archipelago to ever be shortlisted for the coveted award, which recognizes the most aesthetically significant, or most beautiful, goal of the year.

FIFA unveiled the eleven candidates vying for the Puskas Award, and Ridho’s name stood proudly among a constellation of global footballing stars. He will be competing against established names such as Declan Rice, the midfield maestro of Arsenal, and Lamine Yamal, the prodigious talent emerging from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. The inclusion of an Indonesian player in such esteemed company underscores the growing potential and increasing visibility of Southeast Asian football on the world stage.

Ridho’s nomination stems from a breathtaking goal he scored while playing for Persija Jakarta against Arema FC in a Liga 1 encounter on March 9, 2025. The goal, a remarkable long-range strike from the halfway line, left spectators and pundits alike in awe. Spotting the Arema FC goalkeeper slightly off his line, Ridho unleashed a thunderous shot that soared through the air, dipping perfectly under the crossbar and into the net. The audacity and precision of the strike immediately cemented its place as a contender for goal of the season, and now, it has been recognized by FIFA as one of the best goals scored anywhere in the world during the past year.

Video replays of the goal quickly went viral on social media, further amplifying the buzz surrounding Ridho’s achievement. The video, initially shared by Vidio Sports, a prominent Indonesian sports broadcaster, showcased the stunning trajectory of the ball and the sheer brilliance of Ridho’s execution. The clip was accompanied by a playful caption directed towards the Puskas Award committee, urging them to take note of the goal’s exceptional quality.

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Prior to Ridho’s nomination, no Indonesian player had ever been considered for the Puskas Award since its inception in 2009. This historic achievement not only brings immense pride to Ridho himself but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers across Indonesia. His inclusion in the shortlist demonstrates that with talent, hard work, and a touch of brilliance, Indonesian players can compete with the best in the world.

Within the Southeast Asian region, Ridho is only the second player to receive a Puskas Award nomination. In 2016, Malaysian midfielder Moh Faiz Subri earned a nomination, and subsequently won the award, for a physics-defying free-kick he scored for Penang FA against Pahang. Subri’s victory was a landmark moment for Malaysian football and a testament to the growing talent pool in the region. Ridho will be hoping to emulate Subri’s success and bring the Puskas Award back to Southeast Asia once again.

The Puskas Award is determined through a public voting system, allowing fans from around the world to have their say on which goal they believe is the most deserving of the accolade. Football enthusiasts can cast their votes on the official FIFA website, carefully reviewing the nominated goals and selecting their favorite. The voting process is typically open for several weeks, giving fans ample time to make their choices.

Ridho’s chances of winning the Puskas Award will depend largely on the support he receives from Indonesian football fans and the wider football community. The passion and dedication of Indonesian supporters are well-known, and their collective voice could play a significant role in swaying the outcome of the voting. Social media campaigns and online mobilization efforts are expected to be launched in support of Ridho’s candidacy, encouraging fans to rally behind their national hero.

Beyond the Puskas Award nomination, Rizky Ridho has established himself as a key player for both Persija Jakarta and the Indonesian national team. He is known for his commanding presence in defense, his aerial prowess, and his ability to read the game. His long-range goal against Arema FC showcased another dimension to his game, highlighting his technical ability and willingness to take risks.

At Persija Jakarta, Ridho has become a cornerstone of the team’s defense, helping them to challenge for titles in Liga 1. His consistent performances have earned him the respect of his teammates and the admiration of the club’s fans. He is also a regular starter for the Indonesian national team, where he plays a crucial role in the team’s defensive setup.

The Indonesian national team, known as Garuda, is currently undergoing a period of rebuilding under the guidance of a new coach. The team is aiming to qualify for major international tournaments, such as the AFC Asian Cup and the FIFA World Cup. Ridho’s presence in the team provides stability and experience, and his leadership qualities are highly valued by the coaching staff.

Looking ahead, Rizky Ridho will be focused on maintaining his high level of performance for both Persija Jakarta and the Indonesian national team. He will also be eagerly awaiting the results of the Puskas Award voting, hoping to make history and become the first Indonesian player to win the prestigious award. Regardless of the outcome, his nomination has already brought immense pride to Indonesian football and has inspired a new generation of players to dream big.

The upcoming fixtures for Persija Jakarta in Liga 1 will be crucial as they aim to secure a strong finish to the season. Ridho’s defensive contributions will be vital in these matches, as the team looks to keep clean sheets and secure valuable points. The Indonesian national team also has important international matches on the horizon, including World Cup qualifying games and friendly matches. Ridho will be expected to play a key role in these matches, leading the defense and helping the team to achieve positive results.

While quotes directly from Ridho regarding the Puskas Award nomination were unavailable at the time of writing, it is expected that he will express his gratitude and excitement in the coming days. His achievement has undoubtedly captured the attention of the Indonesian media and football fans, and his words will be eagerly anticipated.

The Puskas Award ceremony, which will be held as part of FIFA’s annual awards event, promises to be a night of celebration for Indonesian football. Whether Ridho wins the award or not, his nomination is a testament to his talent and hard work, and it serves as a reminder that Indonesian football is on the rise.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.