Maarten Paes is the starting goalkeeper for Major League Soccer team FC Dallas. Despite this, he can go unnoticed when walking down a busy street in Dallas, Texas.
However, his online presence tells a different story, especially in Indonesia.
Paes, like his Indonesia national team colleagues, is a big deal in the country. He is swarmed by fans and has a massive social media following, much larger than one would expect for a player who hasn’t reached the top of football’s hierarchy.
At 26 years old, Paes, who was born in the Netherlands, became an Indonesian citizen in April. He was surprised by the rapid growth of his social media following, with 1.7 million followers on Instagram and 1.2 million on TikTok.
“You already know before it happens because you’ve seen it happen to other players. It’s such a huge country and they are all in love with soccer,” Paes explains.
He was aware of his eligibility to play for Indonesia for a couple of years, but it was a conversation with his grandmother, who was ill at the time, that pushed him to make the decision. “She’s from there and I spoke with her a lot about it. It was a thing I could do that would make her smile at the end of her life. That was huge for me. She said, ‘I would really love if you would do that.’ So she encouraged me and it was an honor to do it for her.”
Since news broke of his switch to Indonesia, Paes’ life changed dramatically. “That was when I felt I needed to get a relationship with my social media in a different way, where you can put it away for a while because it can be a little bit overwhelming,” he says. “It’s surreal that suddenly you’re getting adored by so many followers and such big crowds.”
Paes recently played his first two games for Indonesia, including a goalless draw against Australia in front of over 70,000 fans at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
On the other hand, Oxford United and Brisbane Roar have also experienced a surge in social media engagement due to the arrival of Indonesian soccer superstars Marselino Ferdinan and Rafael Struick. These players have garnered a huge following, boosting their clubs’ online presence in a significant way.
Indonesia’s passionate support for football is evident from the massive social media following of their national team players compared to other countries. The Indonesian players’ popularity is unmatched, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted love for the sport.
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The interaction with fans can sometimes be overwhelming for players like Justin Hubner, who has become a star in Indonesia but enjoys relative peace when back in his quiet life in Wolverhampton.
This newfound fame has opened up opportunities for players like Hubner, with social media growth leading to brand deals and increased exposure for their clubs.
Overall, the impact of Indonesian players on social media and football is undeniable, showcasing the strong connection between football fans in Indonesia and their beloved players.
Despite the challenges that come with fame, players like Hubner are grateful for the support and opportunities that have come their way.