Meet Maarten Paes, the starting goalkeeper for Major League Soccer team FC Dallas. Despite his on-field success, he remains virtually anonymous in the bustling streets of Dallas, Texas. However, his online presence tells a different story, especially in Indonesia.
During his visits to Indonesia, Paes is greeted with adoration and has amassed a massive following on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. With over 1.7 million followers on Instagram and 1.2 million on TikTok, Paes has become a sensation in the Indonesian football community.
Originally hailing from the Netherlands, Paes acquired Indonesian citizenship in April, a decision that was greatly influenced by his grandmother’s wish. As he recalls, “It was a thing I could do that would make her smile at the end of her life.”
Transitioning to represent Indonesia on the international stage, Paes experienced a dramatic shift in his online presence. The overwhelming support from fans and the sudden surge in followers on social media platforms took him by surprise.
Having recently played for Indonesia in a high-profile match against Australia, Paes experienced firsthand the sheer magnitude of football fandom in the country. The electrifying atmosphere at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium left a lasting impression on him.
But Paes is not the only one benefiting from the Indonesian football phenomenon. The arrival of Indonesian football stars like Marselino Ferdinan and Rafael Struick in teams like Oxford United and Brisbane Roar has triggered a social media frenzy.
The Indonesian effect has significantly boosted engagement for these clubs, with videos and posts featuring the new Indonesian signings garnering millions of views. Fans in Indonesia have a profound love for their national team players, translating into immense online and offline support.
Indonesia’s social media craze for football extends to players like Justin Hubner, who experiences overwhelming adulation both online and in person. Hubner’s rise to fame as an Indonesian national team player showcases the intense passion of Indonesian football enthusiasts.
This unique football culture in Indonesia has also caught the attention of clubs worldwide. The star power of players like Hubner and Paes brings increased visibility to their clubs and provides a platform for engaging with an enthusiastic fan base.
The fusion of Indonesian football talent with international clubs is reshaping the landscape of social media engagement in the football world. Players like Marselino Ferdinan are not just icons on the pitch; they are catalysts for global football fandom.
As the football community embraces this cultural shift, one thing is certain: Indonesian football stars are redefining the way we perceive social media influence in the beautiful game.
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