How a Dutch-born forward became the unlikely talisman for the Indonesian national football team
In short: Ole Romeny, a forward born and raised in the Netherlands, has transformed his international career by switching allegiance to Indonesia. Through his grandmother, who was born in the Dutch East Indies, Romeny secured citizenship and quickly became a pivotal figure, scoring decisive goals in crucial World Cup qualification matches.
Born in June 2000, Ole Romeny began his professional journey in the Dutch football system. His early career was marked by a dramatic debut for NEC Nijmegen in January 2018, where he entered the pitch as a late substitute for a long-time associate. In a bizarre turn of events, he was dismissed by referee Kevin Blom during stoppage time, earning the unwanted distinction of being the youngest player in the Eerste Divisie to receive a red card on his debut. The decision was later overturned following a successful appeal by his club.
Romeny’s path to international football shifted in November 2024, when he announced his intention to represent Indonesia. His eligibility stems from his maternal grandmother, who originated from Medan in what was then the Dutch East Indies. By February 2025, he had officially acquired Indonesian citizenship, and FIFA approved his association change shortly thereafter. This transition allowed him to join the senior national squad, marking the beginning of a prolific period for the team.
Since his international debut in March 2025 against Australia, where he immediately found the back of the net, Romeny has become a consistent match-winner. He secured a victory against Bahrain with a lone goal and repeated the feat against China in June 2025, earning man-of-the-match honors in consecutive appearances. His impact has continued into 2026, including a penalty goal in the ASEAN Cup against Singapore. Currently playing for Fortuna Sittard, Romeny represents a growing trend of players born abroad choosing to represent the nation of their heritage.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Ole Romeny
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