The Indonesian international who rose from Bangkok to English professional football
In short: Born in Thailand to an English father and an Indonesian mother, Elkan Baggott has carved a unique path. From training at Jakarta's Soccer Schools International to making history as Indonesia's first player in an English professional league, his journey is a testament to navigating complex identities and professional milestones.
Baggott's career took flight in 2019 after he signed a two-year scholarship with Ipswich Town. A 2–0 win over Gillingham in the EFL Trophy marked his first senior appearance for the side on 6 October 2020. By 28 January 2021, he signed his first professional contract with Ipswich, a deal lasting two-and-a-half years with an option for an additional year.
Baggott has been a pioneer for Indonesian football in England. He achieved the distinction of being the inaugural Indonesian player in an English professional league on 16 April 2022, during an EFL League One fixture against Rotherham United. He later became the first Indonesian to score in English football, netting a goal for Gillingham against Stevenage on 15 October 2022.
His international career has been marked by both commitment and logistical hurdles. While he was called up to the senior Indonesia national team in May 2021, he initially declined due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in the United Kingdom. He eventually made his senior debut on 16 November 2021 against Afghanistan. His career has also seen significant highs, such as scoring a header against Malaysia on 19 December 2021, and challenges, including an injury-disrupted 2024–25 season that saw him miss several months due to ankle and thigh injuries.
Currently playing as a centre-back for EFL Championship club Millwall, Baggott's career trajectory has seen him move through various loan spells at clubs like King's Lynn Town, Gillingham, Cheltenham Town, Bristol Rovers, and Blackpool.
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