Highly-rated Indonesian wonderkid Marselino Ferdinan has turned heads left, right, and center after it was announced that he had signed for newly-promoted EFL Championship side Oxford United.
19-year old Marselino arrives in Oxford boasting 26 international caps and three goals for the Indonesia national team. Last year, the former Persebaya Surabaya man played a pivotal role in helping Indonesia U-22 team clinch the Southeast Asian Games title, ending a 32-year drought for the nation.
Marselino also holds the distinction of being Indonesia’s youngest-ever international goalscorer and made history earlier this year by becoming the youngest player to score in the finals of the Asian Cup, as well as being instrumental in leading the Indonesian U-23 squad to the semifinals of the 2024 AFC U-23 Championship and guided the team to the Olympic play-offs against Guinea in Paris last May.
In club football, Marselino began his career at Persebaya in Indonesia before spending the previous season with Deinze in Belgium.
As one of Asian football’s emerging talents, Marselino could make history as the first Indonesian-born player to feature in the Championship if selected by the U’s this season, and the second overall Indonesian after Swansea City’s Nathan Tjoe-A-On (born in the Netherlands).
Reflecting on his signing, Marselino said, as quoted from Oxford’s official website, “I’m overjoyed and still in disbelief that I’m here. The thought of being the first Indonesian-born player to compete in the Championship, if chosen, fills me with immense pride. I won’t let this opportunity go to waste, and I’m committed to giving my all to make the most of it. My message to everyone is to keep supporting the team, and rest assured, I’ll give my best to compete and represent this club.”
Oxford head coach Des Buckingham commented, “Marselino is an exciting young talent. The games we’ve observed and the reports from Asia highlight him as one of the best emerging players, so it’s a great chance to have him join us and integrate into our system. Having worked in Asia before, I’m aware of the vast potential talent there, and I’m eager to see how Marselino develops in our environment. Marselino possesses many qualities we seek in both a player and a person, and we can see he has a strong desire to improve and seize this opportunity.”
Ed Waldron, who was the head of football operations at Oxford, added: “Marselino is an incredibly promising young player, and we’re excited to see his growth within our team. The club has strong connections with Indonesia, and through ongoing discussions, we became aware of Marselino’s capabilities. Though untested at this level, it’s clear that Marselino has exceptional talent and valuable international experience. It will be fascinating to see how he adapts to life at Oxford United. We have an excellent environment at the Training Ground, and we believe this is the perfect opportunity for Marselino to challenge himself and develop alongside the experienced players in his position.”
Oxford United has been underneath Indonesian ownership since the 2021/22 season, when current Football Federation of Indonesia president Erick Thohir and businessman Anindya Bakrie took control of the club from Thai businessman Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth, who remained at the club as an investor and shareholder.