Indonesian club Persik Kediri and Malaysian giants Selangor FC are set to face off against Asia Warriors FC this July—a unique team made up of some of Asia’s most iconic footballers, both past and present.
Asia Warriors FC is the brainchild of Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda and Filipino icon Anton del Rosario. The initiative was created with the goal of promoting unity, peace, and hope through football, especially amid ongoing regional and global tensions. Through a series of exhibition matches, the team aims to showcase the enduring power of sport in bringing people together across borders.
Honda and Del Rosario’s side will play two friendlies: first, against Persik Kediri at Brawijaya Stadium on July 20, as part of the Macan Putih’s official team launch for the 2025/26 season. The second match will be held on July 27 against Selangor FC at the MBPJ Stadium in Petaling Jaya, as part of the Red Giants’ preseason preparations.
The Asia Warriors roster features a star-studded lineup, including Irfan Bachdim (Indonesia), Stephan Schrock (Philippines), Baihakki Khaizan (Singapore), Ashkan Dejagah (Iran), and Yoichiro Kakitani (Japan), who will take the field in Kediri. The squad for the Petaling Jaya match will be bolstered by local heroes Indra Putra Mahayuddin (Malaysia) and Teeratep Winothai (Thailand).
Also joining the Asia Warriors are Arthur Irawan (Indonesia)—current owner of Persik Kediri—Puskás Award winner Faiz Subri (Malaysia), and popular Japanese football content creator Taiyo Kimura.
More than just exhibition matches, these friendlies represent a celebration of Asian football heritage and a powerful statement of unity. For fans in Kediri and Petaling Jaya, the Asia Warriors’ visit promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, blending nostalgia, inspiration, and world-class football.