The Search For Indonesia’s First Wonderkid

The under-representation of professional Asian footballers has long since been perplexing to many, but the fact remains that, despite holding over half the world’s population, very few genuine superstars hail from the continent. Despite being born in Belgium, ex-Roma and Inter Milan star Radja Nainggolan is of Indonesian descent, and carries a near-cultic following across the nation. Imagine the reaction if there was an Indonesia international superstar… Under the stewardship of former England internationals, Dennis Wise and Des Walker, the boys travel across England and Italy, receive professional coaching, and go toe-to-toe with some of the best academy sides Europe has to offer. The team – known as Garuda Select – contested matches against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Juventus, with the players being tested to their limits, both mentally and physically. This is the story of 24 boys, who flew halfway across the world and gave everything to chase their dream.