Indonesian football is full of stories rooted in simple things. From dusty village fields and flimsy plastic balls to the small steps of a child running barefoot. From these simple beginnings, big dreams are born – to wear the Garuda emblem on their chest and stand alongside the world’s best players.
Evandra Florasta is part of that story. His name is now on the list of Indonesia’s young talents preparing to play on the most prestigious stage: The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™. His journey is not just about statistics. It is a long story of dreams, hard work, and the courage to keep on growing.
“My dad says it all started when I was two years old,” he said in an interview with FIFA. “I often got toys, all kinds of things. But the one I was most interested in was a plastic ball. I ignored all the other toys except the ball, which I was constantly kicking. From there, my father realised that I had a passion for football.”
Like millions of other Indonesian children, Florasta made his way through Football School (SSB). It was on these small pitches he honed his skills. At the age of 12, he summoned the courage to try out for Bhayangkara FC. That move was the gateway to the Elite Pro Academy U-16 program, a crucial stepping stone that paved the way to the national stage.
But one big name played a part in his journey: Lionel Messi. Florasta’s dad is a huge Barcelona fan, and passed that love on to him. He spent his nights watching Barca, captivated by every touch from Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup™ champion.
“When I was little, me and my dad often watched Barcelona. I just loved watching Messi play,” Florasta said. “Because we’re both left-footed, I felt an affinity with him. But what I admire most isn’t his dribbling, it’s his vision of the game – his sharp passes and assists that always help his teammates.”
This love for the vision of the game has shaped his character as a midfielder. He is not your typical player seeking the spotlight by scoring beautiful goals; he’s a creative attacker who provides solutions on the pitch.
His international career began to take off when he appeared in the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup. In a dramatic group stage match against Korea Republic, Florasta stepped up to take a penalty in the final minutes. His shot was saved by the goalkeeper, but he scored the rebound for a 1-0 win for Indonesia.
“When I was going to take the penalty in the last minute I was so nervous,” he recalled. “My legs were shaking, I was afraid. My shot was blocked, but thank God the ball rebounded and I was able to put it away.”
That moment was proof of the steely mentality of this young player. Florasta refused to accept defeat and rose to the challenge. In the final group stage match against Yemen, he again had the chance to take a penalty. Thanks to additional training sessions, this time his execution was perfect and he found the net.
“After the match against Korea, I continued to practise, especially taking penalties,” he explained. “I asked the coach for extra training. And sure enough against Yemen, we got a penalty. The new technique I had been practising worked, and I scored.”
Now, with Garuda Muda, Florasta will go up against the teams in Group H of the U-17 World Cup: Brazil, Honduras, and Zambia, teams with a long history of fierce competition.
“Of course, we’ve been preparing for a long time with coach Nova [Arianto],” Florasta said. “Our main target is to get through the group stage. But for me personally, it’s not just that. I want Indonesia to make an even greater impression at the World Cup.”
For any young player, playing against Brazil is both a dream and a big test. The birthplace of samba, Brazil is home to legends like Pele and Neymar, and now Florasta has the opportunity to pit himself against the new generation of Brazilian players.
“Playing against Brazil is a huge opportunity,” he said. “Everyone knows how good they are; their U-17 and U-20, and their extraordinary senior team. Who knows, we could learn a lot from those matches that will help me and the team grow.”
Florasta prefers to play the role of playmaker, creating space and making key passes rather than simply scoring goals. If he had to chose someone who characterises him on the pitch, a former Manchester City star and current Napoli player come to mind.
“Personally, my playing style is more forward-leading, helping out in attack,” he said. “Perhaps you could say it’s similar to Kevin De Bruyne.”
But for Florasta, the U-17 World Cup is just the beginning of a long journey. He realises that the tournament is both a stage and a showcase that could open the door to greater things.
“My long-term hope is to continue developing my game,” said the 17-year-old. “I’m grateful I’m getting the chance to play abroad. And lots of talent scouts will be watching the U-17 World Cup in November.
“So I’m preparing myself to play the best I can. The most important thing right now is to focus on myself and maintain consistency, and as for career opportunities abroad, time will tell.”
