Patrick Kluivert’s time as head coach of Indonesia has come to an end after the two parties agreed to part ways following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Indonesia’s qualification hopes were dashed after consecutive defeats to Iraq and Saudi Arabia last week.
The 49-year-old former Netherlands and Barcelona star, who was appointed in January, managed only eight games in charge — winning three, drawing one, and losing four.
In an emotional post on Instagram, Kluivert described his tenure as “an unforgettable journey,” expressing disappointment at missing out on World Cup qualification but pride in the progress made.
“Even though I’m deeply disappointed and sorry for the fact that we didn’t make it to the World Cup, I’ll always be proud of what we built together,” he wrote.
Kluivert succeeded South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong, who was controversially dismissed earlier this year. He had signed a two-year deal with the mandate of leading Indonesia to their first-ever World Cup appearance since independence in 1945.
In a statement, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) confirmed that Kluivert’s exit was a “mutual termination,” describing it as part of a broader evaluation of the national football program.
The PSSI did not disclose who would replace the Dutchman.
Kluivert, who retired as a player in 2008 after a stellar career with Ajax, AC Milan, and Barcelona, has had mixed results as a coach. His most recent job before Indonesia was with Turkish club Adana Demirspor, where he lasted five months in 2023.
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