German football prodigy may join the Indonesia national team

The young German talent - Laurin Ulrich is rumored to possibly naturalize and play for the Indonesia national team.

According to Bola, another naturalization candidate is ready to join the Indonesian national team, this time from Germany. He is Laurin Ulrich. Although the Indonesian Football Association has not responded, Indonesian football fans were shocked by Laurin Ulrich's statement that he might represent the country's national team.

Recently, Laurin Ulrich was asked on 1. FC Magdeburg's YouTube channel about the possibility of wearing the Indonesia national team jersey. While not explicitly confirming, the German midfielder hinted that it is a possibility: "I want to say, never say never."

Ulrich’s statement came as the Indonesia national team prepares for the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, scheduled for October 8 and 11. In the first match, "Garuda" will face hosts Saudi Arabia, followed by Iraq.

Despite the tough challenge, coach Patrick Kluivert’s squad must strive for two wins to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup finals. The midfield is quite crowded with Thom Haye, Joey Pelupessy, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Marc Klok, Yakon Sayuri, Ivar Jenner, and Miliano Jonathans.

However, if the PSSI still needs additional players, Laurin Ulrich could be a name worth considering. The attacking midfielder born in 2005 is contracted to VfB Stuttgart but currently on loan at 1.FC Magdeburg, and could potentially be a valuable addition to the Indonesian team.

Laurin Ulrich was born in Heidenheim an der Brenz, Germany. The 20-year-old midfielder has Indonesian blood through his grandfather. Ulrich is a regular player for Germany’s national teams at all youth levels. According to Transfermarkt, he has played for the U16, U17, U18, U19 teams and currently serves as captain of Germany’s U20 team as of September.

Most recently, Ulrich was called up to Germany’s U20 team to participate in the Elite League U20 2025/2026, a youth competition involving several European countries in September 2025; he was also previously captain of Germany’s U17 team. In the 2024/25 season with Stuttgart II, Ulrich scored 3 goals and provided 7 assists in 18 appearances.