Indonesia clinched the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 title at Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta on Monday, October 5, 2026, defeating Thailand 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw through 120 minutes under manager John Herdman, detiksport reported. Yet amid the celebrations, midfielder Joey Pelupessy and captain Kevin Diks faced an immediate departure, rushing straight from the venue with their luggage to catch flights back to their European clubs.
Midnight Departures Leave Midfielder Stranded From City Celebrations
While the rest of the squad and coaching staff headed into Jakarta to celebrate the historic victory, Pelupessy and Diks found themselves isolated at the stadium. Speaking to Dutch outlet Tubantia, the 33-year-old midfielder detailed the abrupt end to his evening, explaining that only he and Diks were left behind as teammates ventured out into the city.
The other players went into town to have a good time after the match. I actually wanted to join, but only Kevin Diks and I were left behind,
Pelupessy told Tubantia. I managed to lift the cup for a moment, celebrated a little in the dressing room, and then we left for the airport.
Suara.com reported that both players exited the Gelora Bung Karno complex separately in cars rather than boarding the team bus, heading directly to catch commercial flights.
Tight European Club Schedules Force Immediate Return to Germany and Belgium
The swift exit was dictated by looming domestic fixtures across European leagues following the international break. Diks returned directly to Germany to rejoin Borussia Mönchengladbach ahead of their fixture against FC Köln on Sunday, October 11, 2026, as detailed by Suara.com. Pelupessy traveled back to Belgium to report to Lommel SK for their Belgian Pro League match against SK Beveren on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The logistical turnaround mirrored a similar rush for defender Calvin Verdonk, who also hurried back to France to prepare for Lille’s upcoming schedule against Le Havre. Despite capturing a major international trophy, the overseas contingent had to instantly pivot back to club duties without partaking in extended national festivities.
Birthday Milestone and Decisive Penalty Heroics Cap Off Tournament for Diks
For Diks, the tournament victory doubled as a landmark birthday present. CNN Indonesia reported that the defender turned 30 on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with the team celebrating the milestone the night before his birthday. Stepping up as captain in the absence of the injured Jay Idzes, Diks played the full 120 minutes against Thailand, scored crucial goals that helped Indonesia reach the final, and successfully converted Indonesia’s opening penalty in the shootout.
That high-pressure conversion set the tone for successful spot-kicks by teammates Dean James, Elkan Baggott, and Shayne Pattynama. Goalkeeper Emil Audero then secured the 4-2 shootout victory by blocking an attempt from Thailand’s Nattapong Sayriya, sealing Indonesia’s first senior-level trophy since 1991.
Beyond his on-field leadership and penalty heroics, the defender also drew widespread attention on social media for maintaining a neat, sleek hairstyle throughout the entire 120-minute contest, prompting amused comparisons from fans online. The triumph also added to a decorated career that previously included the KNVB Cup with Vitesse and Feyenoord, alongside the Danish Superliga and Danish Cup with Copenhagen, marking a historic milestone as Skuad Garuda claimed the very first edition of the tournament.
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