Following the announcement of his contract extension with Persija Jakarta, star defender Rizky Ridho took to Instagram to share his thoughts, confirming that his ambition for an overseas career remains strong and undiminished.
Just one day after his contract renewal until 2028 was made public, the Persija Jakarta captain posted a heartfelt message on his social media. He clarified that while he committed to a new deal with the Indonesian club, his desire to pursue a career abroad is still very much alive, albeit with careful consideration of the best options and scenarios for his future.
In his reflective statement, Ridho began by recalling his debut with Persija on July 3, 2024. He then elaborated on how the club has consistently offered him unwavering support, including open discussions regarding his aspirations to play internationally, which showcases a progressive approach from the club’s side.
Ridho emphasized the significance of his decision, stating, “It was not a difficult choice to continue my dream with Persija, because as professional footballers, our primary goal is to bring titles to our club.” He acknowledged the often-misunderstood brevity of a professional football career compared to other professions, highlighting the critical importance of long-term planning.
“Therefore, a long-term plan needs to be designed, and for me, too, I needed to reflect before deciding to continue the agreement with Persija,” Ridho explained. He described the contract renewal as an agreement built on mutual respect and appreciation, a negotiation process that, despite its duration, encountered virtually no obstacles due to shared understanding.
A striking aspect of the new deal, according to Ridho, is Persija’s forward-thinking approach. “The desire to challenge myself by playing abroad is still burning within me. Remarkably, Persija supports this in writing with transparency as a reasonable option,” he revealed. He proudly proclaimed, “I think this is one of the best player contracts ever in Indonesian football,” setting a new benchmark for player-club relations.
He further elaborated that the true value of the contract isn’t merely in its financial terms. “The best is not about the numbers, but how the club can support its players to develop with balanced clauses,” Ridho added, indicating a progressive agreement that genuinely prioritizes player growth and future opportunities.
Rizky Ridho officially signed his contract extension with Persija Jakarta until 2028 on Saturday, November 15, 2025. This move has, however, sparked some speculation, with many fans and pundits assuming that the number 5 player has definitively closed the door on his international ambitions, a common misconception in such scenarios.
Yet, the reality is that Persija’s action is an affirmation of its commitment to one of its top players, not a restriction. Mohamad Prapanca, Persija’s Director, explicitly reiterated the club’s pledge to back Ridho in achieving his dream of playing abroad, showcasing their dedication to their players’ aspirations.
“Ridho is a player who possesses a strong character and high commitment to Persija,” Prapanca stated. He further added, “We aim to build the team’s foundation with players who not only demonstrate quality but also exhibit loyalty and a fighting spirit. Ridho perfectly embodies these qualities, making him an invaluable asset to our squad.”
Prapanca concluded by underscoring the innovative nature of the agreement: “In this new contractual bond, we have also ensured that we will support Ridho should an opportunity to play overseas arise for him at any point.” This clearly demonstrates Persija’s dedication to fostering its players’ careers both domestically and internationally, paving the way for future talents.
Summary
Rizky Ridho has extended his contract with Persija Jakarta until 2028, but his ambition to play abroad remains strong. Following the contract extension announcement, Ridho stated that Persija supports his aspirations for an international career, which is explicitly written into his contract.
Persija Jakarta’s Director, Mohamad Prapanca, affirmed the club’s commitment to supporting Ridho in achieving his dream of playing overseas. This new contract is designed with clauses that support player development, including providing opportunities to play for international clubs if a suitable offer arises, demonstrating a progressive approach from Persija.
