It started getting interesting for him in Indonesia’s second match against Yemen. The 16-year-old had only one shot at goal in the 25th minute, but he turned that into Indonesia’s second goal in their eventual 4-1 win over the West Asian side.

In their final group match against Afghanistan, the Bhayangkara Presisi FC player came in after the break, and just when it looked like Indonesia would end up with a draw, struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time. 

His fellow sub Zahaby Gholy then scored two minutes later to give them a perfect finish to their group campaign, entry into the knockout stage and qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. 

“I studied and absorbed everything head coach Nova Arianto taught me, and because of this, I truly believed I could help the team qualify for the FIFA World Cup,” he said. “And now I have achieved that aim.”

Alberto, who also scored a goal two minutes into time added on in the Young Garuda’s 10-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands in the Qualifiers, made his debut with the U17 team in August 2024, where he scored three goals in nine matches.

“Since I was little, I’ve always held a football, and I always felt like I had the blood of a footballer,” he said. “My mother took me to tournaments wherever they were held, and I started playing seriously at nine and became part of the national U16 team at 15.”

The vocational school student, who says his strengths are shooting, shielding, dribbling and sprinting, said he would have to work on his weaknesses - scanning and headers - if he hopes to make it as a professional someday.

“I’m motivated because I want to make my family proud. Even though I come from a less privileged background, dreams are free. That’s why I chose to become an international football player. 

“And I’ve achieved it. But I don’t want to stop here as I want to continue being part of the national team all the way to the senior level.”

Indonesia will play DPR Korea in the quarter-finals on Monday.