The AFF U-16 Championship 2024 held in Solo has concluded, and Zahaby Gholy has emerged as the standout young star. This Persija Jakarta academy player was named the best player of the tournament due to his exceptional performance that led the Indonesia U-16 National Team to secure third place.
Zahaby Gholy impressed with five goals throughout the tournament. His remarkable performance began with a penalty goal in the group stage match against Laos. Gholy then scored braces in the knockout stage, in the semifinal against Australia and the third-place playoff against Vietnam. These goals made him the top scorer for the Indonesia U-16 National Team in this tournament.
Gholy’s goal-scoring prowess and significant contributions to the team earned him the title of the best player at the AFF U-16 Championship 2024. This accolade not only marks his achievements at the junior level but also serves as an announcement to the national football scene about his immense talent. Many predict that Gholy will become a future star for the senior Indonesia National Team.
After his outstanding performance at the AFF U-16 Championship, Gholy now shifts his focus to the upcoming 2025 AFC U-17 Qualifiers, set to take place in October 2024. “Alhamdulillah, I could play for the Indonesia U-16 National Team, and the preparation has been quite long since April 18, 2024,” Zahaby Gholy told reporters. “I did not expect to reach this point. Hopefully, I can play again for the Indonesia U-16 National Team in the 2025 AFC U-17 Qualifiers,” he added.
Muhamad Zahaby Gholy, born on December 5, 2008, in Bekasi, West Java, began his football journey at various Soccer Schools (SSB) such as Garuda Putra, Serpong Jaya, and RMD Batavia. His talent caught the eye of Persija Jakarta, and he underwent selection for the Persija Jakarta U-15 team, where he was eventually accepted.
With Persija, Gholy showcased impressive performances, leading his team to the quarterfinals of the Elite Pro Academy (EPA) Liga 1 U-16. Although Persija’s journey ended in the semifinals after a penalty shootout loss to Borneo FC, Gholy remains optimistic and looks forward to the next tournament, the AFC U-17 Championship set for April 2025.
Personal Information
- Full name: Muhamad Zahaby Gholy
- Date of birth: December 5, 2008
- Age: 15 years
- Place of Birth: Bekasi, West Java
- Height: 170 cm
- Religion: Islam
- Position: Right winger, attacking midfielder, striker
- Current club: Persija Jakarta
- Instagram account: @gholy.z
Despite not yet securing a championship title, Gholy remains positive and anticipates the next tournament. “Alhamdulillah, I am quite happy. I didn’t expect to receive the best player award. Hopefully, at the AFC tournament, I can achieve more and win another award,” said Gholy after the match.