Indonesian football player Yardan Akhsani Taqwa died on November 11, 2026, following a severe on-field collision during a youth match in Sleman, iNewsPalembang reported.
The 14-year-old striker for Sleman Timur Football Academy collided with the opposing goalkeeper from Kepek Raya FC while competing for an aerial ball on October 31, 2026, during a Junior Premier League fixture at Maguwoharjo Football Park, Sumbawanews reported. The impact of the opposing goalkeeper’s knee struck Yardan directly in the solar plexus, leaving him unable to continue the match, according to detikHealth.
Timnas Indonesia coach John Herdman expressed his condolences on November 15, 2026, via an Instagram story, CNN Indonesia reported. “Our prayers and sympathies go out to Yardan’s family and friends,” wrote Herdman alongside a photograph of the young player.
Youth and Sports Minister and PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir also released a statement emphasizing player safety following the tragedy. “Yardan’s passing is a reminder to us all that player safety must be a priority in every football match,” Thohir said, according to CNN Indonesia.
Following the collision, no medical personnel, stretchers, or ambulances were present at the venue, according to Sleman Timur FA Chairman Pramusetyo, detikHealth reported. Club officials transported Yardan independently to RS Hermina using a private vehicle, as detailed by Sumbawanews.
Initial medical examinations at RS Hermina detected internal organ abnormalities, prompting a referral to RSUP Dr. Sardjito in Yogyakarta, where doctors diagnosed him with a liver hemorrhage, detikHealth reported. Yardan underwent three separate surgeries and intensive care over an 11-day period, requiring more than 70 bags of blood supplied largely through public donations, according to detikHealth.
“The most extraordinary thing is the blood donors. Because every day we need at least 10 bags, sir,” said Pramusetyo.
Pramusetyo emphasized that the collision was accidental, noting that the opposing goalkeeper had previously played alongside Yardan and visited team staff to apologize, Sumbawanews reported. However, officials raised serious concerns regarding the absence of emergency preparedness at youth matches.
The oversight prompted reactions from regional sports bodies, including the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) in Yogyakarta, Kompas.id reported.
“He was buried today afternoon after 11 days of treatment,” said Pramusetyo when contacted by journalists. detikHealth reported on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
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