Barcelona Legends to Face World Stars in Jakarta Clash, Kluivert Set to Return

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Jakarta will host a star-studded football spectacle as legendary players gather for the Clash of Legends friendly match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on April 18, 2026. The event will feature former Barcelona greats against a lineup of international stars assembled under the DRX World Legends banner.

Among the Barcelona legends set to play is Patrick Kluivert, whose presence has stirred mixed reactions among Indonesian fans.

Kluivert previously coached the national team but failed to secure Indonesia’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a disappointment that left supporters with lingering frustration. Despite this, organizers confirmed his participation after extensive discussions.

“It was difficult at first to convince Coach Patrick to return. Eventually, we met, and I persuaded him, and he agreed to come,” said Reza Subekti, CEO of Senyawa Entertainment, the organizer of the event, during a press conference at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Reza stressed that Indonesia’s failure to qualify was not solely Kluivert’s responsibility, noting that the national team faced stronger opponents such as Saudi Arabia and Iran in the Asian qualifiers.

He assured fans of Kluivert’s safety during the event, urging the public to uphold Indonesia’s reputation. “I told Patrick, come. I guarantee his safety in Indonesia. I also call on all Indonesians to act civilly and avoid actions that could harm our image internationally,” he said.

Barcelona’s squad will include Jesus Angoy, Vitor Baia, Sergi Barjuan, Fernando Navarro, Martin Montoya, Marc Valiente, Philippe Christanval, Andreu Fontas, Juan Pablo Sorin, Roberto Trashorras, Philip Cocu, Marc Crosas, Christian Tello, Jonathan Soriano, Ricardo Quaresma, and Javier Saviola.

They will face DRX World Legends, featuring Alessandro Del Piero, Franck Ribery, Keisuke Honda, David Silva, Sebastian Frey, and several Indonesian veterans, including Irfan Bachdim, Arthur Irawan, Ismed Sofyan, Maman Abdurrahman, and Greg Nwokolo.

The match will be officiated by Pierluigi Collina, the renowned Italian referee.

Kluivert’s return comes months after Indonesia’s World Cup qualifying campaign ended in disappointment.

The Garuda squad finished last in the fifth round of the Asian qualifiers, losing 2-3 to Saudi Arabia and 0-1 to Iraq in October 2025. Following the defeats, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) dismissed Kluivert and his coaching staff, including Alex Pastoor and Danny Landzaat, on October 16, 2025. ***