Emil Audero: The Hero Behind Indonesia’s FIFA ASEAN Cup Triumph

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Goalkeeper Emil Audero became the decisive figure as Indonesia won the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. He saved Thailand’s final penalty at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Indonesia and Thailand were level 2-2 after 120 minutes, sending the final into a penalty shootout. Audero denied Nattapong Sayriya’s attempt as Indonesia won 4-2 and claimed its first FIFA ASEAN Cup title.

Born in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, on January 18, 1997, Audero has Indonesian and Italian family roots. He moved to Italy with his family in 1998 and later developed through Juventus’ youth system.

Audero made his Serie A debut for Juventus against Bologna on May 27, 2017, at the age of 20. He then moved to Venezia on loan before joining Sampdoria, where he established himself in Italian football.

At Sampdoria, Audero spent several seasons as the club’s goalkeeper and made more than 160 appearances. He later joined Inter Milan on loan, making his Champions League debut against Benfica in November 2023.

After leaving Sampdoria, Audero signed a four-year contract with Como in July 2024. He subsequently spent time on loan at Palermo and Cremonese before moving to Spain with Rayo Vallecano.

Audero joined Rayo Vallecano on loan from Como during the 2026-2027 season. His move to Spain continued a professional career that has included clubs across Italy’s top two divisions.

Before representing Indonesia, Audero played for Italy across several youth levels, including the under-21 team. He made his Italy Under-21 debut against Slovenia in September 2017 in a 4-1 friendly victory.

Audero officially became an Indonesian citizen on March 10, 2025, after completing the naturalization process in Rome. He made his Indonesia debut against China on June 5, 2025, keeping a clean sheet in Indonesia’s 1-0 victory.

His latest performance against Thailand now stands among the defining moments of his international career. The penalty save secured Indonesia’s historic first FIFA ASEAN Cup crown and placed Audero at the center of the triumph.