On 24 August 2025, Kevin Diks became the first Indonesian footballer to compete in the German top-flight after entering as a substitute for Borussia Mönchengladbach against Hamburg. Born in Apeldoorn on 6 October 1996, the versatile defender has navigated a diverse professional path through the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, and Germany while transitioning his international allegiance to represent Indonesia.
Development and Early Success in the Netherlands
Diks began his youth career at VIOS Vaassen and AGOVV Apeldoorn before joining the Vitesse academy in 2005. He made his senior debut for Vitesse on 24 August 2014 in an Eredivisie match against PEC Zwolle. During his initial tenure, he helped the club secure its first KNVB Beker title in 2017. He later joined Feyenoord on a season-long loan, contributing to the team's 2017–18 KNVB Cup victory.
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In 2016, Diks signed a five-year deal with Fiorentina, making his Serie A debut against Cagliari that October. His time in Italy included loan spells back to Vitesse, Empoli, and the Danish side AGF. After representing the Netherlands at the under-19, under-20, and under-21 levels—and receiving a senior national team training camp call-up in 2018—Diks eventually shifted his focus to Indonesia. He obtained Indonesian citizenship on 8 November 2024 and debuted for the national team during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Japan later that month.
Danish Championship Years
His tenure included multiple Danish Superliga and Danish Cup titles. He played key roles in various European campaigns, including Champions League group stages against Manchester United and Bayern Munich, as well as appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League. His performance earned him recognition as the 2024 FC Copenhagen Player of the Season.
Bundesliga Move
In January 2025, Borussia Mönchengladbach secured the defender on a five-year contract effective from July of that year. Following his Bundesliga debut in August, Diks continued his international duties with Indonesia, scoring two penalties against Saudi Arabia during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in October 2025.
Fast facts
- Born: 6 October 1996, Apeldoorn
- Citizenship: Indonesia, Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Professional debut: 24 August 2014
- Bundesliga debut: 24 August 2025
- Indonesian citizenship obtained: 8 November 2024
- Notable honor: 2024 FC Copenhagen Player of the Season
Questions readers ask
Which countries has Kevin Diks played in professionally?
He has played professionally in the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, and Germany.
Did Kevin Diks play for the Netherlands national team?
He represented the Netherlands at youth levels and was called to a senior training camp in 2018, but he did not play in any official senior matches for the country.
