Back where it began: Amin Rosyid’s road from Solo to the World Cup

Ten years ago, Amin Rosyid discovered CP Football in Solo.

Last November, he returned to the same Indonesian city as his country’s goalkeeper — and helped make history.

Indonesia’s run to the final of the 2025 IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships secured the nation a place at the 2026 IFCPF Men’s World Cup, the first in the program’s history.

For Rosyid, it brought a decade-long journey full circle.

“I was first introduced to CP Football when a friend invited me to try out,” Rosyid says.

“At the time, I was not aware that someone with a disability like mine could become an athlete in this sport.

“From that point on, I began training seriously for the selection process, eventually succeeding in joining the national team.

“Football has taught me to believe in myself. It showed me that my disability should not stop me from achieving my dreams.”

Rosyid’s rise came quickly. He was selected in Indonesia’s squad for the 2015 ASEAN Para Games in Singapore, making his international debut in a 1–0 defeat to the hosts that December.

For a player who had only recently discovered the sport, pulling on his country’s shirt was something else entirely.

Representing Indonesia remains something Rosyid never takes for granted.

“I was nervous but excited, and it was a moment I will never forget.

“It is a huge honour for me. Playing for Indonesia and hearing the fans support us gives me so much motivation and pride.”

A decade after that first international appearance, Rosyid returned to Solo for the 2025 IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships — this time with the opportunity to help Indonesia reach a World Cup.

If the hosts arrived hoping to prove they belonged among the region’s best, their opening match provided an emphatic answer.

First up was Australia, runners-up at the 2023 IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships.

Indonesia won 2–1.

With hundreds watching from the stands and thousands more following online, Rosyid produced a performance that earned praise from teammates and opponents alike.

Yet when the tournament ended and he was named the competition’s best goalkeeper, the individual recognition caught him by surprise.

“My mindset was simple: stay focused, trust my training, and give my best for the team.

“I did not think too much about individual awards. I just wanted to help Indonesia.

“Winning the award was a great honour, and I am very grateful for my teammates and coaches.”

Indonesia ultimately fell short of the title, but its run through the tournament delivered something the program had never achieved before: qualification for the IFCPF Men’s World Cup.

Next month, Rosyid and his teammates will arrive in Atlanta ready to test themselves against some of the best teams in the world.

“I am very proud of the team. We worked hard together and making it to the World Cup is a great achievement for us and for Indonesia.

“It is also a part of history for Indonesia.

“Our hope is to perform our best and compete with the best teams and make Indonesia proud.”

More than a decade after a friend invited him to try a sport he didn’t know existed, Rosyid will now take his place on its biggest stage.

Solo was where the journey started.

Atlanta is where it goes next.