Arkhan Kaka

Arkhan Kaka Putra Purwanto (born 2 September 2007) is an Indonesian professional footballer who plays as a forward for the Indonesia national team.

In 2024, Arkhan was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2007 worldwide.

Club career Persis Solo Arkhan joined a Liga 1 club Persis Solo on 1 February 2022. Before he joined Persis Solo, he started his football career at SSB Tunas Muda Blitar. Then, he had time to strengthen Bhayangkara FC at the Elite Pro Academy U-16 2022. He became one of club's top scorers.

He made his first-team debut on 4 April 2023 after replacing Irfan Bachdim in the 70th minute, which ended 3–1 defeat against Persib Bandung at Pakansari Stadium. At just 15 years old, he was recorded as the youngest player in the Indonesian league history from 1994 to 2023.

International career In the selection process in May 2021, the process of his struggle to enter the national team squad did not go smoothly. His name was even crossed out by the Indonesia under-17 team head coach, Bima Sakti. Luckily in 2022 Elite Pro Academy U16, Arkhan managed to prove his ability, and he passed the selection of the Indonesia under-17 team.

On 5 October 2022, Arkhan scored a quadtrick against Guam U17 in a 14–0 win at the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualification.

In January 2023, Arkhan was called up by Shin Tae-Yong to the Indonesia under-20 team for the training centre in preparation for 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup. On 17 January 2023, Arkhan made his debut for the team against Fiji U20 in a 4–0 win.

On 10 November 2023, Arkhan scored a goal against Ecuador U-17 in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup group stage, which ended in a 1–1 draw. Thus, Arkhan became the first Indonesian to score a goal in a FIFA World Cup of any age-group. On 13 November 2023, Arkhan scored another goal, this time against Panama U-17 in another 1–1 draw in the group stage.

In June 2024, he took part in the Maurice Revello Tournament in France with Indonesia.

On 25 November 2024, Kaka received a called-up to the preliminary squad to the Indonesia national team for the 2024 ASEAN Championship. He made his senior debut against Myanmar in a 1–0 win, he went to became the youngest debutant for the senior team at the age of 17 years and 97 days old. However, this record was broken by Mathew Baker on 5 June 2026.

Personal life Arkhan Kaka was born in Blitar in East Java. His father, a former footballer who also plays as a striker named Purwanto Suwondo. His father has played for a number of Indonesian clubs, including Arema and Persebaya Surabaya.

Career statistics International appearances International under-17 appearances

International under-20 appearances

International senior

International goals International under-17 goals

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 31 July 2022 Maguwoharjo Stadium, Indonesia 2–0 2–0 2022 AFF U-16 Youth Championship 2. 6 August 2022 1–1 2–1 3. 3 October 2022 Pakansari Stadium, Indonesia 1–0 14–0 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualification 4. 2–0 5. 3–0 6. 6–0 7. 5 October 2022 2–0 3–2 8. 3–2 9. 9 October 2022 1–5 1–5 10. 10 November 2023 Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Indonesia 1–0 1–1 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup 11. 13 November 2023 1–1 1–1

International under-20 goals

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 23 July 2024 Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Indonesia 5–1 6–2 2024 ASEAN U-19 Boys Championship 2. 1 June 2026 North Sumatra Stadium, Indonesia 1–0 3–0 2026 ASEAN U-19 Boys Championship 3. 4 June 2026 3–0

Honours International Indonesia U-16 ASEAN U-16 Boys Championship Champions : 2022 Indonesia U-19 ASEAN U-19 Boys Championship Champions : 2024