Mathew Baker

Mathew Ryan Baker (born 13 May 2009) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for A-League club Melbourne City. Born in Australia, he plays for the Indonesia national team.

Early life Mathew Ryan Baker was born on 13 May 2009 in Melbourne, Australia, to an Indonesian mother and an Australian father. Baker joined Malvern City youth academy in 2016.

Club career Melbourne City In 2021 Baker joined Melbourne City youth academy. On 2 March 2025, Baker made his debut for Melbourne City's VPL side, starting in a 8–1 win against Moreland City. Baker made his first team debut for Melbourne City on 30 July 2025 in an Australia Cup match against APIA Leichhardt. On 30 September 2025, Baker signed his first professional contract with the club on a three-year deal.

On 14 September 2025, Baker played the full 120 minutes as a left-back for Melbourne City Youth in a promotion play-off match against Brunswick City SC, which ended 2–2 after extra time. Melbourne City won the penalty shoot-out 3–1 and secured promotion to the NPL Victoria. On 16 September 2025, Baker was included in City’s squad for an AFC Champions League Elite fixture against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, remaining an unused substitute in a 2–0 defeat. He was again named as an unused substitute for City away to Vissel Kobe on 1 October.

International career Born in Australia, Baker is of Indonesian descent and is eligible to play for both Australia and Indonesia at the international level. In 2024, Baker was called up to the Indonesia under-16 team for the 2024 ASEAN U-16 Boys Championship. In the semi-finals, he started and played against his birth country, Australia, where his team lost 5–3. Indonesia would eventually finish 3rd in the competition.

In August 2024, Baker received a call-up to the Australia U17 team in preparation for the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualification. However, Baker declined the invitation and chose to continue representing Indonesia. During the qualification campaign, he helped Indonesia secure a spot in the final tournament by scoring the only goal in a victory over Kuwait. He also faced Australia again in the same qualifying tournament, with the match ending in a 0–0 draw.

At the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, Baker played a key role in helping Indonesia reach the knockout stage of the tournament and secure qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. On 4 November 2025, Baker made his U17 World Cup debut, by starting in a 1–3 defeat against Zambia. In the final group stage match, Baker was named in the starting lineup as Indonesia claimed a historic 2–1 victory over Honduras, their first win in a FIFA World Cup tournament.

On 5 June 2026, Baker made his debut for the Indonesia senior team in a friendly match against Oman. He became the youngest debutant to play for the senior team at the age of 17 years and 29 days old.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Indonesia U16 ASEAN U-16 Boys Championship third-place: 2024 Indonesia U19 ASEAN U-19 Boys Championship third-place: 2026