Ramang

Andi Ramang (24 April 1924 – 26 September 1987) was an Indonesian footballer who played as a forward, who was considered one of the most influential players in the country in the 1950s and 1960s. He was also referred to as Rusli Ramang in official FIFA documents.

Early life Ramang was born in 1928 in Barru, South Sulawesi. His father, Nyo'lo, was an aide to the King of Gowa, Djondjong Karenta Lemamparang, and was known for his ability in sepak takraw. Ramang spent his childhood playing sepak takraw using balls made out of rattan, cloth and even oranges. This is believed to be the reason why he frequently score goals using bicycle kicks.

Club career and other jobs Ramang started his career as a football player in 1939 by joining a football club in Barru. He played until 1943, when he decided to end his bachelorhood. Together with his wife, they opened a small coffee shop for a living. After the death of their newborn baby, they decided to leave for Ujungpandang (now Makassar) just before Indonesia's independence. They stayed at a friend's house, and Ramang started his life there as a becak driver, later becoming a truck driver assistant. During this time, his wife gave birth to their second child.

Ramang was also called up by coach Antun Pogačnik to be the part of the 1956 Summer Olympics team in Melbourne. Indonesia automatically qualified to the quarterfinals after South Vietnam withdrew. They successfully held the Soviet Union 0–0, who at the time was considered to be one of the strongest teams in the world. In the replay match Indonesia lost 0–4 to USSR, but the first game was considered as one of the famous matches in the Indonesian football history.

Ramang, who wore shirt number 9 in the tournament stated in an interview with Tempo about the match: "Actually I was about to score a goal that time. But my shirt was being pulled from behind."

Legacy Minister of Youths and Sport Andi Mallarangeng said that Ramang was "an inspiration to Makassarese children who love football". Ramang's life story also was made to biographical book written by M. Dahlan Abu Bakar entitled Ramang, Macan Bola, released in August 2011. Harry Tjong, Ramang's partner in national team said that Ramang is worth called "the special one" such as Mourinho, and also he was like Maradona.

Career statistics

International

Scores and results list Indonesia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ramang goal.

Honours

PSM Makassar Perserikatan: 1955–57, 1957–59, 1964–65, 1965–66

Indonesia Asian Games Bronze medal: 1958

Individual IFFHS Men's All Time Indonesia Dream Team: 2022