Rahmad Darmawan

Rahmad Darmawan Biography

Rahmad Darmawan is a prominent Indonesian former professional footballer turned coach, widely recognized for his significant contributions to Indonesian football. He rose to fame as a successful football coach leading major Indonesian clubs such as Sriwijaya FC, Persipura Jayapura, and Persija Jakarta, securing multiple league titles and cups. Darmawan has also made notable stints as coach for the Indonesia under-23 national team and served as caretaker of the senior national team. His expertise and leadership have earned him a reputation as one of the country's most accomplished football coaches.

Childhood

Rahmad Darmawan was born on November 26, 1966, in Lampung, Indonesia. He displayed early athletic interest by starting with badminton during elementary school but soon transitioned to football by sixth grade. Growing up in Lampung, he cultivated a passion for sports which laid the foundation for his future career. Details about his family indicate strong support, especially from his parents, contributing to his growth both as an athlete and a coach.

Education

During his early career as a football player, Rahmad simultaneously pursued higher education at the Faculty of Sports Education and Health at IKIP Jakarta. Deciding between continuing as a football player or pursuing a military career, he joined the Indonesian Military Academy in Magelang in 1990-1991. Additionally, Rahmad earned an international coaching license under mentors Horst Kriete and Bernd Fisher, which equipped him with advanced tactical and coaching skills to excel in his profession.

Career

Rahmad Darmawan began his professional football career playing for Persija Jakarta and was called up to the Indonesian national team in the late 1980s. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, starting with Persikota Tangerang from 2000 to 2004. He achieved remarkable success coaching leading Indonesian clubs such as Persipura Jayapura and Sriwijaya FC, winning multiple league titles and domestic cups. Known for his discipline and psychological approach to coaching, Rahmad also coached abroad in Malaysia with T-Team. He was appointed as coach of the Indonesian All Star team for the 2025 Presidential Cup, highlighting his continued prominence in Indonesian football.

Family Life

Rahmad Darmawan is married to Dinda Eti Yuliawati and has two children, Febia Aldina Darmawan and Ravaldi Agung Darmawan. Despite the demanding nature of his football coaching career, which often requires moving across cities and countries, Rahmad strives to balance professional and family life. He appreciates the strong support from his family, who have stood by him through his various coaching tenures. Rahmad also actively involves his children in sports activities, nurturing their interest in football.

Achievements

Throughout his coaching career, Rahmad Darmawan has secured numerous accolades. Notably, he led Sriwijaya FC to win the Indonesian Premier Division twice as well as multiple Indonesian Cups between 2007 and 2010. He also won the league with Persipura Jayapura in 2005 and has earned silver medals coaching Indonesia's U23 team at the Southeast Asian Games in 2011 and 2013. Individually, he has been honored as the Copa Indonesia Best Coach in 2009 and earned the Liga 1 Coach of the Month award in February 2022. Rahmad's trophies and consistent success solidify his standing as one of Indonesia's top football managers.

Controversies

Rahmad Darmawan has been involved in some controversies during his coaching career, notably raising disputes over rule violations such as accusing opposing teams of fielding unauthorized players. For example, he publicly challenged a match when an opposing team allegedly played with 12 players, which led to discussions about sanctions in the league. Despite these moments, Rahmad maintains a professional reputation, focusing on team discipline and sportsmanship in his coaching philosophy.

Rahmad Darmawan Summary

Rahmad Darmawan is a celebrated figure in Indonesian football, known for both his playing career and his outstanding achievements as a coach. Born in Lampung, he balanced academics and athletics before going on to lead several top Indonesian clubs to championship victories. With a coaching style emphasizing discipline and teamwork, Rahmad has earned both national and regional recognition. He successfully juggles his roles as a coach and family man, supported by his wife and children. As he continues to shape Indonesian football, Rahmad Darmawan remains a respected and influential personality in the sport.