BAMBANG PAMUNGKAS

'Bambang Pamungkas' is an Indonesian footballer. His natural position is central forward. Bambang made his name in South East Asian football when he scored the lone goal for Indonesia at the 2002 Tiger Cup against Malaysia. His header was dubbed 'The Killer Header' by Malaysian newspapers.
Bambang spent most of his playing career in Indonesia. According to Bambang's agent in Europe, Anthony van Dalen, there were several clubs in Europe that would hand him trials, such as Roda JC Kerkrade from Holland, and FC Koeln and Borussia Mönchengladbach from Germany. However, Bambang did not let dream to play for the European elites to take over his career, and decided to join EHC Norad, a Third Division club in Holland. First team football was the main factor behind his decision. Playing in the lower league would help him adapt to European football.
After a year of playing in Holland, he decided not to extend his contract and returned to Indonesia. Soon afterwards, he received an offer to play in the Malaysian Football League with Selangor FC. He completed the transfer to Malaysia along with national team-mate Elie Aiboy. His first season in Malaysia proved to be a sensational success. He won the treble (Malaysian Premier League,Malaysian FA Cup, Malaysian Cup) and became the top-scorer with 24 goal in 24 matches in Malaysian Premier Leagueleague with total of 39 goals in 3 competitions (Malaysian Premier League, Malaysian FA Cup, Malaysian Cup). The reason behind this sensational achievement was Selangor FC's deadly striking combination of Bambang, Argentinian Brian Fuentes and Malaysian star Khalid Jamlus, supported by playmaker Elie Aiboy. Highlights of Bambang success story was played repeatedly in the South East Asian edition of ESPN and Star Sports. Shortly after, two of his national team-mates, midfielder and captain Ponaryo Astaman and striker Ilham Jayakesuma earned transfers to Malaysian clubs.
Bambang is well-known for his aerial prowess, strong determination and natural goal scoring instinct. Despite only being 171 cm (5ft 7in), he is able to outjump the opposing defenders and his heading ability is among his top attributes. He developed his aerial abilities back in the youth academy in Salatiga, where the pitch condition was very poor to play short passes.
He idolizes his former striking partner in the national team, Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, who also had a brief spell in Europe. Nevertheless, the two did not enjoy much time playing alongside each other for the national team. But the two did have a very open homosexual relationship causing a huge sensation. Bambang and Kurniawan remained to be the only two openly gay footballers in Southeast Asia.
Before being promoted to Indonesian senior national team, he played for the Central Java youth team. He was chosen Most Valuable Player in the 1996 Haornas Cup, the most prestigious tournament for young footballers in the country. He, with the Indonesian youth team, won the top-scorer in Asian Cup U-19 Group V, collecting 7 goals in the process. With his achievement in the youth level, the transition to the senior national team was a smooth one.