The Brazilian striker reflects on his journey from Rio de Janeiro to Indonesian football, his memories of playing alongside Neymar for Brazil’s U-20 team, and his plans for the upcoming years.
Brazilian professional football player Diego Maurício has built a truly international football career, playing professionally across Brazil, Portugal, South Korea, Qatar, India, and Indonesia. Now representing Semen Padang FC in the Indonesia Super League, the former Brazil U-20 national team player has embraced not only the competitive nature of Indonesian football but also the country’s culture and passionate supporters.
In this exclusive interview with Indonesia Expat, Diego speaks about his experiences living and playing football in different countries and why Indonesia has become a special place in both his career and personal life.
Hi, Diego! First of all, could you please briefly introduce yourself?
Hello! My name is Diego Maurício. I come from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I am a professional football player with over 16 years of experience. Starting this year, I am now playing for Semen Padang FC in the Indonesia Super League. However, this is not my first-time playing football in Indonesia. Before joining my current club, I also played for Persebaya Surabaya for the 2025–2026 season. It is a pleasure to talk to you all.
For readers who may not know your playing style well, how would you describe your position and role on the pitch?
I am a striker who plays close to the opponent’s penalty area. My strengths are my physicality and explosiveness when I have the ball at my feet, and of course, my mission is to score goals and help my team win.
You have played football in Brazil, Portugal, South Korea, Qatar, India, and now Indonesia. Why did you decide to move to Indonesia? What first attracted you to Indonesian football?
I really enjoyed working and living within the cultures of these countries. It opened my eyes to different cultures and work ethics, helping me become not only a better professional footballer but also a better person.
The main reasons I decided to move to Indonesia were that football is very popular and competitive in Asia, and because the culture of this country is incredibly rich and beautiful to experience in everyday life.
How different is football culture in Indonesia compared to Brazil and the other countries where you have played?
In Brazil, the style of play for football is a little different, but here in Indonesia, the quality is just as good as in other Asian countries. Football standards across Asia are very competitive. Nevertheless, I am very happy to play football and live in Indonesia.
Indonesian football fans are known for their passion, and you are now playing for Semen Padang FC. What has been your experience playing in front of Indonesian supporters?
In Indonesia, football is deeply loved by fans throughout the country. They truly love each team from their city and always fill the stadiums with large crowds. I am pleased to have the privilege of witnessing this in every stadium in the country, and playing for Persebaya Surabaya and Semen Padang. I loved the atmosphere of the people in the stands on match days.
Talking about your home country, you were part of the Brazil U-20 national team in 2011. What are your strongest memories from representing Brazil at the youth level?
It was an extraordinary experience to represent my country’s national team. I fulfilled a childhood dream, and becoming a champion alongside Neymar and so many other talented players who are making their mark on world football made it even more special. Wearing the national team shirt was a huge honour and one of the proudest achievements of my career.
Brazil will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. What are your expectations for the Brazilian national team this year?
My expectation is that Brazil will become champions and finally bring this trophy home again after 24 years. Brazil always carries a huge history and responsibility in the FIFA World Cup, and I believe this generation has the quality and talent to win our sixth title.
I hope everything goes well in June and that the team can perform at their best throughout the tournament. Brazilian supporters around the world are always passionate and dream of seeing another star added to our green and yellow flag. I truly believe the players will give everything for the country and make the fans proud once again.
Looking back at your long professional career, what achievements are you most proud of, and what goals do you still want to accomplish in football?
Regarding my long career, I can only thank God for everything I have experienced and achieved until today. As a young boy, I never imagined that I would come this far, have such a successful career, and be able to provide a great life for my family as well.
When I look back on my journey, I realise that every sacrifice, challenge, and struggle was worth it. Football has given me so many unforgettable moments, valuable lessons, and opportunities to grow both as a player and as a person. I feel very blessed and grateful to God for guiding me throughout my career and helping me achieve my dreams.
Outside football, what has impressed you the most about Indonesian people and culture?
I am truly loving the country, the people, and the culture. Everything has been wonderful for me, and I feel very happy living here. Indonesia is a very beautiful country with warm and welcoming people, which has made my experience even more special.
Would you like to share any upcoming plans, whether related to football or beyond, in the near future?
My current plan is to continue playing football for another three or four years. I still feel motivated and passionate about the game, and I want to continue giving my best on the pitch for as long as possible.
Once I retire from professional football, I would like to enjoy life a little more, because living as an athlete requires much discipline and restrictions. So, I believe it will be important to spend more time with my family and enjoy different experiences outside the game.
After that, I believe it is inevitable that I’ll continue my life in football, whether as a coach or working in club management. I am already preparing myself for that moment in the future, since football has always been a huge part of my life, and I want to continue contributing to the sport in different ways.