The Engine of Makassar
Ananda Raehan Alief is the tenacious, energetic heart of PSM Makassar and a standard-bearer for a new generation of Indonesian football. A native of Makassar, Raehan has rapidly become the club’s midfield engine, blending relentless defensive grit with sharp tactical intelligence. His swift ascent from a local academy to an indispensable starter for a title-winning club and a gold-medal-winning national youth team defines his trajectory. Embodying the modern hybrid midfielder, Raehan’s story is made even more compelling by his deep local roots and a unique dual career as a member of the Indonesian National Police, marking him as a cornerstone figure for both his club and community.
The Story So Far
Ananda Raehan’s journey is a testament to the power of Makassar’s local development pathway. His footballing education began at the respected Sekolah Sepak Bola (SSB) Hasanuddin, an academy famously run by Bahar Muharram—the father of national team captain and fellow Makassar native, Asnawi Mangkualam. This placed Raehan within a direct lineage of talent known for cultivating tenacious, hardworking players. After honing his foundational skills, he transitioned to the official PSM Makassar Academy, becoming a key member of the U18 team competing in the Elite Pro Academy (EPA) Liga 1, marking him as one of the club’s brightest prospects.
Raehan’s promotion to the senior squad on June 1, 2022, was not gradual; it was a decisive integration under new coach Bernardo Tavares. He was thrust immediately into the spotlight, making his league debut on July 23, 2022. Tavares did not ease him in but instantly trusted him as a core component of his tactical system. In his breakout 2022/23 season, the 19-year-old amassed 31 league appearances and scored two crucial goals. This immediate trust was the catalyst for a historic season, as Raehan’s midfield dominance powered PSM Makassar to their first Liga 1 championship in 23 years.
His success extended to the international stage, where he was a key member of the Indonesia U23 team that won the 2023 SEA Games gold medal, ending a 32-year drought for the nation. Amidst this meteoric rise, Raehan made a significant life choice. In July 2023, he passed the selection to become a Bintara Polri (Police Non-Commissioned Officer), embarking on a dual career. This pragmatic decision, balancing his passion with the need for long-term stability, created a unique challenge as he learned to navigate the conflicting schedules of a professional footballer and a police officer.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Raehan’s on-field identity is best encapsulated by the Indonesian word petarung, or “fighter.” He is the team’s engine and defensive shield, primarily operating as a defensive midfielder tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and winning back possession. His work rate is immense, allowing him to cover vast amounts of ground to protect the backline and support the transition to offense.
While excelling as a traditional #6, Raehan is a versatile, modern midfielder. He can be deployed as a classic ball-winner, a box-to-box midfielder with the stamina to contribute in both penalty areas, or a deep-lying holding midfielder. His core attributes define his “fighter” profile:
- Tenacity and Aggression: His defining trait is his relentless, ngotot (tenacious) approach to winning every duel and harrying opponents.
- Energy and Stamina: Described as energik (energetic), he possesses an exceptional motor that fuels his high-press, all-action style for 90 minutes.
- Game Intelligence: Beyond his physicality, Raehan possesses a sharp footballing mind (kecerdasan). He reads the game, anticipates movements, and is capable of delivering creative passes to open up opportunities.
- Courage: His keberanian (courage) is evident in his willingness to challenge imposing opponents and his confidence in demanding the ball under pressure.
This combination of grit and skill has earned him frequent comparisons to PSM Makassar legend Syamsul Chaeruddin. Like the legend before him, Raehan embodies the Makassar spirit of a tough, uncompromising, yet skillful midfield general, positioning him as the natural successor to a proud club tradition.
Future Outlook
As a cornerstone asset for PSM Makassar, Ananda Raehan is secured on a long-term contract that runs until 2026. His immediate future is defined by his central role in the club’s domestic and continental ambitions. The primary challenge will be navigating the unique demands of his dual career, balancing his vital on-field duties for PSM with his off-field responsibilities as a member of the Indonesian National Police. If he can successfully manage this balance, his trajectory as one of Indonesia’s premier midfielders is set to continue.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
Team
- Liga 1 Champions: 2022/23 (with PSM Makassar)
- SEA Games Gold Medal: 2023 (with Indonesia U23)
Individual
- Liga 1 Young Player of the Month: February 2023
- Nominee, Liga 1 Young Player of the Year: 2023/24
The Record (Career Statistics)
Senior Club Statistics
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
| 2022/23 | PSM Makassar | Liga 1 | 31 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1,728′ |
| 2022/23 | PSM Makassar | AFC Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12′ |
| 2022/23 | PSM Makassar | Piala Presiden | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 81′ |
| 2022/23 Total | 36 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1,821′ | ||
| 2023/24 | PSM Makassar | Liga 1 | 24 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1,318′ |
| 2023/24 | PSM Makassar | AFC Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 211′ |
| 2023/24 Total | 28 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1,529′ | ||
| 2024/25 | PSM Makassar | Liga 1 | 25 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1,377′ |
| 2024/25 | PSM Makassar | ASEAN Club Championship | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 436′ |
| 2024/25 Total | 31 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1,813′ | ||
| 2025/26 | PSM Makassar | Super League (Liga 1) | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 275′ |
| Career Total | 101 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 0 | 5,438′ |
International Statistics
- Team: Indonesia U23
- Appearances: 13
- Goals: 0