# Persebaya Surabaya

Persatuan Sepakbola Surabaya (lit. 'Football Association of Surabaya'), commonly known as Persebaya Surabaya or simply Persebaya (Indonesian pronunciation:), is an Indonesian professional football club based in Surabaya, East Java. The club currently plays in the Liga 1, the top flight of Indonesian football. Persebaya Surabaya is regarded as one of the most iconic and successful teams in the country, winning numerous Indonesian League titles and tournaments.

## History
### Founding & early history

The club was founded on 18 June 1927, under the name Soerabhaiasche Indonesische Voetbal Bond (SIVB). The founders, Paijo and M. Pamoedji, established the club with the intent of housing Indonesian players. Previously, in 1910, stood Soerabaiasche Voetbal Bond (SVB), but, this club was established to be a representation of the Dutch community living in Surabaya. This club also had close ties with the Dutch East Indies government.
Both of them clearly have different policies. SIVB, which consists of Indonesians, was actively involved in the Indonesian independence movement.
Together with VIJ Jakarta (now Persija), BIVB Bandung (now Persib), MIVB Magelang (now PPSM), MVB Madiun (now PSM Madiun), VVB Surakarta (now Persis Surakarta), and PSIM, SIVB initiated the formation of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) on 19 April 1930, in Yogyakarta.
PSSI then held Perserikatan, a memberial national football competition, but, the competition was halted in 1943 after the Japanese occupied Indonesia and limited the movement of sports activities and organizations. In 1943, SIVB also changed its name to Persibaya.
Persibaya's sister club, SVB, went on to compete in a competition held by the Nederlandsch Indische Voetbal Bond (NIVB)/Dutch East Indies Football Association. NIVB (later renamed the Netherlands Indische Voetball Unie) did this because the colonial government thought NIVB was no longer able to match the PSSI.

### Post-independence era

After Indonesia's independence, the map of football also changed. PSSI is not necessarily the only football federation in the country at the time, after Sukarno plotted Indonesian independence.
During the United Republic of Indonesia (RIS) period, NIVU was still operating. They held the Indonesia State Football Association / Voetbal Union Verenigde Staten van Indonesie competition (ISNIS / VUVSI). The participants were clubs that existed during the Dutch East Indies administration, including VBO Jakarta (VIJ Jakarta / now Persija), VBBO Bandung (now Persib), VSO Semarang (now PSIS) and SVB (Persibaya).
SVB won the competition two consecutive seasons (1949 and 1950). SVB was one of the strong teams in the ISNIS competition, winning the championship eleven times, only behind VBO Jakarta, which won 13 titles.
PSSI then was revitalized after the RIS period ended, which ended on 17 August 1950. Through the PSSI congress on 2–4 September 1950 in Semarang, the federation stated that it would hold the PSSI National Championship.
SVB did not directly become an internal member of Persibaya, but merged into it and embraced that the birth date of Persibaya was June 18, 1927, which was the date of the establishment of SIVB. Later, in 1959, Persibaya changed their name to Persebaya.

### Four titles In Perserikatan

Post-smelting, Persebaya appeared in the PSSI National Championship which later became known as the Perserikatan. The immediate impact was felt. Persebaya managed to become the champion in the first edition in 1951 after being able to overcome the resistance of PSM, Persija, and PSIM.
The following year they managed to retain the title. This time Bajul Ijo was able to win the competition with Persija, Persis, Persib, PSMS, Persema, and Persipro.
In the 1978 edition of the Perserikatan, the format of the competition changed into a tournament with the champion being determined through the final match. Persebaya was able to bend Persija with a 4–3 score through goals scored by Hadi Ismanto (two goals), Rudy W. Keltjes, and Joko Malis at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
Persebaya again managed to win the final against Persija in the 1988 season, with a final score of 3–2. The match lasted until the extra time round.
In total, Persebaya won the Perserikatan title four times, in 1951, 1952, 1978, and 1988.

### Liga Indonesia era

Great achievements were kept awake when PSSI merged Perserikatan and Galatama clubs into a professional league named Liga Indonesia in 1994. Persebaya won the Liga Indonesia Premier Division title in 1996–97. Even Persebaya managed to make history as the first team to win the Liga Indonesia Premier Division twice when in 2004 Green Force won the title again. Although predicated as a classic team laden with titles, Green Force also briefly felt the bitterness of being relegated in 2002. Bitter pills are immediately redeemed with the titles of First Division and Premier Division titles in the next two seasons.
The four Perserikatan titles and two Liga Indonesia titles gave Persebaya six National titles at the top-tier division of the Indonesian football league system. That distinction superseded only by Persija with eleven championship titles, Persis and Persib tied respectively with seven titles each.

### Dualism era

The 2009 season was the beginning of Persebaya Surabaya's dualism. Persebaya Surabaya (PT Persebaya Indonesia) experienced degradation to the First Division due to being forced to rematch 3 times against Persik Kediri, namely in Kediri, Yogyakarta and Palembang. In the third rematch Persebaya refused to play. The management did not want to join the Premier Division and the name Persebaya Surabaya was changed to Persebaya 1927.
Utilizing the Persebaya slot in the Premier Division the following season, Wisnu Wardhana took over Persikubar (Kutai Barat) and registered it as Persebaya to enter the Premier Division competition. Although bearing the official name of Persebaya, the team formed by Wisnu Wardhana did not have a place in the hearts of Bonek, who were more loyal to support the "original" Persebaya.
In the 2015 season, Persebaya 1927 won a patent claim for the Persebaya name and logo. This resulted in the Persebaya Surabaya version of Wisnu Wardhana having to change its name to Bonek FC. A year later, Bonek FC again changed its name to Surabaya United at the urging of supporters.
In the 2016 season Surabaya United merged with PS Polri and then again changed its name to Bhayangkara Surabaya United. In May 2016 the national police officially bought 100% of Bhayangkara Surabaya United shares and the club was finally renamed as Bhayangkara FC.

### Post-dualism/Liga 1 era

In the 2017 season, Persebaya Surabaya again competed in Liga 2, and became the champion of the second division by defeating PSMS Medan in the final which was held at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium. Club's player, Irfan Jaya, became the best player of the season.
In the 2018 season, Persebaya managed to finish 5th in the final standings.
In 2019, Persebaya competed in the pre-season tournament President's Cup. They managed to reach the final stage and lost in the Super East Java Derby against Arema, aggregately 2–4. Club's forward Manuchekhr Dzhalilov became one of three top scorers with 5 goals.
In the end of October 2019, Persebaya appointed their legend Aji Santoso as new coach, replacing Wolfgang Pikal. Under his management, the club finished 5th in 2021–22 season.

## Stadium

Persebaya plays their home matches at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, which replaced the older Gelora 10 November Stadium. On 23 July 2012 there has been a friendly match between Persebaya with Queens Park Rangers in Gelora Bung Tomo. On that day the match was won by Queens Park Rangers with a score of 2–1.

## Controversy

Persebaya had experienced controversial events several times throughout its history. When winning the 1988 competition, Persebaya played an infamous match dubbed "elephant football" for losing on purpose to Persipura Jayapura 0–12 to eliminate their rival PSIS Semarang which, in the previous year, had shattered Persebaya's dream in the final. These tactics brought results and Persebaya won the Perserikatan in 1988 by beating Persija Jakarta 3–2.
In the 2002 Liga Indonesia Premier Division, Persebaya took action against PKT Bontang, causing them a point deduction. The incident became one of the factors which caused Persebaya's relegation to the First Division. In 2005 Liga Indonesia Premier Division, Persebaya shocked the public when they walked out in the quarter-final. The incident caused Persebaya's suspension from football for 2 years. After an appeal, the sentence was reduced to 16 months. However, the PSSI later ruled to only relegate Persebaya to the First Division.

## Supporters and rivalries
### Supporters

The supporters of Persebaya are known as Bonek, this an acronym from Bondho (resource) and Nekat (reckless). Bonek is one of the biggest supporter groups in Indonesia. also Persebaya supporters they called as Green Force which mean The Green-Green Troops are synonymous with Persebaya.
The song "Song for Pride", is an anthem song Persebaya Surabaya, this song was composed by Mahardika Nurdian Syahputra.

### Friendship

Bonek has a good relationship with Bobotoh, Supporters of Persib Bandung. Their friendship began with fans who often made headlines as supporters of the rioters.

### Rivalries

The main rivalry with Arema FC is known as the Super East Java derby this match was born from the hostility of the fans and showed the best in East Java, the supporters should not be brought together by the Indonesian Police because of the possibility of clashes between groups.
The match with PSIS Semarang was born from the controversy of Sepakbola Gajah since Perserikatan. Until now the two clubs when they meet always compete with high tension.
Persebaya also has another rival with Persija Jakarta, PSM Makassar, Persib Bandung in the Perserikatan era.

## Sponsorship

The main sponsorship list is as follows.
* Kapal Api
* MPM Honda Jatim
* Indomie
* Citicon
* Teh Bonteh
* Extra Joss

## Colours and crest

From the foundation of the club, the common home official kit includes a green shirt, green shorts, with yellow combinations. Green and yellow colours are also seen in the crest. The away kit of the club is associated with a white or black background.

## Players
### Current squad

    As of 5 January 2025
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
| 1 | GK | IDN | Lalu Muhammad Rizki |
| 2 | DF | IDN | Arief Catur |
| 3 | DF | IDN | Ardi Idrus (on loan from Bali United) |
| 4 | DF | MKD | Dime Dimov |
| 6 | MF | POR | Gilson Costa |
| 7 | MF | MEX | Francisco Rivera |
| 8 | MF | IDN | Andre Oktaviansyah |
| 9 | FW | IDN | Rizky Dwi Pangestu |
| 10 | MF | BRA | Bruno Moreira (captain) |
| 15 | DF | MNE | Slavko Damjanović |
| 17 | FW | POR | Flávio Silva |
| 18 | DF | IDN | Randy May |
| 21 | GK | IDN | Ernando Ari |
| 23 | DF | IDN | Kadek Raditya |
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
| 25 | DF | IDN | Mikael Tata |
| 27 | MF | IDN | Oktafianus Fernando |
| 28 | MF | IDN | Alfan Suaib |
| 31 | FW | IDN | Widi Syarief |
| 32 | DF | IDN | Riswan Lauhin |
| 33 | FW | IDN | Dzakwan Javier |
| 52 | GK | IDN | Andhika Ramadhani |
| 64 | GK | IDN | Aditya Arya Nugraha |
| 68 | MF | IDN | Toni Firmansyah |
| 74 | MF | PLE | Mohammed Rashid |
| 77 | MF | IDN | Kasim Botan |
| 79 | FW | IDN | Malik Risaldi |
| 91 | FW | SRB | Dejan Tumbas |
| 96 | MF | IDN | Muhammad Hidayat |

### Retired numbers

* 19 – Eri Irianto (posthumous)

## Honours

Domestic :
| 1st tier | Titles | Runners-up | Seasons won | Seasons runners-up |
| Perserikatan | 4 | 8 | 1951, 1952, 1975–78, 1987–88 | 1938, 1941, 1942, 1964–65, 1969–71, 1971–73, 1986–87, 1989–90 |
| Liga Indonesia Premier Division / Liga 1 | 2 | 2 | 1996–97, 2004 | 1998–99, 2019 |
| Indonesia Premier League | 0 | 1 | | 2011-12 |
| 2nd tier | Titles | Runners-up | Seasons won | Seasons runners-up |
| Liga 2 | 3 | 0 | 2003, 2006, 2017 | |
| Domestic |||||
| Cup competitions | Titles | Runners-up | Seasons won | Seasons runners-up |
| Piala Utama | 1 | 0 | 1990 | |
| Indonesia President's Cup | 0 | 1 | | 2019 |
| Piala Jusuf (Makassar) | 1 | 0 | 1970 | |
| Piala Surya (Surabaya) | 3 | 0 | 1975, 1976, 1977 | |
| Piala Tugu Muda (Semarang) | 1 | 0 | 1989 | |
| Piala Persija | 1 | 0 | 1988 | |
| Piala Gubernur Jatim | 2 | 0 | 2006, 2020 | |
| Piala Dirgantara | 1 | 0 | 2017 | |
| Piala Indonesia | 0 | 0 | | |
| International |||||
| Friendly tournament | Titles | Runners-up | Seasons won | Seasons runners-up |
| Aga Khan Gold Cup | 0 | 1 | | 1970 |
| Unity Cup | 1 | 0 | 2011 | |

## Ranking
### World ranking

    As of 4 August 2024
| Current rank | Team | Points |
| 1351 | Albion F.C. | 1314 |
| 1352 | Gabala SC | 1313 |
| 1353 | Persebaya | 1313 |
| 1354 | SC Gagnoa | 1313 |
| 1355 | América de Quito | 1313 |

### AFC ranking

    As of 4 August 2024
| Current rank | Team | Points |
| 136 | Nassaji Mazandaran | 1315 |
| 137 | Al Raed | 1314 |
| 138 | Persebaya | 1313 |
| 139 | Semen Padang | 1312 |
| 140 | Shahr Khodro F.C. | 1312 |

## Season by season records

| Season | League/Division | Tms. | Pos. | Piala Indonesia | AFC competition(s) | AFC competition(s) |
| 1994–95 | Premier Division | 34 | 9 in East Div. | – | – | – |
| 1995–96 | Premier Division | 31 | 7 in East Div. | – | – | – |
| 1996–97 | Premier Division | 33 | 1 | – | – | – |
| 1997–98 | Premier Division | 31 | did not finish | – | Asian Club Championship | First round |
| 1998–99 | Premier Division | 28 | 2 | – | – | – |
| 1999–2000 | Premier Division | 28 | 6 in East Div. | – | Asian Cup Winners' Cup | Second round |
| 2001 | Premier Division | 28 | Semifinal | – | – | – |
| 2002 | Premier Division | 24 | 11 in East Div. | – | – | – |
| 2003 | First Division | 26 | 1 | – | – | – |
| 2004 | Premier Division | 18 | 1 | – | – | – |
| 2005 | Premier Division | 28 | Second round (relegated) | Quarter final | AFC Champions League | Group stage |
| 2006 | First Division | 36 | 1 | Quarter final | – | – |
| 2007–08 | Premier Division | 36 | 14 in East Div. | Second round | – | – |
| 2008–09 | Premier Division | 29 | 4 (PO Winners) | Third round | – | – |
| 2009–10 | Super League | 18 | 17 | Quarter final | – | – |
| 2010–11 | LPI | 19 | 1 | – | – | – |
| 2011–12 | Indonesian Premier League | 12 | 2 | Semi-finals | – | – |
| 2013 | Indonesian Premier League | 16 | Season unfinished | – | – | – |
| 2014 | | | | | | |
| 2015 | | | | | | |
| 2016 | | | | | | |
| 2017 | Liga 2 | 61 | 1 | – | – | – |
| 2018 | Liga 1 | 18 | 5 | Quarter-finals | – | – |
| 2019 | Liga 1 | 18 | 2 | Quarter-finals | – | – |
| 2020 | Liga 1 | 18 | did not finish | – | – | – |
| 2021–22 | Liga 1 | 18 | 5 | – | – | – |
| 2022–23 | Liga 1 | 18 | 6 | – | – | – |
| 2023–24 | Liga 1 | 18 | 12 | – | – | – |

### Key

* Tms. = Number of teams
* Pos. = Position in league

### Performance in AFC competitions

* Asian Club Championship/AFC Champions League
** 1997–98 – First round
** 2005 – Group stage
* Asian Cup Winners' Cup
** 1999–2000 – Second round