Nainggolan’s Regret Shows How National Team Choice Impacts Earnings and Fans

Radja Nainggolan, a 38‑year‑old former Belgium international, recently opened up about a decision that still haunts him. In an interview he explained why his choice of national team matters for a player’s future earnings and popularity.

Nainggolan’s father is Indonesian, yet he chose to represent Belgium during his career. He now says that playing for Indonesia could have boosted his public image and helped his prospects after retirement, something he did not consider at the time.

He says playing for Indonesia could have brought sponsorships from Louis Vuitton, Hublot or Rolex. He also noted that matches can draw 70,000 fans, showing the country’s passionate football culture.

After missing Belgium’s 2018 World Cup squad, Nainggolan retired from the national team. Because he had already played competitive matches for Belgium, FIFA rules later prevented him from switching allegiance to Indonesia.

Nainggolan’s story highlights how a player’s national‑team choice can influence sponsorship opportunities, earnings and fan support. It reminds athletes that such decisions may affect their career long after they stop playing.

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