Layvin Kurzawa’s late-career adventure in Indonesia has yielded a remarkable return, as the 33-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain left-back clinched his 19th professional trophy just seven matches after joining Persib Bandung. The Frenchman secured the Indonesian Liga 1 title on the season’s final day, adding another piece of silverware to a collection that already includes 17 trophies from his time at PSG and a Ligue 2 crown with AS Monaco.
For Kurzawa, the move to Indonesia in late January represented a stark departure from the glitz of European football. He signed a short-term five-month contract with Persib, a club based in the mountainous city of Bandung that boasts one of the most passionate fanbases in Southeast Asia. Despite having not played competitively since leaving PSG in the summer of 2024, Kurzawa adapted swiftly to the rhythm of the Indonesian top flight, slotting into the starting lineup and delivering composed performances week after week.
The title was secured on Saturday with a tense 0-0 home draw against Persijap Jepara. Needing just a point to stay ahead of their rivals, Persib controlled the match without ever finding a breakthrough. The result proved sufficient, and the final whistle triggered wild celebrations among the 30,000-plus crowd at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium. For the club, it marked a third consecutive championship—a feat that underscores their modern dominance in Indonesian football.
Kurzawa’s contribution went beyond the numbers. In his seven appearances, the former France international (13 caps) provided tactical discipline and a calming presence on the left flank. While he did not register a goal or assist, his experience in high-pressure matches—having featured in Champions League knockout ties with PSG—proved invaluable during the title run-in. His ability to read the game and link up with attackers added a new dimension to Persib’s play, and his professionalism quickly earned the respect of teammates and supporters alike.
But the French influence at Persib extended beyond Kurzawa. Andrew Jung, a 28-year-old striker who joined the club earlier in the season, emerged as the team’s top scorer with 11 league goals. Jung, whose previous clubs include Quevilly-Rouen Métropole, Nancy, and Valenciennes in the French lower divisions, finally tasted his first career silverware. His goalscoring exploits were crucial in keeping Persib atop the table, and his partnership with the club’s local talents became one of the league’s most effective offensive units.
The double French success story highlights a wider trend in Indonesian football, where clubs are increasingly scouting abroad for experienced professionals to elevate the domestic game. Kurzawa, with his pedigree from Monaco and a dominant PSG side that included Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, brought a level of recognition rarely seen in Liga 1. His presence not only boosted Persib’s title push but also drew international attention to a league that continues to grow in stature.
Kurzawa’s trophy cabinet now stands at 19, an extraordinary total for a left-back who sometimes faced criticism for inconsistency during his time in Paris. His 17 honors with PSG include multiple Ligue 1 titles, French Cups, League Cups, and Trophée des Champions triumphs. The Ligue 2 title won with Monaco in 2013 marked the beginning of his collection, and now an Indonesian championship sits alongside those medals as a testament to his enduring hunger for success.
For Persib, the title extends a period of unrivaled dominance. The club, known locally as Maung Bandung, has built a winning machine under the guidance of head coach Bojan Hodak, blending solid defense with clinical attacking play. The third straight title also cements their place among the most successful clubs in Indonesian history, and the addition of a player of Kurzawa’s stature only strengthens their reputation as a destination for ambitious professionals.
As the celebrations continued late into the night in Bandung, attention inevitably turns to Kurzawa’s future. His five-month deal has now expired, and there has been no official announcement regarding an extension. Whether he stays in Indonesia, returns to Europe, or seeks another challenge elsewhere is unknown. What is certain is that his brief stint in Liga 1 has left an indelible mark, and he will forever be part of Persib’s golden era.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.