Alexander Jeremejeff Chose Persija Thanks to Cyrus Margono, Immediately Scored 2 Goals

Jakarta - A single conversation set Alexander Thomas Jeremejeff on the path that brought him to Jakarta. This was no formal negotiation room discussion: it started with his former Greek league teammate, Cyrus Margono.

When Margono joined Persija mid-season last year, Jeremejeff began paying close attention to the Macan Kemayoran club. He followed the team's fixtures, slowly growing familiar with the side that would become the next chapter of his professional career.

Jeremejeff explains he tracked nearly every one of Persija's match results while his former teammate was at the club. It was also through Margono that he got his first impressions of both the team and the city of Jakarta itself.

"I already knew about this club beforehand, because I had a teammate back in Greece that played here last year - Cyrus Margono. I followed almost every single Persija match result just because he was here," Jeremejeff told reporters in a post-match press conference at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) on Saturday 29 August 2026, following the fixture against Brisbane Roar.

According to Jeremejeff, Margono had grown deeply attached during his time at the club. It was clear just how fond his former teammate had become of both Persija and Jakarta.

"He absolutely loves this team, and he loves this city," he added.

So when Persija eventually put forward an official offer, Jeremejeff required very little time to make his decision.

For the 32-year old Swedish striker, Persija represented exactly what he was seeking: a fresh challenge at an established, ambitious big club built to win.

"A new experience at a big club that wants to win? This was perfect for me," Jeremejeff stated.

And before long, he would experience a night that proved this choice had been the right one.

Two Goals On Debut

It did not take long for Jeremejeff to introduce himself to the Jakarta supporters.

Before the international friendly against Brisbane Roar had even reached the one minute mark, he had already created danger. Running onto a through ball from Witan Sulaeman, Jeremejeff hit a first time effort that flew just over the crossbar.

It would only take a few more minutes before that threat turned into his first goal for the club.

After Persija was awarded a penalty, Jeremejeff stepped up to take the kick. He converted perfectly, putting Macan Kemayoran ahead 1-0.

Brisbane Roar attempted to mount a response, but Persija held their lead into half time. Early in the second half Kerim Memija doubled the advantage, before Jeremejeff added his name to the scoresheet once again.

A fourth goal was later added courtesy of an own goal from Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis.

The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 4-0 victory for Persija, with Jeremejeff marking his first appearance for the club with two goals.

Yet these two debut goals are not the only reason Jeremejeff's arrival has generated excitement. He arrives with an established track record that explains just how high the club's expectations are for their new signing.

Back in the 2022 Allsvenskan season, Jeremejeff scored 22 goals in 27 appearances for BK Hacken, finishing as the league's top goalscorer.

The Swedish Football Association has previously noted Jeremejeff's core strengths as a striker: excellent hold-up play, plus the instinct to exploit space behind opposition defensive lines.

Standing at 192 centimetres tall, he possesses the physical profile for a target man role - but his game extends far beyond just his height and physique.

Long Road To Jakarta

Jeremejeff's journey to Persija began long before he ever set foot in Indonesia.

Born 12 October 1993 in Kungsbacka, Sweden, he first started playing football at local side Tolo IF, before joining the youth academy of Orgryte IS in 2005.

He progressed through the ranks to make his senior debut with Orgryte, before moving to Qviding FIF in 2013. It was there he earned regular first team minutes, and immediately showed his finishing ability with 14 goals in 21 league matches.

This breakout form earned him a move to the top flight. BK Hacken would become one of the most important clubs of his career, while he also spent time at fellow Swedish elite side Malmo FF.

After building his career in his home country, Jeremejeff sought challenges abroad. He moved to Germany to play for Dynamo Dresden, before going on to have spells in the Netherlands and Greece.

During this time he also gained European competition experience, featuring in both qualifying rounds and the group stages of the UEFA Europa League.

At international level, Jeremejeff earned one senior cap for Sweden in 2019, starting in a friendly match against Finland.

Now all that experience has been brought to Jakarta.

First Challenge: Adaptation

Jeremejeff is fully aware that moving from Europe to Indonesia is far more than just changing clubs.

One of the most immediate differences he has noticed is Jakarta's climate, which he acknowledges is dramatically different to conditions he is used to back in Europe.

Even so, he does not see the adaptation process as a major obstacle. Head coach Shin Tae-yong is also aware of this adjustment period, and has told the new striker to be patient while working to settle in.

"Coach Shin understands this situation. He has told me to take my time, but to keep pushing myself every day so that I can adapt as quickly as possible," Jeremejeff explained.

For Persija, this adaptation period needs to progress as fast as possible. The 2026/2027 season is fast approaching, and Jeremejeff is already earmarked to be the club's first choice striker.

For that reason, this 4-0 win over Brisbane Roar and two debut goals should be seen as just the beginning, not final confirmation of what he will bring to the club.

New Jersey, New Hope

There is one small detail that made Jeremejeff's debut night feel extra special.

This match marked the first public appearance of Persija's new 2026/2027 adidas home kit. The red jersey with gold trim was what Jeremejeff wore for his first ever appearance in front of the Jakarta supporters.

And he already has very positive memories of the kit.

"I love it, it's really nice. It feels really good to wear, and clearly it worked well - I scored two goals in it tonight. Hopefully there will be many more goals scored in this shirt," he said.

For now, everything is going exactly as everyone hoped.

Jeremejeff first learned about Persija through Cyrus Margono. The stories from his former teammate made this faraway club feel familiar, long before he ever agreed to make the move. After arriving, he marked his first match with two goals.

But the real competitive season has not yet started.

Cyrus Margono may have been the reason Jeremejeff first learned about Persija. Now those two debut goals have given every Persija supporter reason to hope for so much more from their new striker.