The Indonesian national team striker in the 1980s, Ricky Yacobi, passed away after he fell unconscious while playing football at Senayan Field, Jakarta, today, November 21, 2020.
Ricky died at the Mintoharjo Navy Hospital, Central Jakarta. Ricky breathed his last from a heart attack. The former legendary Indonesian striker in the 1980s and early 1990s has played for PSMS Medan, Arseto Solo, BPD Central Java, and PSIS Semarang.
Ricky was born in Medan, North Sumatra, in 1963. He was recorded as the top scorer of the Indonesian League for the Galatama era. Twice he became the top scorer in 1987 and 1990.
Ricky has also been defending a Japanese club, Matsushita FC (now called Gamba Osaka).
But his career smooth brackets. He only scored one goal in four matches. Ricky failed to adapt to Japan because of the cold weather.
At the national team level, Ricky entered the Indonesian squad for the 1986 Asian Games. He became a Garuda actor to qualify for the semifinals.
At that time, Indonesia lost to host South Korea, and failed to win the bronze medal after losing to Kuwait.
A year later, the Indonesian national team coach at that time, Bertje Matulapelwa, brought Ricky into the squad for the 1987 SEA Games.
Appearing as the host, the Indonesian National Team together with Ricky appeared mighty.
Indonesia among them won the gold medal. It was the first gold medal for Indonesia in football since the SEA Games were first held in 1959.
After various successes, Ricky then retired as a football player in 1996.
After retiring, Ricky remained in the world of football. He founded the Football School (SSB) 'Ricky Yacobi' with the aim of fostering young Indonesian footballers and recruiting players aged 7-12 years.