Young Indonesian U23 talent once considered early retirement due to heavy criticism

Indonesia U23 striker Hokky Caraka confessed that he had contemplated early retirement as he struggled with the intense pressure and severe social media backlash after big competitions.

Young forward Hokky Caraka, a beacon of hope for Indonesian football, recently surprised fans by revealing he had intentions of quitting early due to relentless criticism and attacks on social media.

In an interview on Persita Tangerang’s official website, the 2004-born player shared: “Actually, it’s because I love football. Without that love, I probably would have retired a long time ago. There were moments when I couldn’t endure the insults anymore. But because of my passion, I had to accept it and keep moving forward.”

The pressure on Hokky began after the cancellation of the 2023 U20 World Cup in Indonesia. As one of the few players bold enough to express his personal opinions on social media, he unexpectedly became the focus of public criticism. Since then, whenever he appears in the national team or club jersey, Hokky faces negative comments, some even personally attacking him.

At first glance, the young striker appeared strong and indifferent to the pressure, but in reality, he admitted to experiencing a psychological crisis. “I felt exhausted and stuck. When negative words came every day, I thought I couldn’t continue anymore,” Hokky confided.

Fortunately, his passion for the game helped him regain balance. Instead of giving up, Hokky chose to stay silent, focus on training, and prove himself through relentless effort. “Football is a part of my life. No matter how much pressure there is, I want to contribute and not let words bring me down,” he affirmed.

Hokky Caraka’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of online verbal abuse, which can cause a talented young player to lose faith and ambition. For Hokky, overcoming the storm of criticism was not only about preserving his career but also his greatest personal victory as a footballer.