John Herdman's son joins Bali United, Jay Herdman brings experience from North America.

Bali United FC has added foreign reinforcements ahead of the 2026/2027 season by signing attacking midfielder Jay Joshua Herdman from Canadian club Cavalry FC. Born in Invercargill, New Zealand, this player is the son of Indonesia national team head coach John Herdman.

Jay Herdman's arrival was announced by Bali United as part of the club's efforts to complete the Serdadu Tridatu squad depth. Born on 14 August 2004, Herdman built extensive competitive experience across North American football before deciding to continue his professional career in Indonesia.

Jay's primary position is attacking midfielder. However, the 169cm tall player is also capable of operating as a central striker or left winger.

Jay Herdman Began His Career In New Zealand

Jay's football journey started at the age of four, playing for New Zealand local club Hibiscus Coast.

When he turned eight years old, he moved to Canada with his family, following the progression of his father's coaching career.

While in Canada, Jay represented Surrey United SC before being scouted and recruited by the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy in August 2017.

Jay received opportunities to train and feature with the Vancouver Whitecaps first team during the 2021 and 2022 pre-season periods.

His breakthrough into professional football came in March 2022, when he signed a professional contract with Whitecaps FC 2 competing in MLS Next Pro.

Jay made his professional debut on 26 March 2022 against Houston Dynamo 2. During his spell at the club, he was also trusted to captain the side on multiple occasions.

His consistent performances earned Jay a contract extension with Vancouver Whitecaps for the 2024 season. In total, he recorded 46 appearances for Whitecaps FC 2, scoring nine goals and providing five assists.

Made MLS Senior Appearances

Jay's form soon earned him a path to the Vancouver Whitecaps senior squad. In early 2024, he received multiple short-term loan call-ups to the first team.

He made his official Major League Soccer (MLS) debut on 20 April 2024, coming on as a substitute against Seattle Sounders FC.

Shortly after, Jay took the next step in his career. In September 2024, he joined Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League on loan, in order to gain more regular match minutes.

During his time at Cavalry, Jay who had previously mostly operated as an attacking midfielder was also deployed at left wing.

This positional shift delivered immediate results. On his first full start for the club against Pacific FC on 5 October 2024, Jay scored one goal and registered one assist.

Cavalry signed Jay on a permanent basis in January 2025, following the expiry of his contract with Vancouver Whitecaps. However his time in Canada continued, as he was loaned out to Vancouver FC in August 2025.

Across all professional competitions in North America, Jay has accumulated 86 senior appearances. From 4,708 total minutes played, he has recorded 10 goals, 11 assists, and 11 yellow cards.

Won OFC Continental Title With New Zealand

Jay Herdman also holds notable international youth experience. In April 2022, he received a call up to a Canada U-20 training camp, and featured in a friendly match against Costa Rica U-20.

Ultimately however, Jay chose to represent his country of birth, New Zealand.

Jay was part of the New Zealand U-19 squad that lifted the 2022 OFC U-19 Championship. He was awarded the tournament Golden Ball as the competition's best player.

He then progressed to the global stage, representing New Zealand U-20 at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored against Uzbekistan U-20.

One year later, he was named in the New Zealand U-23 squad for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

This established track record was a key factor for Bali United, as it secures a player who has been accustomed to high level international match environments from a young age.

Completes Bali United's 11 Foreign Player Quota

Jay Herdman's signing officially finalises Bali United's full allocation of 11 foreign players for the 2026/2027 campaign.

Prior to this arrival, Serdadu Tridatu had already completed the signings of Remco Balk, Thomas Lam, Queven, and Jort van der Sande in this transfer window.

Jay is the final addition to the squad, brought in to provide greater tactical flexibility for head coach Johnny Jansen.

With his proven experience as an attacking midfielder, Jay will provide additional options and versatility for Bali United's forward line.