 Although it has been established since 18 April 1967, Persela just started to show its existence in 2003, nine years after the national football competition entered the professional era in 1994.Before 2003, Persela used to play in the lower divisions (first or second division in Liga Indonesia) but now plays in the Super League.On 15 October 2017, the main goalkeeper of Persela, Choirul Huda, died from the injuries sustained during a match against Semen Padang F.C.