Calvin Verdonk Poised to Become First Indonesian Player in Champions League Group Stage

Calvin Verdonk is set to make history as the first Indonesian player to feature in the Champions League group stage, according to a statement from his club, LOSC Lille. The French football club announced the impending milestone on social media, highlighting Verdonk's upcoming participation in Europe's elite competition.

Verdonk officially signed with Lille in September 2025. The 29-year-old defender played a crucial role in the team's successful 2025/26 Ligue 1 campaign, where they secured a third-place finish. This achievement directly qualified Lille for the 2026/27 Champions League league phase, providing Verdonk with the opportunity to break new ground.

During the 2025/26 season, Verdonk made 18 appearances in Ligue 1, accumulating 786 minutes of playing time. His contributions were vital in helping Lille secure their place in the prestigious tournament. This marks a significant moment for Indonesian football, as Verdonk will be the first player to represent the nation in the Champions League while holding Indonesian citizenship.

It is important to note that Verdonk is not the first player of Indonesian descent to play in the Champions League. Kevin Diks and Emil Audero have previously participated in the competition. However, neither Diks nor Audero held Indonesian citizenship during their respective Champions League appearances. Diks played for FC Copenhagen in the group stages of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, reaching the Round of 16 in the latter. Audero appeared for Inter Milan in the 2023/24 group stage, though he saw limited playing time beyond the initial matches.

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The first Indonesian footballer to appear in the UCL group stage. History.