Calvin Verdonk Set to Make History as Indonesia's First UCL Group-Stage Player

Calvin Verdonk is on the verge of making history for Indonesian football after LOSC Lille confirmed their place in the 2026/2027 UEFA Champions League group stage. The French club has highlighted Verdonk as a potential landmark figure, with the defender in line to become the first Indonesian player to feature in the group stage of Europe's premier club competition.

Verdonk joined Lille in September 2025 after leaving NEC Nijmegen in the Netherlands. During his first season in France, the 29-year-old made 18 Ligue 1 appearances and accumulated 786 minutes on the pitch. He was also part of the Lille squad that finished third in the 2025/2026 Ligue 1 standings, securing direct qualification for the Champions League group stage.

If Verdonk receives playing time in the competition, he will become the first player holding Indonesian citizenship to appear in the Champions League group stage. His achievement would represent another significant milestone in his career and add a new chapter to the growing presence of Indonesian footballers on the European stage.

Kevin Diks and Emil Audero have previously appeared in the Champions League while representing European clubs, although neither was an Indonesian citizen at the time. Diks featured for FC Copenhagen in the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 campaigns, helping the Danish side reach the last 16 in the latter season. Audero also played in the competition with Inter Milan in 2023/2024, making an appearance against Benfica in the group stage.

With Lille already assured of a place in the 2026/2027 Champions League group stage, Verdonk now needs only an opportunity on the pitch to officially write his name into Indonesian football history. His potential appearance would mark a major achievement for both the defender and the country, while further strengthening Indonesia's presence in one of the biggest competitions in world football.