Calvin Verdonk to Become First Indonesian Player in Champions League, Says LOSC Lille
LOSC Lille has announced that defender Calvin Verdonk is set to become the first Indonesian citizen to play in the Champions League group stage. While other players of Indonesian descent have participated, Verdonk is the first to hold Indonesian citizenship while competing in the tournament.
Why it matters
This represents a milestone for Indonesian football and highlights the increasing global reach and diversity of players in elite European competitions.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - LOSC Lille, a French professional football club based in Lille, Northern France, claims that Calvin Verdonk will become the first Indonesian player to feature in the Champions League (UCL) group stage."The first Indonesian footballer to appear in the UCL group stage. History," Lille wrote in a social media post on Monday, August 17, 2026.Verdonk officially joined the French club in September 2025. The 29-year-old defender played a key role in the club's third-place finish in Ligue 1 during the 2025/26 season.That finish secured Lille direct qualification for the 2026/27 Champions League league phase. Consequently, Verdonk has the opportunity to make history with the club.During the 2025/26 season, Verdonk made 18 Ligue 1 appearances, totaling 786 minutes of play.
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