Calvin Verdonk makes history as first Indonesian starter in Champions League

Indonesian international Calvin Verdonk achieved a historic milestone during the 2026/2027 UEFA Champions League season. Playing for LOSC Lille, the 29-year-old defender became the first player with an Indonesian passport to start a match in the prestigious European club competition.

Verdonk was selected by coach Davide Ancelotti to start at left-back during Lille's match against Galatasaray at the Decathlon Arena–Stade Pierre-Mauroy on October 21, 2026. This followed his recent debut as a substitute in a match against Arsenal.

Despite Verdonk's individual achievement, Lille suffered a 2-4 defeat against Galatasaray. Galatasaray took an early lead through Yunus Akgun, followed by two goals from Soriba Diaoune for Lille. However, Alexey Batrakov equalized for Galatasaray before halftime, and a second-half own goal by Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer secured the victory for the visitors.