3 Indonesia National Team Players in the UEFA Champions League: Kevin Diks Is the Most Experienced, Calvin Verdonk Makes History

Three Indonesian National Team Players have experienced the atmosphere of the Champions League, Europe's most prestigious club competition. Calvin Verdonk, who plays for Lille, became the first Indonesian player to ever feature in the Champions League. Before Verdonk, Kevin Diks and Emil Audero had already played in Europe's top tier competition, but neither held Indonesian citizenship at the time of their appearances.  

All three Garuda players hold different match records, ranging from over a dozen appearances to short debut cameos for their respective clubs.

Among the three, Kevin Diks has the most extensive Champions League experience. The defender, who has represented both FC Copenhagen and Feyenoord, has made 17 total appearances, while Audero and Verdonk have each only recorded one match outing so far.

According to Transfermarkt data, Diks is also the only one out of these three Indonesian players to have recorded a win in the Champions League. 

Kevin Diks Has The Most Champions League Appearances

Kevin Diks leads all Indonesian players for total matches played in the Champions League. He made 17 appearances across his spells with FC Copenhagen and Feyenoord.

From those total matches, Diks has recorded two wins, five draws, and ten defeats. He has accumulated 1,224 total minutes on the pitch in the Champions League.

His experience across two European clubs gave him far greater exposure competing at the highest level of club football.

Despite featuring in 17 matches, Diks still has a limited number of wins to his name, only recording two victories, five draws, and suffering ten defeats. 

Emil Audero With Inter Milan

Emil Audero previously featured in the Champions League during his time with Inter Milan. The Indonesian National Team goalkeeper recorded one full 90 minute appearance in the competition.

That match ended in a draw for Audero, meaning he is yet to record either a win or a loss in the Champions League.

Audero's appearance took place before Calvin Verdonk made his debut for Lille. However, Audero did not hold Indonesian citizenship at the time he played this Champions League match.

The same situation applies to Kevin Diks, who was still a Dutch passport holder at the time of his earlier Champions League appearances. 

For this reason, Verdonk's debut carries unique historical significance for Indonesian player participation in top European competitions.

Calvin Verdonk Makes History With Lille

Calvin Verdonk made his Champions League debut for Lille against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, London, on Wednesday 14 October 2026, early morning WIB.

The match ended with Lille suffering a 0-3 defeat to Arsenal. Verdonk came on as a substitute and played for 12 minutes.

Despite his short cameo and the team's loss, this debut marked a major milestone for the 29-year old defender. 

Verdonk is officially recorded as the first Indonesian player to appear in the Champions League while already registered as a senior Indonesia National Team player. He also became the first ASEAN player to make their debut in this competition. 

For the Indonesian National Team, experience competing at Europe's highest club level provides valuable additional experience for players plying their trade overseas. Who will be next?