Moving To Lille, Calvin Verdok Makes History To Become The First Indonesian Player In Ligue 1

JAKARTA - Calvin Verdonk has been confirmed to join Ligue 1 club LOSC Lille. This move made history that he was the first Indonesian player to have a career in the top French competition.

Verdonk already had his last match with NEC Nijmegen on Sunday, August 31, 2025. However, the closure did not go sweet because his team lost 2-3 against Fortuna Sittard.

After the Sittard vs NEC match, Verdonk immediately flew to Lille, France, to do a medical test before actually wearing his new club uniform.

"I will fly there (France) directly today. Then, I will undergo a medical test (Monday, September 1, 2025)."

"I think I'm ready for the next step, out of my comfort zone. I'm really curious," Verdok was quoted as saying by ESPN, Monday, September 1, 2025.

Despite reaching an agreement with Lille last weekend, Verdonk is in fact still forcing to keep NEC strong against Fortuna Sittard.

"I don't see any problems with physical conditions. I want to end up at the club with a good record and of course I am talking to the coach (Dick Schreuder)."

"The coach needed me and said I had to play. I have good relations with the coach. So, I have to do what the coach says," said Verdonk.

For Verdonk's move, Lille and NEC Nijmegen reportedly reached an agreement at 3 million euros or equivalent to Rp57.9 billion. Verdonk will also be Indonesia's first player to play in Ligue 1 club.

After completing the move to Lille, Verdonk will immediately fly to Surabaya to strengthen the Indonesian national team against China Taipei and Lebanon on FIFA Matchday.

The two matches are scheduled to take place on September 5 and 9, 2025 at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium. The two trials were carried out in preparation for the 2026 World Cup Qualification Fourth Round in October 2025.