Indonesian national team defender Calvin Verdonk achieved a historic milestone as Lille secured a spot in the 2026/2027 Champions League. Despite a loss to Auxerre, Lille finished third in Ligue 1.
Lille secured third place in the final Ligue 1 standings for the 2025/2026 season with 61 points after a 0-2 loss to Auxerre on 18 May 2026. Lassine Sinayoko scored both goals for Auxerre. The result ensured Lille qualified directly for the Champions League alongside the top two teams.
Calvin Verdonk who entered in the second half expressed pride on Instagram. He wrote that the team had arrived in the Champions League and thanked the fans. Lille also highlighted Verdonk as the first Indonesian footballer to qualify for the competition.
Verdonk recorded 26 appearances this season including 18 matches in Ligue 1. He remains under contract with Lille until 2028. This achievement makes him the first Indonesian national team player with that status to earn a Champions League ticket.
