Players of Indonesian descent in Europe are not just ordinary footballers; they embody talent, perseverance, and a proud identity that has captured growing public attention over the past two decades. From elite academies to professional leagues, and even international competitions, they have proven that Indonesian blood can compete at the highest level.
But beyond goals, debuts, and achievements lies a deeper story: one about choices of identity, national loyalty, and new hopes for the future of Indonesian football. To better understand this inspiring journey, let’s take a look at the most successful Indonesian descent players in Europe and the remarkable contributions they have made.
Read also: Indonesian National Team: From ASEAN to the World Stage
List of Indonesian Descent Players with Careers in Europe
1. Calvin Verdonk (Lille)
Calvin Verdonk is a versatile defender who can play as a left-back or centre-back. Born in the Netherlands with Indonesian heritage, he currently plays for Lille in France’s Ligue 1 after previously representing NEC Nijmegen and several Dutch clubs such as Feyenoord, PEC Zwolle, and Twente. His long career in the Eredivisie became an important foundation before experiencing the tougher competition of European football.
During his time at NEC Nijmegen between 2022–2025, Verdonk consistently made around 89 appearances and scored three goals. While on loan at other Dutch clubs, he also scored several times, showing his ability not only as a defender but also in supporting attacks.
In terms of achievements, Verdonk won the KNVB Cup with Feyenoord and was named in the “Eredivisie Team of the Month” multiple times—clear recognition of his quality. All these accomplishments affirm Verdonk as one of the most consistent Indonesian descent players in Europe.
2. Kevin Diks (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Kevin Diks, a versatile defender of Ambonese-Indonesian heritage, now plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga. Before moving to Germany, he played for FC Copenhagen in Denmark, Fiorentina in Italy, and Dutch clubs Vitesse and Feyenoord. His flexibility across defensive positions has made him a reliable option for many teams.
In the 2025/2026 season, Diks made his Bundesliga debut against Hamburg. His best contributions were seen at FC Copenhagen, where he regularly appeared in the domestic league and European competitions such as the UEFA Conference League. Remarkably, he was even trusted as a penalty taker—an unusual trait for a defender.
His honors include winning the Danish League and Danish Cup with Copenhagen. With his consistency and resilience, Diks stands out as one of the most successful Indonesian descent players in Europe.
3. Mees Hilgers (FC Twente)
Mees Hilgers, a Dutch-born centre-back of Indonesian heritage, is a key figure for FC Twente in the Eredivisie. Since breaking into the first team, he has been a solid presence in defense while also contributing to building attacks from the back.
By the end of the 2024/2025 season, Hilgers had made around 111 appearances for Twente, scoring three goals. In his last season alone, he played 26 league matches with 1,953 minutes on the pitch, including a header goal from a corner in a 5-0 win over Heracles. His contributions prove he is not just a pure defender but also a threat in the opponent’s penalty area.
Beyond the Eredivisie, Hilgers has also featured in European competitions such as the UEFA Europa League and Champions League qualifiers. His consistency and stability make him one of the most accomplished Indonesian descent defenders in Europe.
4. Jay Idzes (Sassuolo)
Jay Noah Idzes, a Dutch-born centre-back of Indonesian descent, currently plays for Sassuolo in Serie A. Previously, he represented Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie and impressed with Venezia in Italy. His journey reflects the qualities of a modern defender—strong game reading and accurate ball distribution.
At Go Ahead Eagles, Idzes made 84 appearances with two goals. Moving to Venezia, he played 60 matches, scored four goals, and played a key role in leading the team to promotion to Serie A through the play-offs. In the 2025/2026 season, he debuted for Sassuolo and has already been trusted to play in several early fixtures.
Helping a club secure promotion to a top league highlights his ability to perform at the elite level. Idzes is now seen as one of the most promising Indonesian descent players in Europe, inspiring young talents with similar dreams.
5. Emil Audero (Cremonese)
Emil Audero, an Indonesian-Italian goalkeeper, is among the most successful Nusantara-blooded players in Europe. A product of Juventus’ academy, he later became Sampdoria’s mainstay in Serie A. He also had loan spells with Venezia and Inter Milan before joining Cremonese.
During his time with Sampdoria, Audero made over 160 Serie A appearances with dozens of clean sheets. At Cremonese in the 2025/2026 season, he once again displayed his quality with crucial saves. One of his best moments came in the season opener against AC Milan, where his heroic performance secured a win.
A seasoned goalkeeper, Audero has often been included in Serie A’s weekly Best XI thanks to his impressive displays. His reputation firmly places him among the most successful Indonesian descent players in European football.
Read also: Menyala Garuda: Get to Know the Indonesian Descent Player Who Lights Up the Team!
Follow the Journey of Indonesian Descent Players in Europe!
Players of Indonesian descent such as Calvin Verdonk, Kevin Diks, Mees Hilgers, Jay Idzes, and Emil Audero have proven that Nusantara blood can shine on the international football stage. Through hard work, discipline, and opportunity, they have built careers in Europe’s top leagues while inspiring the growth of Indonesian football.
Their success is not just about personal achievement—it symbolizes Indonesia’s progress in the eyes of the football world. Let us continue supporting their journey, from nurturing young local talents in academies to following the careers of Indonesian descent players in Europe, so they may earn their rightful place in the hearts of Indonesian football fans.
Reference:
- Transfermarkt. #24 Calvin Verdonk. https://www.transfermarkt.co.id/calvin-verdonk/profil/spieler/258364
- Transfermarkt. #4 Kevin Diks. https://www.transfermarkt.co.id/kevin-diks/profil/spieler/335209
- Transfermarkt. #21 Jay Idzes. https://www.transfermarkt.co.id/jay-idzes/profil/spieler/546926
- Transfermarkt. #2 Mees Hilgers. https://www.transfermarkt.co.id/mees-hilgers/profil/spieler/562702
- Transfermarkt. #1 Emil Audero. https://www.transfermarkt.co.id/emil-audero/profil/spieler/256339
