120 Ligue 1 Players Called Up for International Duty, Calvin Verdonk Indonesia's Sole Representative
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- Sebanyak 120 pemain dari 18 klub Ligue 1 menerima panggilan timnas untuk jeda internasional, dengan PSG menyumbang terbanyak (15 pemain).
- Calvin Verdonk (Lille) menjadi satu-satunya pemain Ligue 1 yang memperkuat Timnas Indonesia, sementara sejumlah debutan seperti Restes dan Lepaul menandai regenerasi.
- Jeda ini menjadi ajang pembuktian bagi pemain muda dan peluang bagi Timnas Indonesia memanfaatkan pengalaman Verdonk di kancah Eropa.
A total of 120 players from 18 Ligue 1 McDonald's clubs have been called up to represent their countries during this international break, with Paris Saint-Germain contributing the largest contingent (15 players). Among the list, the name Calvin Verdonk (Lille) stands out as Indonesia's sole representative, following coach Zinédine Zidane's decision to call up six Ligue 1 players for the France national team.
This international break is not merely routine. For many players, it is a stage to prove themselves after impressive early-season performances. Two new names have caught the eye: Guillaume Restes (Toulouse, 21) and Estéban Lepaul (Rennes), both called up to the senior France national team for the first time. They represent the wave of regeneration underway in European football, where Ligue 1 clubs are increasingly aggressive in giving space to young talent.
Interestingly, first-time call-ups have also come from various African countries. Monaco contributed Sadibou Sané (Senegal) and Stanis Idumbo (DR Congo), while Toulouse sent Christ Tapé (Ivory Coast) and Auxerre promoted Lamine Sy (Senegal) under Patrick Vieira. This phenomenon underscores Ligue 1's position as a destination for African players seeking to break through to the international level.
For the Indonesian public, Verdonk's presence on this list is no small matter. The 28-year-old left-back has been a pillar of Lille's back line since joining from NEC Nijmegen. His experience facing top European forwards is valuable capital for the Garuda squad, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying agenda. His presence in Ligue 1 also opens eyes to the fact that players of Indonesian descent can compete in Europe's top five leagues.
"This is an opportunity for players like Verdonk to show their quality at the international level. Experience in Ligue 1 will greatly help the Indonesia national team," said a national football observer, as quoted from a recent panel discussion.
At the U-21 level, France called up seven Ligue 1 players, including Ethan Mbappé (Lille), who received his first call-up. Strasbourg dominated with eight players across various U-21 teams, signaling Ligue 1 clubs' long-term investment in youth development. Meanwhile, players such as Mika Godts and Loïs Openda returned to strengthen Belgium after missing the World Cup, and Ally Samatta (Tanzania) received another call-up thanks to his fine performances with Le Havre.
The return of several names to their national teams also implies internal competition dynamics. Some had to withdraw due to injury, such as Robin Risser (Lens) and Nabil Bentaleb (Lille), a reminder that the packed club-and-country schedule remains a major challenge. On the other hand, players such as Thomas Jorgensen (Toulouse) and Mads Bidstrup (Lyon) have a chance to record international debuts, lengthening the list of Ligue 1 players breaking through to the senior level.
With 120 players spread across continents, Ligue 1 proves itself as one of the most multicultural leagues in Europe. For Indonesia, the spotlight is on Verdonk and how he can transfer his experience playing in a competitive league to the Asian level. Will this international break be a stepping stone for Verdonk and the Indonesia national team to capture attention on the global stage?
