Indonesian football (Timnas Indonesia) is currently reaping the rewards of an aggressive naturalization policy. However, despite the influx of talent – primarily from the Netherlands – players capable of competing in the “Big 5” European leagues (Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Ligue 1) remain a rarity.
As of now, only five elite names – Jay Idzes, Calvin Verdonk, Kevin Diks, Emil Audero, and Jordi Amat – have truly breathed the atmosphere of the Old Continent’s most prestigious stages.
Here is the definitive list of the Garuda stars who reached the top.
1. Kevin Diks
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Clubs: Fiorentina (Serie A, 2016 – 2021), Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga, 2025 – Present)
Born to a mother from the Maluku Islands, Kevin Diks officially became an Indonesian citizen on November 8, 2024. Is he the most high-profile player Indonesia has ever possessed?
Starting his career at Vitesse, Diks earned a dream move to Fiorentina in Serie A. Although he only made two appearances in the Italian top flight, his potential was evident. During this period, the 1996-born defender honed his skills via loan spells at Vitesse, Feyenoord, Empoli (also in Serie A but did not play), and AGF.
His career truly skyrocketed after four brilliant seasons with FC Copenhagen. In 2025, his consistent performances earned him a 5-year contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach. In the Bundesliga, Diks quickly cemented his place as a regular starter, impressing fans with his ability to contribute effectively in both defense and attack.
Diks represented the Netherlands at U19, U20, and U21 levels and was even called up to the senior Dutch training camp in 2018, though he never earned a cap. After switching allegiance to Indonesia in late 2024, he became a key figure in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Notably, in October 2025, he scored two penalties in a narrow 2-3 defeat against Saudi Arabia in the Fourth Round.
2. Calvin Verdonk
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Clubs: Lille OSC (Ligue 1, 2025 – Present)
Like many of his compatriots, Calvin Verdonk built his reputation in the Eredivisie. He obtained Indonesian citizenship on June 4, 2024, qualifying through his father born in Meulaboh. Before wearing the Garuda jersey, he was a regular for the Dutch youth teams from U17 to U21 (2012-2017).
Verdonk began his career at Feyenoord Rotterdam and had a stint at Famalicão in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He then returned to the Netherlands to shine for NEC Nijmegen.
Following an explosive 2025/26 season – where he was named in the Eredivisie Team of the Month twice – the left-back was snapped up by French giants Lille OSC for a fee of €3 million. He immediately secured a starting spot in Ligue 1.
Despite his heroic efforts in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Verdonk was unable to help Indonesia qualify for the second time.
3. Jay Idzes
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Clubs: Venezia (Serie A, 2024 – 2025), Sassuolo (Serie A, 2025 – Present)
Compared to his peers on this list, Jay Idzes had a humbler start. Beginning his career at FC Eindhoven, he moved to Go Ahead Eagles in 2020 and didn’t make his Eredivisie debut until age 21.
The turning point came in the 2023/24 season when he joined Venezia in Serie B and played a pivotal role in their promotion. In December 2024, Idzes wrote his name into history during a 2-2 draw against Juventus, becoming the first Indonesian player to play and score in Serie A.
Following that breakout season, Idzes was acquired by Sassuolo for €8 million, where he continues to be a rock in their defense.
Born in the Netherlands, Idzes became an Indonesian citizen in December 2023. Although he missed the 2023 AFC Asian Cup due to administrative timing, he made his mark in the World Cup Qualifiers, scoring in a memorable 3-0 victory over Vietnam at My Dinh Stadium.
Currently, Transfermarkt values him at €10 million, making him the most valuable Indonesian player.
4. Emil Audero
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Clubs: Juventus (Serie A, 2016 – 2019), Sampdoria (Serie A, 2019 – 2024), Inter Milan (Serie A, 2023 – 2024), Como (Serie A, 2024 – 2025), Cremonese (Serie A, 2025 – 2026)
Unlike the others, Emil Audero was born in Mataram, Indonesia, but holds Italian heritage through his mother. This connection led him to start his career at Juventus.
Remarkably, the 1997-born goalkeeper has played exclusively in Italy. Except for a loan spell at Venezia in Serie B (2017/18), Audero has spent his entire career in the top flight.
Audero boasts a trophy cabinet that is the envy of Asia: 3 Serie A titles (2 with Juventus, 1 with Inter), 2 Coppa Italias, and 1 Supercoppa Italiana. He was also part of the Juventus squad that finished as runners-up to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid in the 2016/17 Champions League.
Despite representing Italy at every youth level from U15 to U21, breaking into the senior “Azzurri” squad proved impossible against giants like Gianluigi Donnarumma and Guglielmo Vicario. Due to Indonesian citizenship laws, he lost his original nationality at 21.
However, in February 2025, after extensive efforts from the PSSI, his citizenship was restored, allowing him to finally join the Garuda squad for the World Cup Qualifiers.
5. Jordi Amat
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Clubs: Espanyol (La Liga), Rayo Vallecano (La Liga), Swansea City (Premier League), Real Betis (La Liga)
In the wave of naturalization transforming Indonesian football, Jordi Amat stands in a league of his own. He is the “Elder Statesman”, a player whose class has been proven on the world’s biggest stages.
Unlike the younger talents still finding their footing, the 1992-born center-back brought to the archipelago a glittering CV featuring over a decade of experience in the Premier League (Swansea City) and La Liga (Espanyol, Real Betis). He is the only player in the current squad who spent years going toe-to-toe with prime Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
What makes Jordi Amat’s story truly unique is his heritage. Carrying royal blood from his grandmother, he has been officially recognized as a Prince (Pangeran) of the Kingdom of Siau (North Sulawesi). This status transformed him from a typical naturalized player into a symbol of “returning to one’s roots”. The image of a former Premier League star and legitimate Prince giving up Spanish nationality to play for Indonesia at age 30 is a testament to his loyalty.
Today, Amat’s role goes beyond tactics. He is the “Big Brother”, the spiritual leader guiding the new generation of diaspora talents like Justin Hubner and Ivar Jenner.
