The top 10 best Belgian football players today

Belgium is a small country, but it has produced great football talents. With its development, Belgian football is not only the pride of the country but also a bright spot on the world football map. In particular, the best Belgian players demonstrate talent, and technique, and carry within them the true values and traditions of the king’s sport. In the following article, let’s look back at Kingsoccertips on the impressive journey of the top 10 best Belgian football players today, names that have left a deep impression in the hearts of fans worldwide.

The best Belgian football players of all time

1. Jean-Marie Pfaff

Jean-Marie Pfaff is not only a Belgian football player, but also a symbol of excellence and class as a goalkeeper. His career started at KFC Diest before moving to K. Beerschot VAV in 1972. At Beerschot, Pfaff won 3 Belgian First Division championships and 1 Belgian Cup, proving his ability and talent.

With the Belgium national football team, Pfaff was capped 92 times and became the number-one goalkeeper throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He led Belgium to the semifinals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where they finished fourth, leaving fans with unforgettable emotions. Pfaff retired in 1992, but his legacy remains forever in the hearts of fans.

He was voted the World’s Best Goalkeeper in 1987 and is considered one of Belgium’s best players. Pfaff’s achievements and reputation were also recognized by FIFA when he was honored as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

2. Vincent Kompany

In the great journey of Belgian football, Vincent Kompany’s name shines like a bright star in the world football sky. Ranked 2nd among the team’s legends, Kompany is not only an excellent defender but also one of the best Belgian football players.

Starting his career at Anderlecht, Kompany spent many years playing on Europe’s top football fields before ending his impressive career in 2020. With 87 caps for the Belgian national football team and serving as captain throughout the 2010s, he greatly contributed to the team’s success and reputation, solidifying his status as one of the best Belgian football players.

At the club, Kompany also shone with a series of individual titles and awards, including the title of Manchester City’s Best Player in 2012, 2014, and 2018. His career is an admirable journey, a clear testament to perseverance, talent, and relentless passion. Vincent Kompany is not only an excellent football player, but also a symbol of Belgian pride and loyalty in international football.

3. Paul Van Himst

Paul Van Himst is an immortal legend of Belgian football, an undeniable symbol in the history of the kingdom’s sport. Born in Brussels on January 12, 1943, Van Himst showed his natural talent with the ball from an early age. Entering the field with Anderlecht’s youth team in 1959, he proved his superiority by winning 11 Belgian First Division titles with the club.

In addition to his top successes with Anderlecht, Van Himst also contributed significantly to the prosperity of the Belgian national team, with 88 caps and 30 goals. He is recognized as one of the top scorers in the team’s history. When his career ended in 1979, Van Himst did not stop there but continued to be involved with football as a coach, bringing his knowledge and experience to many teams in Belgium as well as to the French national team. Paul van Himst is not only a great footballer, but also a symbol of passion and unwavering commitment to his beloved sport.

4. Wilfried van Moer

Wilfried van Moer is one of the best Belgian football players who has left a deep mark in the history of this sport. Starting his career with the Anderlecht youth team in 1955, Van Moer quickly rose and became a key player on the first team, making an important contribution to the club’s series of successes.

With Anderlecht, he won 10 Belgian First Division titles, eight Belgian Cups, and one European Cup championship, cementing an undeniable legend. Van Moer also earned 83 caps for the Belgian national team, scoring 29 goals, and leaving a mark in the hearts of fans with his impressive performances.

When his career ended in 1977, Van Moer did not stop but continued to be involved with football as a coach, imparting his knowledge and experience to the younger generation. With his tireless contributions and commitment to his beloved sport, Wilfried van Moer is not only a Belgian football legend but also a great symbol of passion and unrelenting sportsmanship.

5. Jef Mermans

In the historical journey of Belgian football, the name Jef Mermans shines like an inextinguishable torch. Ranked 5th on the team’s legends list, Mermans is not only a great striker but also a symbol of strength and uniqueness in his playing style.

Starting at a young age, Mermans shone with Anderlecht, quickly rising to become one of the club’s key players. With Anderlecht, he won 11 Belgian First Division championships, 7 Belgian Cups, and one European Cup championship, making a solid mark in the hearts of fans and establishing himself among the best Belgian football players.

Off the field, Mermans also wore the Belgian national team shirt and scored 30 goals in 70 matches, creating memorable and emotional moments. When he retired in 1970, he did not stop but continued to impart his knowledge and experience as a football coach. Jef Mermans is not only a great player but also a symbol of Belgian pride and loyalty in international football.

6. Jan Ceulemans

Jan Ceulemans is an eternal icon of Belgian football who has gone down in history as one of the country’s greatest players. Born in Lier, Belgium, he began his football career with Lierse SK in 1974. From there, he quickly made his mark and became one of the key players of the first team, contributing significantly to the prosperity of the club.

With Club Brugge, Ceulemans won 10 Belgian First Division titles, eight Belgian Cups, and one UEFA Cup championship, creating an undeniable milestone in his career. In addition, he also earned 96 caps for the Belgian national team, scoring 38 goals, affirming his position as one of the top scorers in the team’s history.

When he retired in 1991, Ceulemans did not stop there but continued to be involved with football as a coach, imparting his knowledge and experience to the younger generation. Jan Ceulemans is not only a symbol of Belgian football but also a symbol of the enthusiasm and solidarity of a football-loving nation.

7. Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku, a famous name in Belgian football history, has made an important contribution to the development and success of Belgian football. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Lukaku began his football career at Anderlecht in 2009, and since then, his performances have captivated the hearts of many fans.

With an impressive height of 1.90m and a weight of 93kg, Lukaku is not only a powerful striker but also a talented playmaker. He possesses incredible speed and strength, combined with excellent heading ability and technical skills. Lukaku’s versatility allows him to demonstrate his talent in many positions on the offensive line and highlight his bravery in every match.

Although he cannot avoid criticism, Lukaku has proven his bravery and ability through excellent performances on the field. With his talent and relentless fighting spirit, Lukaku is not only an excellent player but also a symbol of the strength and pride of Belgian football.

8. Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois is one of the world’s top goalkeepers and has gone down in Belgian football history as an undeniable icon. Born and raised in Belgium, Courtois started his career at Genk before conquering the Premier League with Chelsea at the age of 19. At Stamford Bridge, he quickly established himself and became one of the best Belgian football players, solidifying his reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

Stability and excellence in every match have brought Courtois to the peak of his career. Not only does he shine in the club shirt, but Courtois is also an irreplaceable pillar of the Belgian national team. He made important saves and significantly contributed to the team’s historic successes, including reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Thibaut Courtois is not only an excellent goalkeeper, but also a symbol of pride and class in Belgian football.

9. Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard, one of the greatest players to ever play for Belgium and the world’s top clubs, has officially ended his illustrious career. He is a symbol of Belgian football, admired for his skillful technique and outstanding speed. In every match, Hazard poses a significant threat to opponents with his excellent ability to assist and score goals.

His career began as a talented young boy at Lille’s academy in 2005. From there, he conquered the world of football with Chelsea, where he won countless impressive titles, including 2 Premier League championships and many other trophies. Not only that, Hazard also made it to the list of the best players in the world and was honored as the Best Player in the Premier League for the 2014/15 season. Eden Hazard is not only a player but also a symbol, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of fans and in the history of Belgian football.

10. Kevin de Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best Belgian football players who has left a deep mark in the history of the sport. With his constant creativity, great vision, and ability to control the game, De Bruyne is considered one of the most developed players of the past decade.

He, currently a key player for Manchester City and the Belgian national team, has proven his prowess at every level of the game. With diverse and flexible abilities, De Bruyne can shine in many positions on the field, from attacking midfielder to central midfielder and winger. His precise passing ability, outstanding personal technique, and sophistication in every play make him one of the top stars in world football.

Born in Genk, Belgium, De Bruyne began his career at the local club and rose to become one of the greatest players of his generation, as well as a source of pride for Belgian football.

Conclusion

Looking back at the list of the 10 best Belgian football players, we can’t help but be amazed at the diversity and influence they have brought to the world of football. From first-generation legends like Paul van Himst and Jef Mermans to contemporary stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, Belgium has produced outstanding talent across every position on the pitch. Their contribution is not only the pride of the nation but also an endless source of inspiration for the next generation!

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