Belgium’s soccer history is a tale of evolution, marked by both highs and lows. The Red Devils have seen notable success in recent decades. In this article, we’ll be looking at the best Belgian soccer players of all time who shaped the sport in the nation.
Icons like Paul Van Himst and Enzo Scifo have paved the way, setting high standards and contributing to Belgium’s growth. Then, the emergence of modern legends like Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, and Kevin De Bruyne elevated the team to new heights, inspiring the next generation.
We’ll explore the iconic careers and game-changing moments that define these legends. So get ready for a journey through time and relive the magic and brilliance that shaped Belgian soccer history.
10. Jean-Marie Pfaff
Position: Goalkeeper
International Caps/Clean Sheets: 64 / 21
Club Level Apps/Clean Sheets: 485 / 189
Clubs: Bayern Munich, KSK Beveren, Trabzonspor, Lierse
Starting off our list is the legendary goalkeeper of the OG Belgian golden generation, Jean-Marie Pfaff.
Pfaff spent most of his career between the sticks at Beveren and Bayern Munich. With 64 caps for Belgium, Pfaff also made a lasting impact on the international stage. Notably, he featured in the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cup tournaments with Belgium.
Despite his robust physique, Pfaff was more than just brawn; his quick reflexes and acrobatic saves defined his spectacular playing style. Beyond the goalposts, Pfaff’s extroverted and outspoken personality set him apart.
His strong and charismatic leadership qualities, coupled with confidence, and professionalism, made him an exceptional organizer of the defense. Fans also loved his cheerful attitude and humorous demeanor, earning him the affectionate nickname “El Simpático” (Mr. Nice Guy in Spanish) during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
9. Jan Vertonghen
Position: Centre-Back
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 153 / 10 / 6
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 701 / 51 / 21
Clubs: Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax, Benfica, RSC Anderlecht
Jan Vertonghen might be one of the most underrated defenders of the 21st century. He brings reliability and strength to the soccer field – two essential qualities for a top-notch defender in the modern game.
Starting his senior career at Ajax in 2006, Vertonghen made a mark with 220 games and 28 goals across all competitions. As captain from 2011 to 2012, he led Ajax to two Eredivisie and two KNVB Cup titles, earning the title of Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2012.
He moved to Tottenham in 2012, which was a highly successful transfer for Vertonghen and the club. He made 315 appearances over eight years, including a notable run to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final. After a brief stint with Benfica, Vertonghen now plays at Anderlecht.
Internationally, Vertonghen has earned a record 153 caps with Belgium. His contributions include a fourth-place finish at the 2008 Olympics, a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and quarter-final appearances at UEFA Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.
8. Enzo Scifo
Position: Attacking Midfield
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 84 / 18 / 13
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 631 / 149 / 29
Clubs: RSC Anderlecht, Monaco, Torino, AJ Auxerre, Inter Milan, Bordeaux
Enzo Scifo, originally Italian-born, became a soccer prodigy in Belgium early in his career. He earned the nickname ‘Little Pele’ for his astounding junior record of 432 goals in just four seasons.
Scifo’s journey led him to Anderlecht in 1980, where he debuted in the Belgian league at 18. In a swift turn of events, Scifo acquired Belgian nationality in 1984, just in time for the European Championships.
Renowned as one of the most promising young talents globally in the mid-80s, Scifo’s move to Serie A in 1987 marked a significant chapter. Despite a challenging stint with Inter Milan, a revival at French side Bordeaux salvaged his career.
He played a vital role in Belgium’s 1986 World Cup campaign where they reached the semi-finals, scoring two goals in seven games. Scifo’s resilience continued through the 1990 World Cup, where he scored a memorable goal against Uruguay. Despite expectations, Belgium faced an early exit, but Scifo’s career thrived in Italy with Torino and Monaco.
Returning to Anderlecht after a decade, he participated in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, becoming one of only 14 players to feature in four World Cups.
7. Romelu Lukaku
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 113 / 83 / 16
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 620 / 301 / 95
Clubs: Everton, Inter Milan, RSC Anderlecht, Manchester United, Chelsea, West Brom, AS Roma
Many soccer fans tend to forget what a beastly striker Romelu Lukaku was at his peak. And his tendency to miss chances hasn’t helped a lot. Despite that, Lukaku is the all-time highest goalscorer for Belgium.
Starting at Anderlecht, Lukaku’s career took flight with a Belgian Pro League title and a top goalscorer award. His journey led him to Chelsea in 2011, but loan spells (successful ones) to West Bromwich Albion and Everton followed due to limited playing time.
Then, a significant move to Everton in 2014 saw Lukaku as the league’s second-top goalscorer. His form at Everton set the stage for his blockbuster transfer to Manchester United in 2017. After a roller coaster two years at United, Lukaku was moved on to Inter Milan, where he again proved his prowess. He brought Serie A glory to the Milanese club along with winning the Most Valuable Player award.
In 2021, Lukaku returned to Chelsea in a record-breaking £97.5 million transfer, briefly holding the title of the most expensive Belgian player. His second stint at Chelsea was short, as he left for a loan spell with Inter Milan and Roma a year later.
Belgium’s all-time top goalscorer, Lukaku’s international impact spans five major tournaments, including UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups, earning him the Bronze Boot in 2018.
6. Michel Preud’homme
Position: Goalkeeper
International Caps/Clean Sheets: 58 / 26
Club Level Apps/Goals/Clean Sheets: 726 / 1 / 325
Clubs: KV Mechelen, Standard Liège, Benfica
The second (but not the last) goalkeeper on our list of the best Belgian soccer players is Michel Preud’homme. He’s considered one of the world’s best and most consistent goalkeepers of the 90s. Preud’homme’s consistency and skill were also recognized with the first-ever Yashin Award at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
At the club level, Preud’homme showcased his talents with Standard Liège, Mechelen, and Benfica. Mechelen became a significant chapter in his career where he won the Belgian Cup (1987), the Cup Winner’s Cup, and the European Super Cup (1988), along with the Belgian league title in 1989. His success extended to Portugal, where he lifted the Portuguese Cup with Benfica in 1996.
With 58 caps for Belgium spanning from 1979 to 1995, his international contributions included not only the 1994 World Cup but also a solid performance at the 1990 tournament.
5. Thibaut Courtois
Position: Goalkeeper
International Caps/Clean Sheets: 102 / 79
Club Level Apps/Clean Sheets: 583 / 239
Clubs: Real Madrid, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, KRC Genk
Our list of the best Belgian soccer players couldn’t be complete without the best Belgian goalkeeper of all time, Thibaut Courtois. Courtois has built his reputation on impeccable reflexes, acrobatic saves, and a commanding presence in the penalty area.
The journey of this goalkeeping icon began at Genk, where he made a senior debut at just 16, winning the Belgian Pro League. A move to Chelsea in 2011 set the stage for success, with loan spells at Atlético Madrid yielding La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Europa League triumphs.
Returning to Chelsea in 2014, Courtois secured two Premier League titles and the EFL Cup. His journey reached new heights with Real Madrid in 2018, becoming La Liga’s most expensive goalkeeper. He added two league titles and a Champions League victory to his accolades with Madrid.
Courtois’ international debut at 19 also marked the start of a stellar career with Belgium, earning over 100 caps and achieving a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
His individual honors include three Ricardo Zamora Trophies, a Premier League Golden Glove, and recognition as the third-best goalkeeper of the decade (2011–2020) by the IFFHS.
4. Paul Van Himst
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 81 / 30 / 8
Club Level Apps/Goals: 478 / 234
Clubs: Anderlecht, RWD Molenbeek, Eendracht Aalst
Paul Van Himst was a true icon of Belgian soccer’s first golden generation. He exemplifies an era for Belgium that saw limited success for the country, yet he stood as a crucial catalyst in achieving what victories came their way. Van Himst was affectionately nicknamed “Polle Gazon” due to the numerous fouls committed against him.
His legacy unfolded at Anderlecht, where he clinched eight Belgian championships, amassing 233 goals in 457 matches across 16 seasons. After his time at Anderlecht, a brief stint at RWDM and Eendracht Aalst followed before concluding his playing career.
Van Himst’s international career was marked by 30 goals in 81 matches from 1960 to 1974 which solidified his status as one of the country’s top scorers and among the most capped players. He also played pivotal roles in Belgium’s 1970 World Cup qualification and the team’s historic third-place finish at Euro 1972.
Transitioning to management, Van Himst first took charge of Anderlecht before guiding the national team to the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
3. Vincent Kompany
Position: Centre-Back
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 89 / 4 / 6
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 533 / 31 / 21
Clubs: Manchester City, RSC Anderlecht, Hamburger SV
Coming in at No. 3 is the captain fantastic and one of the greatest defenders of the modern era, Vincent Kompany. Making his international debut at the tender age of 17 in 2004, he went on to represent Belgium for an impressive 15 years.
A product of Anderlecht’s youth system, Kompany’s professional journey began at the club, followed by a move to Bundesliga’s Hamburg in 2006. However, it was his iconic eleven year stint at Manchester City that solidified his status as one of the Premier League’s finest center-backs.
Kompany played a vital role as the captain of the team to lead City to their first league title in 44 years during the 2011–12 season. He also won several individual awards including Premier League Player of the Season in 2012.
Kompany’s international career saw him earn 89 caps, contributing to Belgium’s successes at the 2008 Olympics and achieving a historic third-place finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
After retiring from professional soccer, he returned to Anderlecht as player-manager in 2019 and later transitioned to first-team manager. His managerial career continued at Burnley in 2022 where he secured the EFL Championship in his debut season.
2. Eden Hazard
Position: Left Winger
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 126 / 33 / 36
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 623 / 167 / 157
Clubs: Chelsea, LOSC Lille, Real Madrid
The penultimate entry in our list of the best Belgian soccer players is arguably one of the greatest talents of this generation, Eden Hazard. He had the carefree spirit of a child, and brought joy to the game often overshadowed by competition and tension.
Starting his senior career at Lille in 2007 at just 16, Hazard quickly became an integral part of the team. He secured the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award twice and led Lille to a league and cup double in the 2010–11 season.
His stellar performances earned him a move to Chelsea in 2012, where he continued to shine. Hazard played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s victories, including the UEFA Europa League, Premier League, and Football League Cup.
Recognized as the FWA Footballer of the Year and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year at Chelsea, he further solidified his status as one of the world’s best.
Hazard got his dream move to Real Madrid in 2019, with a transfer fee of up to €150 million. But injuries and fitness issues marred his time at the club leading to his departure in June 2023 and retirement from professional soccer four months later.
On the international stage, Hazard earned over 126 caps for Belgium. As captain, he led the team to their best-ever finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, securing third place and also earning the Silver Ball as the second-best player of the tournament.
1. Kevin De Bruyne
Position: Attacking Midfield
International Caps/Goals/Assists: 99 / 26 / 49
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 587 / 143 / 237
Clubs: Manchester City, KRC Genk, VfL Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen, Chelsea
There has never been an easier decision than to put Kevin de Bruyne at the top of the list of the greatest Belgian players of all time. One of the greatest midfielders of all time, he stands out as the epitome of a complete soccer player.
His career journey began at Genk, contributing to their 2010–11 Belgian Pro League triumph. A move to Chelsea preceded successful stints at Wolfsburg and ultimately Manchester City, where he became the most important player of the great Pep Guardiola team.
He has won everything there is to win with Manchester City, including a UEFA Champions League title, a Club World Cup, five Premier League titles, and numerous other domestic cups.
De Bruyne’s impact extends beyond club success as well. He has earned over 90 caps and scored 26 goals for Belgium. He played pivotal roles in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2016, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Belgium secured a historic third-place finish.
Accolades and honors have consistently adorned his illustrious career, from UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season to Premier League Playmaker of the Season.
If you’re a soccer fan, Kevin de Bruyne is a player you can’t help but admire, regardless of which team you support (trust me, I am a Man Utd fan).
Honorable Mentions
Unsurprisingly, Belgium has seen more than 10 legendary soccer players play for the team. We couldn’t include all of those players, so here are some honorable mentions who missed out.
- Toby Alderweireld
- Dries Mertens
- Philippe Albert
- Eric Gerets
- Wilfried Van Moer
- Jan Ceulemans
- Wilfried van Moer
Thank You For Reading
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