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WintipsSports newsThe best Belgian football players in history

The best Belgian football players in history

The Belgian national football team, also known as "Les Diables Rouges" – The Red Devils, is widely regarded as one of the strongest and most talented teams in the world. It cannot be denied that Belgian football has had an impressive decade of success. They boast a plethora of exceptional talents in every position on the field, particularly in attack. When mentioning the Belgian team, many will immediately think of E. Hazard or De Bruyne. However, there are also many other outstanding legends. All will be compiled by admin Wintips in "The best Belgian football players all of the time" right below.

Best Belgian football players in history
Best Belgian football players in history

Top 10 best Belgian football players all of time

1. Jean-Marie Pfaff

Jean-Marie Pfaff was a retired Belgian footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He started his professional career at KFC Diest before moving to K. Beerschot VAV in 1972. At Beerschot, Pfaff won three Belgian Pro League titles and one Belgian Cup.

J. M. Pfaff was the first and only goalkeeper to receive the Belgian Player of the Year award
J. M. Pfaff was the first and only goalkeeper to receive the Belgian Player of the Year award

Jean-Marie Pfaff earned 92 caps for the Belgian national football team and was the team's number-one goalkeeper throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He helped Belgium reach the semi-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where they finished in fourth place. Pfaff retired in 1992. He was voted the best goalkeeper in the world in 1987 and is considered one of Belgium's finest players. He has also been honored as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time by FIFA.

2. Vincent Kompany - One of the best Belgian football players

Ranked 9th among Belgian football legends is Vincent Kompany, a former defender. He was considered one of the best defenders in the world during the 2000s and 2010s and remains an icon of the Belgian national football team. Kompany began his football career at Anderlecht before moving to various other clubs and winning numerous notable titles.

Kompany is both the captain of Belgium and Man City
Kompany is both the captain of Belgium and Man City

Kompany earned 87 caps for the Belgian national football team and served as the team's captain for most of the 2010s. He retired in 2020 after an illustrious career. He was voted Manchester City's Player of the Year in 2012, 2014, and 2018 and remains one of Belgium's finest players.

3. Paul Van Himst - One of the best Belgian football players

Paul Van Himst, a Belgian football legend, is one of the greatest players of his generation. Born in Brussels, Belgium, on January 12, 1943, Van Himst showed his natural talent for football from a young age. Van Himst joined Anderlecht's youth team in 1959 and won eleven Belgian Pro League titles.

P. Van Himst is the symbol of RSC Anderlecht club
P. Van Himst is the symbol of RSC Anderlecht club

In addition, he also won 7 Belgian Cups and 1 UEFA Cup with Anderlecht. He also earned 88 caps for the Belgian national team, scoring 30 goals. He is one of the leading goal-scorers in the history of the Belgian national team. Van Himst retired in 1979 and became a football coach. He has coached several teams in Belgium, including the Belgian national team.

4. Wilfried van Moer

Another Belgian football legend is Wilfried van Moer, a player who represented Standard Liège, Antwerp, and the Belgian national team from 1959 to 1977. Van Moer joined the youth team of Beveren-Waas in 1955 and quickly became a key member of the first team.

Van Moer is a legend in the hearts of Belgium fans
Van Moer is a legend in the hearts of Belgium fans

He won ten Belgian Pro League titles, eight Belgian Cups, and one European Cup with Anderlecht. Van Moer also made 83 appearances for the Belgian national team, scoring 29 goals. After retiring in 1977, he transitioned into coaching and continued contributing to Belgian football. Van Moer is widely regarded as one of Belgium’s greatest football legends.

5. Jef Mermans - One of the best Belgian football players

Ranked fifth among Belgium’s football legends, Jef Mermans played for Anderlecht and the Belgian national team, making a significant impact on the sport. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards in Belgian football history. Mermans began playing football at a young age and joined Anderlecht’s youth academy before making his professional debut in 1942.

Legendary and once-famous striker – Jef Mermans
Legendary and once-famous striker – Jef Mermans

He was a key member of Anderlecht and won 11 Belgian First Division titles, 7 Belgian Cups, and several domestic trophies. Mermans also earned 70 caps for the Belgian national team, scoring 30 goals. Mermans is one of the leading goal scorers in the history of the Belgian national team. He retired in 1960 and later became a football coach.

6. Jan Ceulemans - Among the best Belgian football players

J. Ceulemans and Paul van Himst formed a legendary attacking duo for the Belgian national team. Ceulemans was born in Lier, Belgium, and began his football journey at Lierse in 1974. He quickly became a key member of the first team and helped Club Brugge win 3 Belgian First Division titles and several domestic cups.

Ceulemans are famous for their thunderous shots
Ceulemans are famous for their thunderous shots

The Belgian football legend also made 96 appearances for the national team, scoring 38 goals. He is one of the leading goalscorers in Belgian national team history. After retiring in 1991, Ceulemans transitioned into coaching and continued to influence Belgian football.

7. Romelu Lukaku

Ranked seventh among Belgian football legends, Romelu Lukaku is a key player for Inter Milan in Serie A and the Belgian national team. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Lukaku started his football journey with Anderlecht’s youth academy before making his senior debut in 2009. His performances at the club level have been highly impressive. However, Lukaku has also faced significant criticism due to some of his controversial remarks.

Belgium’s No. 1 striker for nearly 10 years – Romelu Lukaku
Belgium’s No. 1 striker for nearly 10 years – Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku has an impressive physique, standing at 1.90 meters tall and weighing 93 kg. He possesses impressive speed, strength, and outstanding heading ability. Lukaku is also highly skilled, displaying quick footwork and sharp passing ability. He is a versatile player who can operate across the forward line.

8. Thibaut Courtois - One of the best Belgian football players

Thibaut Courtois is currently Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper. Courtois was born and raised in Belgium, starting his career at Genk before moving to Chelsea at the age of 19. At Chelsea, he quickly proved his talent and became one of the world's top goalkeepers. Courtois has had a remarkable rise to prominence.

E. Hazard’s career in Belgium is still unfinished
E. Hazard’s career in Belgium is still unfinished

His exceptional saves and secure handling as a goalkeeper have significantly contributed to the success of every team he has represented. Courtois is not only an outstanding goalkeeper but also a symbol of Belgian football. He has helped the Belgian national team defeat several elite teams and achieve significant milestones, including reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

9. Eden Hazard - Among the best Belgian football players

Eden Hazard has officially retired from professional football. He is widely regarded as one of the world's finest players and an icon of Belgian football. Hazard is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, technique, and blistering pace. He is versatile in attack, posing a constant threat to opposing defenses. Hazard is also a highly creative player, capable of creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.

E. Hazard’s career in Belgium is still unfinished
E. Hazard’s career in Belgium is still unfinished

Eden Hazard, a Belgian football legend, began his career at a young age, joining the Lille academy in 2005. He later moved to Chelsea, where he achieved major achievements, including two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, one League Cup, one Europa League, and one Champions League. He was also named the PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 2014/15 season.

10. Kevin de Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is regarded as one of the greatest Belgian footballers of all time. His creativity, vision, and ability to control the game are his key attributes. Kevin De Bruyne, an attacking midfielder, currently plays for Manchester City and the Belgian national team.

The best player in Belgian football – Kevin de Bruyne
The best player in Belgian football – Kevin de Bruyne

De Bruyne is a highly versatile player, capable of playing in various positions, such as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, or winger. He possesses excellent individual technique, precise passing, good finishing skills, and a powerful long-range shot. De Bruyne was born in Genk, Belgium, and began his career at his hometown club.

Conclusion

So the website of the soccer bookmaker has just helped you go through the list of the greatest Belgian footballers in history. We hope that this article has provided you with useful information. In addition to sports news, Wintips also provides casino news and betting guides, offering insights on how to beat bookmakers. Visit our website daily for exciting updates. Thank you!

See also: Top 10 best Nigerian soccer players in history (update 2024)

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