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Belgium
A team across generations. Build your eleven, then explore the careers.
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A team across generations
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The 330 on the pitch
The duels
Pick the greater legend. Every vote moves the people's ranking of Belgium.
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The 33 of Belgium.
Editorial order, with a career scene and sources behind every name.
01
Kevin De Bruyne 123 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Belgium) · 38 (as of 4 October 2026) goals · Genk, Chelsea
CM2010–
Kevin De Bruyne 123 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Belgium) · 38 (as of 4 October 2026) goals · Genk, Chelsea
CM2010–
03
Eden Hazard 126 caps (Belgium) · 33 goals · Lille OSC, ChelseaA mesmeric dribbler, this diminutive winger consistently defied defenders while inspiring Belgium's golden generation to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
LM2008–2022
Eden Hazard 126 caps (Belgium) · 33 goals · Lille OSC, ChelseaA mesmeric dribbler, this diminutive winger consistently defied defenders while inspiring Belgium's golden generation to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
LM2008–2022
04
Paul Van Himst 81 caps (Belgium) · 30 goals · R.S.C. Anderlecht, Racing White Daring Molenbeek
CAM1960–1974
Paul Van Himst 81 caps (Belgium) · 30 goals · R.S.C. Anderlecht, Racing White Daring Molenbeek
CAM1960–1974
06
MP
Michel Preud’homme 58 caps (Belgium) · Standard Liège, KV MechelenThe technically gifted goalkeeper earned the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award in 1994, shining for Mechelen and Benfica during an illustrious career.
GK1979–1994
08
ES
Enzo Scifo 84 caps (Belgium) · 18 goals · R.S.C. Anderlecht, AJ AuxerreBelgium's quintessential fantasista, he dazzled at the World Cup for Anderlecht, Inter, and Monaco with his exquisite skill and playmaking.
CAM1984–1998
09
Jan Ceulemans Lierse S.K., Club Brugge K.V.A bona fide Belgian icon of the 80s, this prolific attacking midfielder captained his country to the 1986 World Cup semi-finals with his powerful runs and crucial goals.
CM1976–1991
Jan Ceulemans Lierse S.K., Club Brugge K.V.A bona fide Belgian icon of the 80s, this prolific attacking midfielder captained his country to the 1986 World Cup semi-finals with his powerful runs and crucial goals.
CM1976–1991
10
Romelu Lukaku 132 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Belgium) · 93 (as of 4 October 2026) goals · R.S.C. Anderlecht, Manchester UnitedBelgium's all-time leading scorer, this powerful striker terrorized defences across Europe, enjoying prolific spells at Everton and Inter.
SS2010–
Romelu Lukaku 132 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Belgium) · 93 (as of 4 October 2026) goals · R.S.C. Anderlecht, Manchester UnitedBelgium's all-time leading scorer, this powerful striker terrorized defences across Europe, enjoying prolific spells at Everton and Inter.
SS2010–
11
EG
Eric Gerets 86 caps (Belgium) · Standard Liège, AC MilanA formidable right-back, "The Lion of Rekem" captained PSV to European Cup glory in 1988 and was a tenacious leader for the Belgian national team.
RB1975–1991
12
FV
Franky Vercauteren 63 caps (Belgium) · 9 goals · R.S.C. Anderlecht, FC NantesBelgium knew him as the Little Prince, a small left-footed winger who spent twelve seasons on the Anderlecht flank and scored 93 goals in 367 games there between 1975 and 1987.
LM1977–1988
13
Axel Witsel 140 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Belgium) · Standard Liège, FC Zenit Saint PetersburgThe composed deep-lying playmaker for Benfica, Zenit, Dortmund, and Atlético, embodied the quiet class of Belgium's 'Golden Generation'.
CDM2008–
Axel Witsel 140 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Belgium) · Standard Liège, FC Zenit Saint PetersburgThe composed deep-lying playmaker for Benfica, Zenit, Dortmund, and Atlético, embodied the quiet class of Belgium's 'Golden Generation'.
CDM2008–
14
DM
Dries Mertens 109 caps (Belgium) · 21 goals · AGOVV Apeldoorn, SSC NapoliNapoli's all-time record goalscorer, this versatile forward was a vital cog for club and country, unlocking defences with his intricate movement and clinical finishing.
RM2011–2022
15
EV
Erwin Vandenbergh 48 caps (Belgium) · 20 goals · Lierse S.K., R.S.C. AnderlechtA prolific poacher, this clinical striker consistently topped the scoring charts for Anderlecht and Lille throughout the 1980s.
ST1979–1991
16
FV
Franky Van der Elst 86 caps (Belgium) · Football Club Molenbeek Brussels Strombeek, Racing White Daring MolenbeekA Club Brugge legend and defensive all-rounder, this versatile player was a stalwart on the left flank, providing crucial balance for his side.
LB1984–1998
17
Jan Vertonghen 157 caps (Belgium) · AFC Ajax, Tottenham HotspurBelgium's most capped player, this towering left-sided defender was a cornerstone for both Ajax and Tottenham, known for his composed playmaking from the back.
CB2007–2024
Jan Vertonghen 157 caps (Belgium) · AFC Ajax, Tottenham HotspurBelgium's most capped player, this towering left-sided defender was a cornerstone for both Ajax and Tottenham, known for his composed playmaking from the back.
CB2007–2024
18
LN
Luc Nilis 56 caps (Belgium) · 10 goals · K.R.C. Genk, R.S.C. AnderlechtA sublime second striker, he mesmerized defences with his elegant technique and pinpoint passing during his time at PSV and Anderlecht.
SS1988–2000
19
Raymond Braine 54 caps (Belgium) · 26 goals · K. Beerschot V.A.C., AC Sparta PragueBelgium's first continental superstar, this technically gifted attacker pioneered the path for his countrymen in Europe.
CAM1925–1939
Raymond Braine 54 caps (Belgium) · 26 goals · K. Beerschot V.A.C., AC Sparta PragueBelgium's first continental superstar, this technically gifted attacker pioneered the path for his countrymen in Europe.
CAM1925–1939
20
Toby Alderweireld 127 caps (Belgium) · AFC Ajax, Tottenham HotspurA versatile and intelligent defender, Alderweireld was a cornerstone of Tottenham's defence and a vital part of Belgium's 'Golden Generation' at multiple major tournaments.
RB2009–2022
Toby Alderweireld 127 caps (Belgium) · AFC Ajax, Tottenham HotspurA versatile and intelligent defender, Alderweireld was a cornerstone of Tottenham's defence and a vital part of Belgium's 'Golden Generation' at multiple major tournaments.
RB2009–2022
22
BV
Bernard Voorhoof 61 caps (Belgium) · 30 goals · Lierse S.K., R.R.F.C. MontegnéeA prolific striker across three World Cups in the 1930s, his goalscoring feats established him as an early icon of Belgian football.
ST1928–1940
23
MD
Marc Degryse 63 caps (Belgium) · 23 goals · Club Brugge K.V., R.S.C. AnderlechtWith a flair for the dramatic, this mobile striker was a cult hero at Club Brugge and Anderlecht, captivating fans with his unpredictable attacking play.
ST1984–1996
24
MW
Marc Wilmots 70 caps (Belgium) · 28 goals · KV Mechelen, Standard LiègeSchalke's box-to-box engine room, he was a dynamic leader through the midfield and a key figure for Belgium in the 90s.
LM1990–2002
25
MD
Mousa Dembélé 82 caps (Belgium) · 5 goals · AZ Alkmaar, FulhamThe Tottenham and Fulham powerhouse, with an extraordinary blend of technical prowess and physical dominance, glided effortlessly through midfield.
CM2006–2018
26
PA
Philippe Albert 41 caps (Belgium) · Royal Charleroi S.C., KV MechelenThe cultured Belgian libero became a Newcastle cult hero in the 90s, renowned for his surging runs and spectacular goals from defence.
CB1987–1997
27
GG
Georges Grün 77 caps (Belgium) · R.S.C. Anderlecht, Parma Calcio 1913The reliable Anderlecht and Parma centre-back was a consistent performer for the Belgian national team, embodying composure and defensive solidity.
CB1984–1995
28
Joseph Mermans 56 caps (Belgium) · 27 goals · K. Tubantia Borgerhout V.K., R.S.C. AnderlechtA fearsome striker and talisman for Anderlecht, his incredible scoring rate cemented his legendary status at the club.
ST1945–1956
Joseph Mermans 56 caps (Belgium) · 27 goals · K. Tubantia Borgerhout V.K., R.S.C. AnderlechtA fearsome striker and talisman for Anderlecht, his incredible scoring rate cemented his legendary status at the club.
ST1945–1956
29
LS
Lorenzo Staelens 70 caps (Belgium) · K.V. Kortrijk, Club Brugge K.V.A formidable presence for Club Brugge and Anderlecht, this tenacious Belgian was a true defensive leader, anchoring his teams with unwavering grit.
CB1990–2000
30
Marouane Fellaini 87 caps (Belgium) · Everton, Manchester UnitedThe imposing midfielder with a unique physical presence, he battled for Everton and Manchester United, leaving his mark on major tournaments.
CDM2007–2018
Marouane Fellaini 87 caps (Belgium) · Everton, Manchester UnitedThe imposing midfielder with a unique physical presence, he battled for Everton and Manchester United, leaving his mark on major tournaments.
CDM2007–2018
31
Timmy Simons 93 caps (Belgium) · Club Brugge K.V., PSV EindhovenA natural leader and true captain for PSV and Club Brugge, this dependable midfielder was the epitome of a no-nonsense defensive anchor.
CDM2001–2013
Timmy Simons 93 caps (Belgium) · Club Brugge K.V., PSV EindhovenA natural leader and true captain for PSV and Club Brugge, this dependable midfielder was the epitome of a no-nonsense defensive anchor.
CDM2001–2013
32
Walter Meeuws 46 caps (Belgium) · Beerschot A.C., Club Brugge K.V.A key organiser in Belgium's defense during the 1980s, his leadership helped marshal the backline to success.
CB1977–1984
Walter Meeuws 46 caps (Belgium) · Beerschot A.C., Club Brugge K.V.A key organiser in Belgium's defense during the 1980s, his leadership helped marshal the backline to success.
CB1977–1984
33
NC
Nico Claesen 36 caps (Belgium) · R.F.C. Seraing, Standard LiègeEmerging from Belgium's 80s generation, this left-sided talent offered attacking flexibility and vital squad depth.
LB1983–1990
About this XI
At the head of Belgium's pool stand Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard. The 33 covers 3 goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 14 midfielders and 6 forwards, with sourced senior international careers spanning the 1920s to the 2020s. Pick a formation, drag your eleven onto the pitch, then explore the careers and settle the duels below. Your votes reorder the people's ranking of these 33 in real time.
Left out, and why
A 33 is a set of decisions, and these are the players who lost their place in the last revision of Belgium's list. Every one of them has a case.
- Nacer ChadliThe place went to Franky Vercauteren.
Disagree? That is the point. Settle it in the duels above.
Who is the greatest Belgium footballer of all time?
The editorial collection starts with Kevin De Bruyne. Its first five careers: Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, Paul Van Himst, Jean-Marie Pfaff. The people's ranking on this page moves with every duel vote and can disagree.
How were these 33 Belgium players chosen?
The collection covers every position across Belgium's football history. Honours, international records and career achievements inform the editorial order. Each entry opens a career note and its sources. Fan votes in the duels build a separate ranking.
Where can I read about the careers?
Open a player page from the collection to read the career scene, club record and recorded honours. The source links show where the available records come from.
Can I build and share my own Belgium all-time XI?
Yes. Pick one of 8 formations, place any of the 33 players onto the pitch, and export your lineup as a PNG. There is no account and no sign-up.