Belgium has produced some of the greatest football talents in the world, with players excelling in various leagues and international competitions. From legendary goal scorers to defensive stalwarts, Belgian players have left a lasting impact on the game. Below, we highlight the 10 greatest soccer players in Belgium’s history based on their skills, achievements, and contributions to the sport.
1. Eden Hazard
One of the most skillful and creative players of his generation, Eden Hazard is widely regarded as one of Belgium’s greatest footballers. With his dazzling dribbling, explosive pace, and exceptional vision, Hazard has dominated both club and international football.
Clubs: Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid
Major Achievements:
2× Premier League winner (Chelsea)
2× La Liga winner (Real Madrid)
2018 FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball
2018 World Cup third-place finish with Belgium
Hazard was the key player in Belgium’s golden generation, leading the Red Devils to their best-ever World Cup finish in 2018.
2. Kevin De Bruyne
A midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne is widely recognized as one of the best playmakers in modern football. His vision, passing ability, and leadership have made him indispensable for both Manchester City and the Belgian national team.
Clubs: Genk, Chelsea, Wolfsburg, Manchester City
Major Achievements:
5× Premier League winner (Manchester City)
UEFA Champions League winner (2023)
Multiple PFA Player of the Year awards
Belgium’s all-time assist leader
De Bruyne has been the heartbeat of Belgium’s golden generation and continues to be a key player for club and country.
3. Vincent Kompany
A true leader on and off the pitch, Vincent Kompany was one of the best defenders of his generation. His defensive prowess and leadership helped Manchester City establish dominance in the Premier League.
Clubs: Anderlecht, Hamburg, Manchester City
Major Achievements:
4× Premier League winner (Manchester City)
FA Cup winner
89 caps for Belgium
2018 World Cup third-place finish
Kompany was a rock in Belgium’s defense and played a crucial role in their golden generation.
4. Paul Van Himst
One of Belgium’s greatest-ever forwards, Paul Van Himst was a dominant force during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his technical ability, goal-scoring prowess, and tactical intelligence, he was Belgium’s first footballing superstar.
Clubs: Anderlecht
Major Achievements:
8× Belgian First Division winner
4× Belgian Golden Shoe winner
1964 Belgian Player of the Year
Led Belgium to third place in Euro 1972
Van Himst’s legacy remains strong, and he is often regarded as the greatest Belgian footballer before the modern era.
5. Romelu Lukaku
Belgium’s all-time leading goal scorer, Romelu Lukaku is one of the most dominant strikers in world football. With his strength, speed, and finishing ability, he has made a significant impact for both club and country.
Clubs: Anderlecht, Chelsea, Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan
Major Achievements:
2020-21 Serie A winner with Inter Milan
Belgium’s all-time top scorer (80+ goals)
2018 World Cup Bronze Boot
Lukaku’s goal-scoring record speaks for itself, and he remains one of Belgium’s most important players.
6. Jan Ceulemans
A Belgian football icon, Jan Ceulemans was known for his physicality, leadership, and goal-scoring ability. He captained Belgium to their best-ever finish in a European Championship and World Cup.
Clubs: Lierse, Club Brugge
Major Achievements:
3× Belgian League winner
96 caps for Belgium
Led Belgium to 1980 Euro final (runners-up)
4× Belgian Golden Shoe winner
Ceulemans was a dynamic attacking midfielder who defined an era of Belgian football.
7. Michel Preud’homme
One of the best goalkeepers Belgium has ever produced, Michel Preud’homme was known for his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure.
Clubs: Standard Liège, Mechelen, Benfica
Major Achievements:
1988 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup champion (Mechelen)
1994 FIFA World Cup Best Goalkeeper
Belgian Golden Shoe winner
Preud’homme’s heroics between the posts made him one of Belgium’s finest shot-stoppers of all time.
8. Enzo Scifo
A gifted playmaker, Enzo Scifo was Belgium’s midfield maestro during the 1980s and 1990s. His technical skills, passing, and creativity made him a standout player in multiple World Cups.
Clubs: Anderlecht, Inter Milan, Monaco, Torino
Major Achievements:
4× Belgian League winner
4× World Cup appearances (1986, 1990, 1994, 1998)
1986 World Cup Best Young Player nominee
Scifo’s influence on Belgian football remains significant, as he inspired a new generation of midfielders.
9. Dries Mertens
One of Belgium’s most versatile and skillful forwards, Dries Mertens became a club legend at Napoli and was a key player in Belgium’s golden generation.
Clubs: Utrecht, PSV Eindhoven, Napoli, Galatasaray
Major Achievements:
Napoli’s all-time top scorer (until 2022)
2018 World Cup third-place finish
Over 100 caps for Belgium
Mertens’ technical ability and goal-scoring touch made him an essential part of Belgium’s attack for over a decade.
10. Jean-Marie Pfaff
A legendary goalkeeper, Jean-Marie Pfaff was an iconic figure in Belgian football during the 1980s. He was known for his reflexes, agility, and leadership.
Clubs: Beveren, Bayern Munich
Major Achievements:
3× Bundesliga winner (Bayern Munich)
1980 Euro runners-up with Belgium
Named World’s Best Goalkeeper (1987)
Pfaff’s performances on the international stage solidified his place as one of Belgium’s all-time greats.
Conclusion
Belgium has produced some of the finest footballers the world has ever seen. From creative midfielders like De Bruyne and Scifo to goal-scoring legends like Lukaku and Hazard, the country continues to be a powerhouse in world football. With the golden generation still competing at the highest level, Belgian football remains in safe hands for years to come.
