Belgium national football team
Encyclopedia
The Belgium national football team f.tɐl); ; ; represents Belgium
in association football and is controlled by the Belgian Football Association
, the governing body for football in Belgium
. Belgium's home stadium is King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels
their manager is Georges Leekens. They are nicknamed the Red Devils ; ; .
. Prior to this match, a Belgian selection played several matches, but the squad contained some English players, so these are not added to the caps. For example, Belgium beat Netherlands
by 8–0 on April 28, 1901 with the help of some Englishmen. It was then decided that Belgium would play twice a year against Netherlands beginning from 1905, generally once in Antwerp and once in Rotterdam
(later Amsterdam
). At that time, the national squad was chosen by a committee of representatives of the 6 or 7 main clubs.
The team was nicknamed The Red Devils by journalist Pierre Walckiers after its 3:2 victory over Netherlands (Rotterdam, 1906). The nickname stems from the fact that from the beginning and up until recently, the team's primary colours were all red.
Over the next six decades, Belgium established itself as a strong second-tier team, rarely in the running for winning a major tournament but never easy to handle at home or abroad. A key strength of the team was its systematic use of the offside trap, a defensive tactic developed in the 1960s at Anderlecht
under French coach Pierre Sinibaldi.
Their most successful period started when they finished second in the UEFA Euro 1980. The 1980s and early 1990s are generally considered the golden age of the national team. Under the lead of Guy Thys, who coached more than 100 official games, Belgium established a reputation of being a physical, well-organized team that was difficult to play against. The team's rigorous organization was reinforced by several world-class players such as goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff
, right-back Eric Gerets, midfielder Jan Ceulemans
, playmaker Enzo Scifo and striker Luc Nilis. Performances were sometimes poor against lower-ranked teams, but nearly always inspired against top teams. Until as recently as 2002, world-class national teams did not like the prospect of playing the Red Devils. The Belgians could have beaten favourites Brazil in the 2002 FIFA World Cup
if not for a controversially disallowed goal, a decision which surprised the Brazilians themselves. Brazil went on to win the World Cup. Since then, however, the team has steadily slipped down the rankings, and has not been able to extend its past reputation.
After failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup
for the first time since 1978, the contract of national coach Aimé Anthuenis was not renewed beyond 2005, and it was decided on December 22, 2005 that René Vandereycken would replace Anthuenis on January 1, 2006. But the performances of the team did not improve and the Red Devils slipped into an all-time low 71st position in the FIFA World Rankings in June, 2007. After failing to qualify for Euro 2008 and a generally poor performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
qualifiers which ended with Belgium getting knocked out, coach René Vandereycken was sacked on the 7 April 2009. After a shocking 2–1 loss against Armenia on 9 September 2009, Vercauteren resigned earlier than planned and made way for new coach Dick Advocaat
. However, on 15 April 2010, after only six months at the helm, Advocaat resigned as manager of the Belgian national team amid speculation that he was to become coach of the Russian national team
. The rumors proved to be true, as Advocaat was named the new manager of the Russian national team on May 17th 2010.Georges Leekens was announced as the next manager of the Belgian national team on 11 May 2010, signing a contract until 2012. This is Leekens' second stint as national manager, having previously managed the Red Devils from 1997 to 1999. Though the future looks bright for the Red Devils as a new golden generation is coming to age with likes of Thibaut Courtois
, Vincent Kompany
, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Marouane Fellaini
, Steven Defour
, Axel Witsel
, Kevin De Bruyne
, Eden Hazard
, Moussa Dembélé
, Dries Mertens
and Romelu Lukaku
.
through 2002
.
The Belgian team reached the knockout phase five out of six times from 1982 to 2002, including a streak of four tournaments. One of their most famous victories was a 1–0 win over defending champions Argentina
, in the first game of the 1982 World Cup held at Camp Nou
with a goal by Erwin Vandenbergh
.
Four years later they achieved their best-ever World Cup run in 1986 when they placed fourth under command of players like Jan Ceulemans
, Eric Gerets and Jean-Marie Pfaff
. Belgium surprisingly won against favourites Soviet-Union
with stars such as Igor Belanov
and Rinat Dasayev (3–4) after extra time. Belgium also beat Spain
on penalties, but they lost to eventual champions Argentina
in the semifinal (0–2). In the third-place match Belgium lost to France
(2–4) after extra time. Captain and midfielder Jan Ceulemans
was the first Belgian player to be selected in the All-Star Team of a World Cup. Enzo Scifo was elected as best young player of the tournament.
Despite being knocked out in the second round, the team's general performance in the 1990 was considered better still than that of 1986. Belgium dominated England, but eventually lost in the last minute of extra time after a goal by David Platt. Enzo Scifo was elected as second best player of the 1990 World Cup after Lothar Matthäus
.
In the 1994 World Cup Belgium lost to title defenders Germany
in round 2. This match became most memorable because of a disputed decision by referee Kurt Röthlisberger
. The team was not awarded a penalty when Josip Weber
was tripped inside the penalty area. Michel Preud'homme
was elected as best goalkeeper of the tournament and he was selected in the All-Star Team.
In 1998 Belgium was one of only two teams, together with world champion France
not to lose a single game. Three draws in the first round – against Netherlands
, Mexico
and South Korea
– proved not enough to reach the knock-out stage. In 1998 Enzo Scifo and Franky Van Der Elst appeared in their fourth World Cups, setting a Belgian record.
The FIFA World Cup 2002
did not start well for Belgium, but the team improved during the tournament. Captain Marc Wilmots
was notable for scoring in every match of the first round. In the second round they had to play against eventual champions Brazil
. Similar to 1994, the outcome of the match was strongly influenced by a disputed referee decision. To the surprise of the Brazilians themselves, referee Peter Prendergast
cancelled a valid goal by Marc Wilmots that would have given Belgium a 1–0 lead. After this, the match went in favour of Brazil. Even Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari
declared after the tournament that the match against the Red Devils had been the hardest for Brazil to win. The team did win the tournament's fair-play award. Marc Wilmots
equalled the record of Enzo Scifo and Franky Van Der Elst by appearing in 4 World Cup squads, although he didn't play in his first World Cup in 1990. Wilmots also scored his 5th World Cup goal against Russia, which made him Belgium's top scorer in World Cup Finals matches.
does not match its World Cup record. The best result is no doubt the unexpected second place at the 1980 edition in Italy
after a narrow defeat (1–2) to West Germany
in the final. Belgium hosted or co-hosted the event twice, finishing third in 1972 (when they were chosen amongst the four semi-finalists to actually host the event) and being one of the major disappointments of the 2000 edition with a first-round exit. Belgium first won against Sweden 2–1 via goals from Bart Goor
in the 43rd minute and Emile Mpenza
in the 46th minute against Sweden's one by Johan Mjallby
in the 53rd minute after a terrible error of goalkeeper Filip De Wilde
. But then, Belgium lost 2–0 against Italy (goals from Francesco Totti
in the 5th minute and Stefano Fiore
in the 66th minute) and 2–0 against Turkey (two goals from Hakan Şükür
in the 45th after another error of goalkeeper Filip De Wilde
, and 70th minute). In the 83rd minute of that last group match, Filip De Wilde
even ended his Euro 2000, being sent off for attacking Arif Erdem
outside the penalty area.
Gold Medal in 1920
Note: Football at the Summer Olympics has been an under-23 tournament since 1992.
and France
on respectively 11 and 15 November 2011.
Caps and goals are correct as of 12 November 2011.
|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
the * denotes a player still playing or available for selection.
the * denotes a player still playing or available for selection.
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
in association football and is controlled by the Belgian Football Association
Belgian Football Association
The Royal Belgian Football Association is the governing body of football in Belgium...
, the governing body for football in Belgium
Football in Belgium
Football, a sport which has been played in Belgium since the end of the 19th century, is that country's most popular sport. The national association was founded in 1895 with the intention of bringing some order and organization to the sport...
. Belgium's home stadium is King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels
Brussels
Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
their manager is Georges Leekens. They are nicknamed the Red Devils ; ; .
History
Belgium played its first official game on May 1, 1904 in a 3–3 draw against FranceFrance national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
. Prior to this match, a Belgian selection played several matches, but the squad contained some English players, so these are not added to the caps. For example, Belgium beat Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
by 8–0 on April 28, 1901 with the help of some Englishmen. It was then decided that Belgium would play twice a year against Netherlands beginning from 1905, generally once in Antwerp and once in Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre...
(later Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
). At that time, the national squad was chosen by a committee of representatives of the 6 or 7 main clubs.
The team was nicknamed The Red Devils by journalist Pierre Walckiers after its 3:2 victory over Netherlands (Rotterdam, 1906). The nickname stems from the fact that from the beginning and up until recently, the team's primary colours were all red.
Over the next six decades, Belgium established itself as a strong second-tier team, rarely in the running for winning a major tournament but never easy to handle at home or abroad. A key strength of the team was its systematic use of the offside trap, a defensive tactic developed in the 1960s at Anderlecht
R.S.C. Anderlecht
Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht, usually known as Anderlecht or RSCA , is a Belgian professional football club based in Anderlecht in the Brussels Capital Region. Anderlecht plays in the Belgian Pro League and is the most successful Belgian football team in European competitions as well as in the...
under French coach Pierre Sinibaldi.
Their most successful period started when they finished second in the UEFA Euro 1980. The 1980s and early 1990s are generally considered the golden age of the national team. Under the lead of Guy Thys, who coached more than 100 official games, Belgium established a reputation of being a physical, well-organized team that was difficult to play against. The team's rigorous organization was reinforced by several world-class players such as goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff
Jean-Marie Pfaff
Jean-Marie Pfaff is a Belgian former football goalkeeper.-Biography:At the age of 16, Pfaff joined K.S.K. Beveren with whom he won a Belgian champions title and a Belgian Cup . The same year, he received the Belgian Golden Shoe...
, right-back Eric Gerets, midfielder Jan Ceulemans
Jan Ceulemans
Jan Anna Gumaar Ceulemans is a Belgian former football player who played as a midfielder.He is his country's most capped player with 96 international appearances. Most of his time with Belgium took place under the guidance of Guy Thys...
, playmaker Enzo Scifo and striker Luc Nilis. Performances were sometimes poor against lower-ranked teams, but nearly always inspired against top teams. Until as recently as 2002, world-class national teams did not like the prospect of playing the Red Devils. The Belgians could have beaten favourites Brazil in the 2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
if not for a controversially disallowed goal, a decision which surprised the Brazilians themselves. Brazil went on to win the World Cup. Since then, however, the team has steadily slipped down the rankings, and has not been able to extend its past reputation.
After failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
for the first time since 1978, the contract of national coach Aimé Anthuenis was not renewed beyond 2005, and it was decided on December 22, 2005 that René Vandereycken would replace Anthuenis on January 1, 2006. But the performances of the team did not improve and the Red Devils slipped into an all-time low 71st position in the FIFA World Rankings in June, 2007. After failing to qualify for Euro 2008 and a generally poor performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
qualifiers which ended with Belgium getting knocked out, coach René Vandereycken was sacked on the 7 April 2009. After a shocking 2–1 loss against Armenia on 9 September 2009, Vercauteren resigned earlier than planned and made way for new coach Dick Advocaat
Dick Advocaat
Dirk Nicolaas "Dick" Advocaat is a Dutch football manager and former player currently the manager of the Russia national football team.He has been moderately successful as a football player and as a coach, which included two stints with the Dutch national football team...
. However, on 15 April 2010, after only six months at the helm, Advocaat resigned as manager of the Belgian national team amid speculation that he was to become coach of the Russian national team
Russia national football team
The Russia national football team represents Russia in association football and is controlled by the Russian Football Union , the governing body for football in Russia. Russia's home grounds are Luzhniki Stadium, Lokomotiv Stadium , and Petrovsky Stadium in St.Petersburg and their head coach is...
. The rumors proved to be true, as Advocaat was named the new manager of the Russian national team on May 17th 2010.Georges Leekens was announced as the next manager of the Belgian national team on 11 May 2010, signing a contract until 2012. This is Leekens' second stint as national manager, having previously managed the Red Devils from 1997 to 1999. Though the future looks bright for the Red Devils as a new golden generation is coming to age with likes of Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Nicolas Marc Courtois is a Belgian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Chelsea and is currently on loan to Atlético Madrid and the Belgium national team.-Early career:...
, Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany
Vincent Jean Mpoy Kompany is a Belgian footballer who plays for Manchester City and the Belgium national team. He is capable of playing at both centre back and defensive midfielder. Kompany is of partial Congolese ancestry...
, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Marouane Fellaini
Marouane Fellaini
Marouane Fellaini-Bakkioui is a Belgian footballer who plays for Everton and the Belgium national football team. Fellaini is of Moroccan descent.-Early career:...
, Steven Defour
Steven Defour
Steven Arnold Defour is a Belgian footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Porto.-Racing Genk:Defour had been with KV Mechelen since 2002....
, Axel Witsel
Axel Witsel
Axel Thomas Witsel is a Belgian football player who plays for Benfica. His natural position is attacking midfielder, but he came into the first team as a right-winger...
, Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is a Belgian footballer who plays as for Racing Genk as an Attacking midfielder or a Winger.-Genk:Born in Drongen, De Bruyne began his career with Gent in 2003. Two years later, he joined Genk. He made his first team debut for Genk in a 3–0 defeat at Charleroi on 9 May 2009...
, Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard is a Belgian footballer who currently plays for French club Lille in Ligue 1 and the Belgium national team. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder and a winger. Hazard is known for his creativity, speed, and technical ability and is described as a "fearless, explosive attacking...
, Moussa Dembélé
Moussa Dembélé
Moussa Sidi Yaya Dembélé is a Belgian footballer who currently plays as an Attacking Midfielder for Fulham in the English Premier League. He has a Malian father and a Belgian mother.-Early career:...
, Dries Mertens
Dries Mertens
Dries Mertens is a Belgian footballer currently playing for Dutch Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven.- Early career :...
and Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Benjamin Lukaku is a Belgian footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Chelsea and the Belgium national team....
.
World Cup record
Belgium qualified for six successive World Cups from 19821982 FIFA World Cup
The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th FIFA World Cup, was held in Spain from 13 June to 11 July. The tournament was won by Italy, after defeating West Germany 3–1 in the final.-Host selection:...
through 2002
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
.
The Belgian team reached the knockout phase five out of six times from 1982 to 2002, including a streak of four tournaments. One of their most famous victories was a 1–0 win over defending champions Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
, in the first game of the 1982 World Cup held at Camp Nou
Camp Nou
Camp Nou , sometimes called "the Nou Camp" in English, is a football stadium in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The stadium, located in the west of the city, has been the home of FC Barcelona since its construction in 1957....
with a goal by Erwin Vandenbergh
Erwin Vandenbergh
Erwin Vandenbergh was a Belgian footballer. Between 1981 and 1991, he finished six times topscorer of the Belgian First Division, with three different clubs . In 1981 he was European topscorer with 39 goals out of 34 games...
.
Four years later they achieved their best-ever World Cup run in 1986 when they placed fourth under command of players like Jan Ceulemans
Jan Ceulemans
Jan Anna Gumaar Ceulemans is a Belgian former football player who played as a midfielder.He is his country's most capped player with 96 international appearances. Most of his time with Belgium took place under the guidance of Guy Thys...
, Eric Gerets and Jean-Marie Pfaff
Jean-Marie Pfaff
Jean-Marie Pfaff is a Belgian former football goalkeeper.-Biography:At the age of 16, Pfaff joined K.S.K. Beveren with whom he won a Belgian champions title and a Belgian Cup . The same year, he received the Belgian Golden Shoe...
. Belgium surprisingly won against favourites Soviet-Union
USSR national football team
The Soviet Union National Football Team was the national football team of the Soviet Union. It ceased to exist after the break up of the Union...
with stars such as Igor Belanov
Igor Belanov
Ihor Ivanovych Belanov is a retired Ukrainian footballer who played as a striker.He made a name for himself at Dynamo Kyiv, winning five major titles and being named European Footballer of the Year in 1986...
and Rinat Dasayev (3–4) after extra time. Belgium also beat Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
on penalties, but they lost to eventual champions Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
in the semifinal (0–2). In the third-place match Belgium lost to France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
(2–4) after extra time. Captain and midfielder Jan Ceulemans
Jan Ceulemans
Jan Anna Gumaar Ceulemans is a Belgian former football player who played as a midfielder.He is his country's most capped player with 96 international appearances. Most of his time with Belgium took place under the guidance of Guy Thys...
was the first Belgian player to be selected in the All-Star Team of a World Cup. Enzo Scifo was elected as best young player of the tournament.
Despite being knocked out in the second round, the team's general performance in the 1990 was considered better still than that of 1986. Belgium dominated England, but eventually lost in the last minute of extra time after a goal by David Platt. Enzo Scifo was elected as second best player of the 1990 World Cup after Lothar Matthäus
Lothar Matthäus
Lothar Herbert Matthäus , is a German football manager and former player.In 1990, he was named European Footballer of the Year and World Soccer Player of the Year after captaining West Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup...
.
In the 1994 World Cup Belgium lost to title defenders Germany
Germany national football team
The Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
in round 2. This match became most memorable because of a disputed decision by referee Kurt Röthlisberger
Kurt Röthlisberger
Kurt Röthlisberger is a retired football referee from Switzerland. He is mostly known for supervising five matches in the FIFA World Cup...
. The team was not awarded a penalty when Josip Weber
Josip Weber
Josip Weber is a Croatian-Belgian retired professional football forward. He is best known for playing with Belgian club Cercle Brugge while also representing Croatia and Belgium at international level.-Career:At club level, he played for Belgian clubs Cercle Brugge and Anderlecht...
was tripped inside the penalty area. Michel Preud'homme
Michel Preud'homme
Michel Georges Jean Ghislain Preud’Homme'tönten mannen, , commonly known as Michel Preud'homme, is a Belgian football coach and retired goalkeeper. He is currently head coach of Al-Shabab Riyadh, a role he took after guiding outgoing Dutch Eredivisie champions FC Twente in the 2010–11 season...
was elected as best goalkeeper of the tournament and he was selected in the All-Star Team.
In 1998 Belgium was one of only two teams, together with world champion France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
not to lose a single game. Three draws in the first round – against Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
, Mexico
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
and South Korea
Korea Republic national football team
The Korea Republic national football team represents Korea Republic in international football and is controlled by the Korea Football Association. Korea Republic is the most successful Asian football team in the history of the FIFA World Cup having participated in eight World Cup tournaments,...
– proved not enough to reach the knock-out stage. In 1998 Enzo Scifo and Franky Van Der Elst appeared in their fourth World Cups, setting a Belgian record.
The FIFA World Cup 2002
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
did not start well for Belgium, but the team improved during the tournament. Captain Marc Wilmots
Marc Wilmots
Marc Robert Wilmots is a former Belgian football player.-Career:In his club career, that started in 1987, Wilmots played for Sint-Truiden, KV Mechelen, Standard Liège, Schalke 04, and Bordeaux. At Schalke he helped them to the 1997 UEFA Cup Final...
was notable for scoring in every match of the first round. In the second round they had to play against eventual champions Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
. Similar to 1994, the outcome of the match was strongly influenced by a disputed referee decision. To the surprise of the Brazilians themselves, referee Peter Prendergast
Peter Prendergast (referee)
Peter Prendergast is a football referee from Jamaica. A FIFA referee since January 1, 1994, his first international match was USA against Ireland, on June 9, 1996...
cancelled a valid goal by Marc Wilmots that would have given Belgium a 1–0 lead. After this, the match went in favour of Brazil. Even Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari
Luiz Felipe Scolari
Luiz Felipe Scolari , ComIH , also known as Felipão in Brazil and Phil Scolari in the United Kingdom, is a World Cup-winning Brazilian football manager. He is currently the manager of Palmeiras. He served as the manager of the Portuguese national team from July 12, 2003 to June 30, 2008...
declared after the tournament that the match against the Red Devils had been the hardest for Brazil to win. The team did win the tournament's fair-play award. Marc Wilmots
Marc Wilmots
Marc Robert Wilmots is a former Belgian football player.-Career:In his club career, that started in 1987, Wilmots played for Sint-Truiden, KV Mechelen, Standard Liège, Schalke 04, and Bordeaux. At Schalke he helped them to the 1997 UEFA Cup Final...
equalled the record of Enzo Scifo and Franky Van Der Elst by appearing in 4 World Cup squads, although he didn't play in his first World Cup in 1990. Wilmots also scored his 5th World Cup goal against Russia, which made him Belgium's top scorer in World Cup Finals matches.
| Year | Round | GP | W | D* | L | GS | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 19301930 FIFA World Cup The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the inaugural FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in Uruguay from 13 July to 30 July 1930... |
Round 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
 19341934 FIFA World Cup The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in Italy from 27 May to 10 June 1934.... |
Round 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
 19381938 FIFA World Cup The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup, and was held in France from 4 June to 19 June. Italy retained the championship, beating Hungary 4–2 in the final.-Host selection:... |
Round 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
 19501950 FIFA World Cup The 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from 24 June to 16 July, was the fourth FIFA World Cup. It was the first World Cup since 1938, the planned 1942 and 1946 competitions having been canceled owing to World War II... |
Withdrew | ||||||
 19541954 FIFA World Cup The 1954 FIFA World Cup, the fifth staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Switzerland from 16 June to 4 July. Switzerland was chosen as hosts in July 1946. The tournament set a number of all-time records for goal-scoring, including the highest average goals scored per game... |
Round 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 8 |
 19581958 FIFA World Cup The 1958 FIFA World Cup, the sixth staging of the World Cup, was hosted by Sweden from 8 June to 29 June. The tournament was won by Brazil, who beat Sweden 5–2 in the final for their first title. To date, this marks the only occasion that a World Cup staged in Europe was not won by a European... |
Did not qualify | ||||||
 19621962 FIFA World Cup The 1962 FIFA World Cup, the seventh staging of the World Cup, was held in Chile from 30 May to 17 June. It was won by Brazil, who retained the championship by beating Czechoslovakia 3–1 in the final... |
Did not qualify | ||||||
 19661966 FIFA World Cup The 1966 FIFA World Cup, the eighth staging of the World Cup, was held in England from 11 July to 30 July. England beat West Germany 4–2 in the final, winning the World Cup for the first time, so becoming the first host to win the tournament since Italy in 1934.-Host selection:England was chosen as... |
Did not qualify | ||||||
 19701970 FIFA World Cup The 1970 FIFA World Cup, the ninth staging of the World Cup, was held in Mexico, from 31 May to 21 June. The 1970 tournament was the first World Cup hosted in North America, and the first held outside South America and Europe. In a match-up of two-time World Cup champions, the final was won by... |
Round 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
 19741974 FIFA World Cup The 1974 FIFA World Cup, the tenth staging of the World Cup, was held in West Germany from 13 June to 7 July. The tournament marked the first time that the current trophy, the FIFA World Cup Trophy, created by the Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, was awarded... |
Did not qualify | ||||||
 19781978 FIFA World Cup The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Argentina between 1 June and 25 June. The 1978 World Cup was won by Argentina who beat the Netherlands 3–1 after extra time in the final. This win was the first World Cup title for Argentina, who became the fifth... |
Did not qualify | ||||||
 19821982 FIFA World Cup The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th FIFA World Cup, was held in Spain from 13 June to 11 July. The tournament was won by Italy, after defeating West Germany 3–1 in the final.-Host selection:... |
1/8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 1986 1986 FIFA World Cup The 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 13th FIFA World Cup, was held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June. The tournament was the second to feature a 24-team format. Colombia had been originally chosen to host the competition by FIFA but, largely due to economic reasons, was not able to do so and officially... |
4th place | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 15 |
 19901990 FIFA World Cup The 1990 FIFA World Cup was the 14th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 8 June to 8 July 1990 in Italy, the second country to host the event twice. Teams representing 116 national football associations from all six populated... |
1/8 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 |
 19941994 FIFA World Cup The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in nine cities across the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988... |
1/8 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| 1998 1998 FIFA World Cup The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final... |
Round 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
  20022002 FIFA World Cup The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0... |
1/8 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
 20062006 FIFA World Cup The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six... |
Did not qualify | ||||||
 20102010 FIFA World Cup The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010... |
Did not qualify | ||||||
| Total | 11/19 | 36 | 10 | 9 | 17 | 46 | 63 |
European Championship record
Belgium's performance in the European ChampionshipUEFA European Football Championship
The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA . Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current...
does not match its World Cup record. The best result is no doubt the unexpected second place at the 1980 edition in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
after a narrow defeat (1–2) to West Germany
West Germany
West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....
in the final. Belgium hosted or co-hosted the event twice, finishing third in 1972 (when they were chosen amongst the four semi-finalists to actually host the event) and being one of the major disappointments of the 2000 edition with a first-round exit. Belgium first won against Sweden 2–1 via goals from Bart Goor
Bart Goor
Bart Goor is a Belgian football left winger currently playing for Westerlo.-Geel:Goor began his professional career representing K.F.C. Verbroedering Geel in 1991 having risen through the club's youth ranks...
in the 43rd minute and Emile Mpenza
Émile Mpenza
Eka Basunga Lokonda "Émile" Mpenza is a Belgian footballer who plays for Neftchi Baku as a striker. He has been capped at international level by Belgium. His older brother, Mbo, was also a footballer who represented Belgium....
in the 46th minute against Sweden's one by Johan Mjallby
Johan Mjällby
Johan Mjällby is a Swedish former footballer. He made his debut for the national team in 1997, and played 49 matches and scored 4 goals as a defender or midfielder. Mjällby was the team captain during the 2002 World Cup. He also took part in Euro 2000 and Euro 2004...
in the 53rd minute after a terrible error of goalkeeper Filip De Wilde
Filip De Wilde
Filip Alfons de Wilde is a retired Belgian football goalkeeper, who played mainly with R.S.C. Anderlecht.-Club career:...
. But then, Belgium lost 2–0 against Italy (goals from Francesco Totti
Francesco Totti
Francesco Totti, Ufficiale OMRI, is an Italian footballer who is the captain of Serie A club Roma. His primary position is that of a trequartista, though he has also been successfully utilized as a lone striker. Totti has spent his entire career at Roma, is the number-one goalscorer and the most...
in the 5th minute and Stefano Fiore
Stefano Fiore
Stefano Fiore is an Italian football manager and former player, who can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing. He is currently in charge as manager technical area of Cosenza in Serie D.-Parma and early years:...
in the 66th minute) and 2–0 against Turkey (two goals from Hakan Şükür
Hakan Sükür
Hakan Şükür is a retired Turkish footballer who played as a striker. He spent the majority of his professional career with Galatasaray, being a three-time Gol Kralı , representing the club in three different spells and winning a total of 14 major titles.Şükür represented Turkey a...
in the 45th after another error of goalkeeper Filip De Wilde
Filip De Wilde
Filip Alfons de Wilde is a retired Belgian football goalkeeper, who played mainly with R.S.C. Anderlecht.-Club career:...
, and 70th minute). In the 83rd minute of that last group match, Filip De Wilde
Filip De Wilde
Filip Alfons de Wilde is a retired Belgian football goalkeeper, who played mainly with R.S.C. Anderlecht.-Club career:...
even ended his Euro 2000, being sent off for attacking Arif Erdem
Arif Erdem
Arif Erdem is a retired Turkish international footballer and the current manager of İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyespor. He played in the forward position. Starting out with local club Zeytinburnuspor in 1990, Erdem had a decorated 15-year professional career...
outside the penalty area.
| UEFA European Championship record UEFA European Football Championship The UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA . Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current... |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | GP | W | D* | L | GS | GA |
| 1960 | Did not enter | |||||||
| 1964 and 1968 | Did not qualify | |||||||
 1972 |
Third place | 3rd | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
 1976 |
Did not qualify | |||||||
| 1980 |
Runners-up UEFA Euro 1980 Final The final of UEFA Euro 1980 was a football match played on 22 June 1980 at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy to determine the winner of UEFA Euro 1980... |
2nd | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| 1984 |
Group Stage | 6th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| 1988 to 1996 | Did not qualify | |||||||
 2000 |
Group Stage | 12th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 2004 to 2012 | Did not qualify | |||||||
| Total | 4/13 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 13 | 20 | |
Olympic record
Belgium won the OlympicOlympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
Gold Medal in 1920
Football at the 1920 Summer Olympics
The football at the 1920 Summer Olympics, was one of the 154 events at the 1920 Summer Olympics, held in Antwerp. It was the fifth time football was on the Olympic schedule. The tournament was contested by 14 teams, with host country Belgium winning the gold medals...
- 1900Football at the 1900 Summer OlympicsAt the 1900 Summer Olympics, a football tournament was contested for the first time. Only two demonstration matches were held between the three club sides, and no medals were awarded...
: Bronze medal - 1920Football at the 1920 Summer OlympicsThe football at the 1920 Summer Olympics, was one of the 154 events at the 1920 Summer Olympics, held in Antwerp. It was the fifth time football was on the Olympic schedule. The tournament was contested by 14 teams, with host country Belgium winning the gold medals...
: Gold medal - 1924Football at the 1924 Summer OlympicsAt the 1924 Summer Olympics held in Paris, Uruguay dominated the Football tournament winning the Gold.-Amateur Status:In 1921, the Belgium Football Association first allowed for payments to players for time lost from work; in the months that followed four other Associations permitted similar...
: 1/16 finals - 1928Football at the 1928 Summer OlympicsFootball at the 1928 Summer Olympics tournament, won by Uruguay against Argentina, would be the precursor to the first FIFA World Cup held in 1930 in Uruguay.-Medalists:-Background:...
: 1/4 finals - 2008Football at the 2008 Summer OlympicsFootball at the 2008 Summer Olympics was held in Beijing and several other cities in the People's Republic of China from 6 August to 23 August. Associations affiliated with FIFA were invited to send their full women's national teams and men's U-23 teams to participate...
: 4th Place
Note: Football at the Summer Olympics has been an under-23 tournament since 1992.
2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
Current squad
The following players are the squad who were named for the friendly matches against RomaniaRomania national football team
The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil, France, and Belgium, that took part in the first three World Cups.However, after that...
and France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
on respectively 11 and 15 November 2011.
Caps and goals are correct as of 12 November 2011.
|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
Recent call-ups
The following players have been called up for the team in the last twelve months.|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
|-----
! colspan="9" bgcolor="#B0D3FB" align="left" |
|----- bgcolor="#DFEDFD"
Most capped
| # | Player | Belgium career | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan Ceulemans Jan Ceulemans Jan Anna Gumaar Ceulemans is a Belgian former football player who played as a midfielder.He is his country's most capped player with 96 international appearances. Most of his time with Belgium took place under the guidance of Guy Thys... |
1977–1991 | 96 |
| 2 | Timmy Simons Timmy Simons Timmy Simons is a Belgian football central defender and defensive midfielder who plays for FC Nuremberg in the German Bundesliga. Simons' former clubs include Lommel, Club Brugge, and PSV Eindhoven. He won the Belgian Golden Shoe in 2002 while playing for Club Brugge.In the summer 2005 he decided... * |
2001– | 89 |
| 3 | Eric Gerets | 1975–1991 | 86 |
| = | Franky Van der Elst | 1984–1998 | 86 |
| 5 | Enzo Scifo | 1984–1999 | 84 |
| 6 | Paul Van Himst Paul Van Himst Paul van Himst is a former talented Belgian football midfielder and a football manager. Now retired, he still supports R.S.C. Anderlecht, his former team. He was nicknamed Polle Gazon due to the large number of fouls committed on him... |
1960–1974 | 81 |
| 7 | Bart Goor Bart Goor Bart Goor is a Belgian football left winger currently playing for Westerlo.-Geel:Goor began his professional career representing K.F.C. Verbroedering Geel in 1991 having risen through the club's youth ranks... |
1999–2008 | 78 |
| 8 | Georges Grün Georges Grün Georges Serge Grün is a former Belgian football defender and is now a TV presenter for the UEFA Champions League matches at RTL TVI.... |
1984–1995 | 77 |
| 9 | Lorenzo Staelens Lorenzo Staelens Lorenzo Jules Staelens is a retired Belgian footballer and a current manager.Having started his career as a defensive midfielder, he finished it as sweeper at nearly 40, and scored more than 100 goals overall.... |
1990–2000 | 70 |
| = | Marc Wilmots Marc Wilmots Marc Robert Wilmots is a former Belgian football player.-Career:In his club career, that started in 1987, Wilmots played for Sint-Truiden, KV Mechelen, Standard Liège, Schalke 04, and Bordeaux. At Schalke he helped them to the 1997 UEFA Cup Final... |
1990–2002 | 70 |
the * denotes a player still playing or available for selection.
- Last updated: Belgium - Kazakhstan, 7 October 2011.
Top scorers
| # | Player | Belgium career | Goals (Caps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bernard Voorhoof Bernard Voorhoof Bernard Voorhoof was a Belgian footballer, the Belgium national team top scorer since 1940 with 30 goals in 61 matches. He was joined by Paul Van Himst in 1974 who needed 81 matches to score the same number of goals.... |
1928–1940 | 30 (61) |
| = | Paul van Himst Paul Van Himst Paul van Himst is a former talented Belgian football midfielder and a football manager. Now retired, he still supports R.S.C. Anderlecht, his former team. He was nicknamed Polle Gazon due to the large number of fouls committed on him... |
1960–1974 | 30 (81) |
| 3 | Marc Wilmots Marc Wilmots Marc Robert Wilmots is a former Belgian football player.-Career:In his club career, that started in 1987, Wilmots played for Sint-Truiden, KV Mechelen, Standard Liège, Schalke 04, and Bordeaux. At Schalke he helped them to the 1997 UEFA Cup Final... |
1990–2002 | 28 (70) |
| 4 | Joseph Mermans Joseph Mermans Joseph Mermans , usually referred to as Jef Mermans was a football striker from Belgium, who played much of his career at Anderlecht, with whom he won 7 Belgian Championship titles and finished top scorer of this competition 3 times.Mermans played 56 matches with the Belgium national football team,... |
1945–1956 | 27 (56) |
| 5 | Robert de Veen Robert De Veen Robert De Veen was a Belgian football player and manager. He was born in Bruges.He played for Club Brugge and Belgium, scoring 26 goals for 23 caps, including 13 goals against France.... |
1906–1913 | 26 (23) |
| = | Raymond Braine Raymond Braine Raymond Ernest Michel Braine was one of the most talented and respected Belgian football strikers. He was also the first Belgian professional player, when he obtained a transfer to Sparta Prague in 1930.... |
1925–1939 | 26 (54) |
| 7 | Wesley Sonck Wesley Sonck Wesley Sonck is a Belgian football player, who currently plays as a striker for K. Lierse S.K. who signed him in August 2010 and the Belgium national football team. He played for KRC Genk in the Belgian First Division from where he joined AFC Ajax in 2003 for about £5 million... * |
2001– | 24 (54) |
| 8 | Marc Degryse Marc Degryse Marc Gabriel Degryse , nicknamed Le Lutin d'Ardooie and The Little One, is a former Belgian footballer, who played as a forward.-Club career:... |
1984–1996 | 23 (63) |
| = | Jan Ceulemans Jan Ceulemans Jan Anna Gumaar Ceulemans is a Belgian former football player who played as a midfielder.He is his country's most capped player with 96 international appearances. Most of his time with Belgium took place under the guidance of Guy Thys... |
1976–1991 | 23 (96) |
| 10 | Henri 'Rik' Coppens Henri Coppens Henri 'Rik' François Coppens is a former Belgian football striker. His parents owned and ran a fishmonger's shop there.... |
1949–1959 | 21 (47) |
the * denotes a player still playing or available for selection.
- Last updated: Russia 0–2 Belgium, 17 November 2010.
Youngest players
The top 10 youngest players who made their debut for the national football team of Belgium.| Rank | Player (Team) | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernand Nisot Fernand Nisot Fernand Nisot was a Belgian football player who competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics. When he was selected the first time for the national soccer team, he was the youngest player ever: just 16 years old. He was a member of the Belgian team, which won the gold medal in the football... (Léopold Club) |
16 years, 19 days |
| 2 | Anthony Vanden Borre Anthony Vanden Borre Anthony Vanden Borre is a male Belgian footballer who plays for Racing Genk.-Club career:His natural position is at right back or right winger but he made his debut both for Anderlecht and for Belgium at right back. He can also play as a central defender and as a midfielder where his range of... (Anderlecht R.S.C. Anderlecht Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht, usually known as Anderlecht or RSCA , is a Belgian professional football club based in Anderlecht in the Brussels Capital Region. Anderlecht plays in the Belgian Pro League and is the most successful Belgian football team in European competitions as well as in the... ) |
16 years, 187 days |
| 3 | Romelu Lukaku Romelu Lukaku Romelu Benjamin Lukaku is a Belgian footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Chelsea and the Belgium national team.... (Anderlecht R.S.C. Anderlecht Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht, usually known as Anderlecht or RSCA , is a Belgian professional football club based in Anderlecht in the Brussels Capital Region. Anderlecht plays in the Belgian Pro League and is the most successful Belgian football team in European competitions as well as in the... ) |
16 years, 296 days |
| 4 | Paul Van Himst Paul Van Himst Paul van Himst is a former talented Belgian football midfielder and a football manager. Now retired, he still supports R.S.C. Anderlecht, his former team. He was nicknamed Polle Gazon due to the large number of fouls committed on him... (Anderlecht R.S.C. Anderlecht Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht, usually known as Anderlecht or RSCA , is a Belgian professional football club based in Anderlecht in the Brussels Capital Region. Anderlecht plays in the Belgian Pro League and is the most successful Belgian football team in European competitions as well as in the... ) |
17 years, 17 days |
| 5 | Jean Capelle Jean Capelle Jean Capelle was a Belgian international footballer who played professionally as a striker for Standard Liège, scoring 245 goals in 285 appearances between 1929 and 1944. Capelle made his international debut in 1931, aged 17 years 153 days, and he played at the 1934 FIFA World Cup and the 1938... (Standard Liège Standard Liège Royal Standard de Liège, commonly referred to as Standard Liège Royal Standard de Liège, commonly referred to as Standard Liège Royal Standard de Liège, commonly referred to as Standard Liège (Dutch: Standard Luik [], German: Standard Lüttich , is a Belgian football club from the city of Liège.... ) |
17 years, 153 days |
| 6 | Joseph Musch Joseph Musch Joseph B. "Prince" Musch was a Belgian football player who competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics.He was a member of the Belgium team, which won the gold medal in the football tournament.... (Saint-Gilloise R. Union Saint-Gilloise R. Union Saint-Gilloise is a Belgian football club located in the municipality of Forest, though it is named after the neighbour municipality of Saint-Gilles, Brussels. It had been in the second division in 2004-05, but was subsequently relegated to third division. Its matricule is the n°10... ) |
17 years, 198 days |
| 7 | Vincent Kompany Vincent Kompany Vincent Jean Mpoy Kompany is a Belgian footballer who plays for Manchester City and the Belgium national team. He is capable of playing at both centre back and defensive midfielder. Kompany is of partial Congolese ancestry... (Anderlecht R.S.C. Anderlecht Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht, usually known as Anderlecht or RSCA , is a Belgian professional football club based in Anderlecht in the Brussels Capital Region. Anderlecht plays in the Belgian Pro League and is the most successful Belgian football team in European competitions as well as in the... ) |
17 years, 314 days |
| 8 | Eden Hazard Eden Hazard Eden Hazard is a Belgian footballer who currently plays for French club Lille in Ligue 1 and the Belgium national team. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder and a winger. Hazard is known for his creativity, speed, and technical ability and is described as a "fearless, explosive attacking... (Lille Lille OSC LOSC Lille Métropole is a French association football club based in Lille. The club was founded in 1944 as a result of a merger and currently play in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. Lille plays its home matches at the Stade Lille-Metropole in nearby Villeneuve-d'Ascq. In 2012, the... ) |
17 years, 316 days |
| 9 | Raymond Braine Raymond Braine Raymond Ernest Michel Braine was one of the most talented and respected Belgian football strikers. He was also the first Belgian professional player, when he obtained a transfer to Sparta Prague in 1930.... (Beerschot K. Beerschot V.A.C. Koninklijke Beerschot Voetbal en Atletiek Club is a former Belgian football club from Antwerp. The club was founded in 1899 when most players of R. Antwerp F.C. left the club. It played in the 1920 Olympic Games Stadium named the "Kiel". After many financial problems over the years, the club was... ) |
17 years, 321 days |
| 10 | Bernard Voorhoof Bernard Voorhoof Bernard Voorhoof was a Belgian footballer, the Belgium national team top scorer since 1940 with 30 goals in 61 matches. He was joined by Paul Van Himst in 1974 who needed 81 matches to score the same number of goals.... (Lierse Lierse S.K. Koninklijke Lierse Sportkring is a Belgian professional football club, from the city of Lier in the Antwerp province. Lierse has been playing in the Belgian Pro League since the 2010-11 season and they have already won the competition 4 times. They also have won 2 Belgian Cups... ) |
17 years, 338 days |
Coaches
| Name | Nat | Period |
|---|---|---|
| William Maxwell William Maxwell (footballer) William Sturrock Maxwell was a Scottish professional footballer and amateur cricketer. Born in Arbroath, he played for hometown club Arbroath F.C., Dundee, Heart of Midlothian, Stoke City, Sunderland, Third Lanark and Bristol City. He also gained one cap for the Scotland national team... |
 |
1910–1913 |
| Charles Bunyan, Sr. Charles Bunyan, Sr. Charles Bunyan, Sr. was an English professional football player and manager active throughout Europe in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.-Personal life:Bunyan was born in Campton... |
 |
1914 |
| William Maxwell William Maxwell (footballer) William Sturrock Maxwell was a Scottish professional footballer and amateur cricketer. Born in Arbroath, he played for hometown club Arbroath F.C., Dundee, Heart of Midlothian, Stoke City, Sunderland, Third Lanark and Bristol City. He also gained one cap for the Scotland national team... |
|
1920–1928 |
| Victor Löwenfelt | 1928–1930 | |
| Hector Goetinck Hector Goetinck Hector Goetinck was a Belgian football manager. He coached the Belgium national football team in the 1930 FIFA World Cup and the 1934 FIFA World Cup, and also coached Club Brugge K.V.. During his playing days he earned 17 caps for Belgium and also played for Club Brugge. He was born and also died... |
|
1930–1934 |
| Jules Turnauer | 1935 | |
| Jack Butler Jack Butler Jack Butler may refer to:* Jack Butler Yeats , Irish artist* Jack Butler , English football player and manager* Jack Butler , Chirk F.C... |
|
1935–1940 |
| François Demol | 1944–1946 | |
| Bill Gormlie Bill Gormlie William Joseph "Bill" Gormlie was an English football player and manager. He played as a goalkeeper for Blackburn Rovers and Northampton Town. He used to coach R.S.C. Anderlecht and the Belgian national team.-References:... |
|
1947–1953 |
| Dougall Livingstone | |
1953–1954 |
| André Vandeweyer André Vandeweyer André Vandeweyer was a former Belgian footballer and coach born 21 June 1909 in Tirlemont , died 22 October 1992.- Biography :He was goalkeeper for the legendary Union Saint-Gilloise team: the famous Union 60 were unbeaten in Division 1 for 60 matches, with three consecutive titles in this period,... |
|
1955–1957 |
| Louie Nicoly | 1957 (Caretaker Caretaker manager In association football, a caretaker manager is someone who takes temporary charge of the management of a football club, usually when the regular manager is dismissed or leaves for a different club. However, a caretaker may also be appointed if the regular manager is ill or unable to attend to his... ) |
|
| Géza Toldi Géza Toldi Géza Toldi was a Hungarian footballer. He played for Ferencvárosi TC, and from 1934 to 1938 for the Hungarian national team, serving as captain in 1936. He scored a goal in the 1938 FIFA World Cup.... |
 |
1957–1958 |
| Constant Vanden Stock Constant Vanden Stock Constant Vanden Stock was the honorary president and former president and player of Belgian football club R.S.C. Anderlecht. The stadium of this club is named after him. Constant Vanden Stock also served as coach of the Belgium national football team from 1958 to 1968... |
|
1958–1968 |
| Raymond Goethals Raymond Goethals Raymond Goethals was a Belgian football coach who notably led Marseille to victory in the UEFA Champions League final in 1993, becoming the first coach to win a European trophy with a French club.... |
|
Jun. 19, 1968 – Apr. 26, 1976 |
| Guy Thys | |
May 22, 1976 – Jun. 9, 1989 |
| Walter Meeuws Walter Meeuws Walter Meeuws is a retired Belgian footballer and current manager of Egyptian Premier League side Wadi Degla.During his career he played for K. Beerschot V.A.C., Club Brugge K.V., R. Standard de Liège, AFC Ajax, K.V. Mechelen... |
|
Jul. 23, 1989 – Feb. 21, 1990 |
| Guy Thys | |
May 26, 1990 – May 1, 1991 |
| Paul Van Himst Paul Van Himst Paul van Himst is a former talented Belgian football midfielder and a football manager. Now retired, he still supports R.S.C. Anderlecht, his former team. He was nicknamed Polle Gazon due to the large number of fouls committed on him... |
|
Sep. 1, 1991 – Mar. 21, 1996 |
| Wilfried Van Moer Wilfried Van Moer Wilfried van Moer is a former Belgian football player who won the Belgian Golden Shoe three times, first in 1966 while at Antwerp then in 1969 and in 1970 while at Standard Liège.... |
|
Oct. 8, 1996 – Dec. 27, 1996 |
| Georges Leekens | |
Feb. 11, 1997 – Aug. 8, 1999 |
| Robert Waseige Robert Waseige Robert Waseige is a Belgian football manager and a former player. He became the coach of Belgium before the Euro 2000 and lead Belgium to the second round at the 2002 World Cup.... |
|
Aug. 20, 1999 – Jun. 30, 2002 |
| Aimé Anthuenis | |
Aug. 21, 2002 – Dec. 31, 2005 |
| René Vandereycken | |
Jan. 1, 2006 – Apr. 7, 2009 |
| Franky Vercauteren Franky Vercauteren François Vercauteren , nicknamed "The Little Prince", is a former Belgian football left winger and is now a football manager, who is currently working for Al Jazira Club.- Career :... |
|
May 5, 2009 – Sep. 9, 2009 |
| Dick Advocaat Dick Advocaat Dirk Nicolaas "Dick" Advocaat is a Dutch football manager and former player currently the manager of the Russia national football team.He has been moderately successful as a football player and as a coach, which included two stints with the Dutch national football team... |
|
Oct. 1, 2009 – Apr. 15, 2010 |
| Georges Leekens | |
May 4, 2010 – present |
See also
- Belgium national youth football teamBelgium national youth football teamThe Belgium national under-17 football team is the national under-17 football team of Belgium and is controlled by the Belgian Football Association. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship and the FIFA U-17 World Cup...
(U-17, U-18, U-19, U20, U21, U23 Squads) - Belgium women's national football teamBelgium women's national football teamThe Belgium women's national football team represents Belgium in international women's football. They are currently 33rd at the FIFA Women's World Rankings.-World Cup record:- UEFA Women's Championship Record :*1984 : did not qualify...
External links
- Footbel.be website – Belgian FABelgian Football AssociationThe Royal Belgian Football Association is the governing body of football in Belgium...
official website - Footbel.be website – Belgian national team news website
- Footbel.be/National team statistics page/
- The Red Devils Archive
- RSSSF archive of results 1904–
- RSSSF archive of most capped players and highest goalscorers
- RSSSF archive of coaches 1904–
- IFFHS Archive:1904–1910