Top 10 greatest Belgian players of all time (Ranked)

With EURO 2024 abruptly ending for Belgium this summer, it’s disheartening to witness what seems like the peak years of a nation passing by with limited success.

Their exit from the competition doesn’t come as a surprise, despite consistently holding the top spot in FIFA rankings. Belgium has never been considered outright favorites in recent tournaments. While they secured third place at the 2018 World Cup, their subsequent exits from two Euros and another World Cup have been underwhelming.

Belgium has seen remarkable talents grace their national team in the past decade. This prompts the question: who are the greatest Belgian players of all time?

10. Enzo Scifo

Midfielder

Enzo Scifo, a four-time Ballon d’Or nominee, played a pivotal role in shaping Belgium’s rich footballing heritage, especially during his prominence in the 1980s. While he enjoyed stints at prominent clubs like Inter Milan and AS Monaco during his 18-year career, it was at his home club RSC Anderlecht where he achieved significant success.

Scifo burst onto the scene at just 17 years old, making over 100 appearances for Anderlecht over four years and contributing to three consecutive league titles. His career saw further notable spells at Inter Milan, Monaco, Auxerre, and Torino, where he maintained a respectable goal-scoring record.

Making his debut for Belgium at 18, Scifo went on to earn 84 caps, scoring 18 goals for his country. Despite being under-appreciated in broader football discussions, Scifo’s career stands as a testament to his remarkable talent and enduring impact on Belgian football.

9. Toby Alderweireld

Defender

Toby Alderweireld emerged as a promising talent at the age of 19 with Dutch club Ajax, marking the beginning of his journey as one of football’s most underrated center-backs. After making over 100 appearances for Ajax, he earned his national team debut and subsequently moved to Atlético Madrid. Despite initially struggling for regular playing time at Atlético, Alderweireld showcased his abilities during a loan spell at Southampton, which earned him a permanent move to Tottenham Hotspur.

At Spurs, Alderweireld became a fixture in the squad, forming a formidable partnership with fellow Belgian Jan Vertonghen. Together, they played pivotal roles in Tottenham’s journey to the 2019 Champions League final, although they narrowly lost to Liverpool. Their partnership extended to the national team, where both players made significant contributions, alongside other standout Belgian defenders like Vincent Kompany.

Known for his talent and consistency, Alderweireld continues to perform at a high level even at the age of 35, recently enjoying a successful season with Royal Antwerp.

8. Jean-Marie Pfaff

Goalkeeper

Jean-Marie Pfaff, the iconic Belgian goalkeeper, made a lasting impression during Belgium’s semi-final run in the 1986 World Cup, earning him the title of goalkeeper of the tournament. Standing at 5’11”, Pfaff defied his height with immense confidence, commanding presence, and exceptional shot-stopping abilities, coupled with remarkable composure on the ball.

His illustrious career began at his hometown club Beveren, where he made over 300 appearances across a decade before catching the attention of Bayern Munich. At Bayern, Pfaff further solidified his reputation, making 156 appearances and establishing himself as one of Belgium’s finest goalkeepers and among the world’s best during his prime.

7. Paul Van Himst

Striker

Voted as the best Belgian footballer of the 20th century, Paul Van Himst’s career may not have garnered widespread international acclaim, but his tenure at Anderlecht remains the stuff of legend. Spending nearly his entire career with the Belgian giants from 1959 to 1975, Van Himst established himself as an incredibly prolific and efficient goalscorer. He recorded double-digit goal seasons for ten consecutive campaigns and holds the record for the most appearances for Anderlecht, with 457 matches.

Renowned in Belgium for his speed and creativity, Van Himst was equally adept at creating opportunities as he was at finishing them. His tally of 30 goals for his national team was the joint-second highest in Belgian history until surpassed by Eden Hazard. Despite his loyalty to Anderlecht possibly limiting his international exposure, Van Himst’s legacy remains secure as one of the most revered players in the club’s storied history.

6. Jan Vertonghen

Defender

Nearly everything that can be said about Toby Alderweireld applies equally to his long-term partner, Jan Vertonghen. Signed from Ajax in 2012, Vertonghen spent almost a decade with Tottenham in the Premier League, playing a crucial role in the team’s near-success in the Champions League.

Known for his composure on the ball and proficiency in advancing play, Vertonghen was considered one of the best ball-playing defenders in his prime. His partnership with Alderweireld was formidable, even if it didn’t result in trophies. Vertonghen’s ability to read the game and his solid defensive presence made him a key figure for both Tottenham and the Belgian national team.

Though Jan Vertonghen’s unfortunate own goal against France on Monday evening, followed by Kylian Mbappe’s mocking, sent Belgium packing and might have tarnished his legacy in EURO 2024, there is little doubt that he remains one of the best defenders in Belgian history.

5. Vincent Kompany

Defender

Several things might come to mind when you think of Vincent Kompany. You might recall his brilliant debut season as manager of Burnley, where he led the team to an easy EFL Championship victory before struggling in the Premier League, eventually leading to relegation. This tumultuous journey somehow landed him the vacant Bayern Munich managerial job, causing some confusion.

You might remember his legendary leadership on and off the field at Manchester City, despite consistent injury issues. His presence was instrumental in securing four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and four League Cups for the club. Notably, his uncharacteristic thunderbolt goal against Leicester City helped secure one of those Premier League titles.

Whatever specific memory you associate with Kompany, there is no doubt that he was one of the most intimidating sights a centre-forward could ever face when trying to breach a backline.

4. Thibaut Courtois

Goalkeeper

Thibaut Courtois is a goalkeeper who could well claim to be the best number one in the world right now, despite a season blighted by two significant injuries. Known for his incredible shot-stopping abilities, Courtois’ numerous, almost comical reaction saves during his time with Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and Real Madrid have marked him as an exceptional footballer.

With six league titles and two Champions League titles to his name, Courtois is one of the most successful and talented goalkeepers of the modern era, a fact underscored by his over 100 appearances for Belgium. At 32, if Belgium is to achieve success in upcoming tournaments, Courtois will likely play a pivotal role. His absence was keenly felt at Euro 2024.

3. Romelu Lukaku

Striker

Though often an easy target for critics during his spells with Manchester United and Chelsea, Belgium’s record goalscorer, Romelu Lukaku, unquestionably earns a spot on our list. An effective striker throughout his career, Lukaku first surged to prominence with Everton, where his 25 goals in the 2016/17 Premier League season earned him a high-profile move to Manchester United.

Despite continuing to score, Lukaku’s tenure in Manchester was seen as a disappointment. However, his subsequent two-year stint with Inter Milan was a resounding success, netting 47 goals in 72 games. His proficiency extends to the national level, with an astonishing 85 goals for Belgium, making him the country’s all-time leading scorer by a significant margin. Such an impressive goal record secures Lukaku a well-deserved place on this Belgian podium.

2. Eden Hazard

Winger

In a word, Eden Hazard was electric. Though his career ended earlier than expected after a struggling spell with Real Madrid, his Premier League exploits with Chelsea ensure he will forever be remembered as one of the best wingers to ever play in England.

His final performance for Chelsea, a masterful showing in the 2019 Europa League final against Arsenal, epitomized what Hazard brought to the team. The Blues triumphed 4-1, and Hazard’s brilliance was on full display. That season is regarded as one of the best single seasons in Premier League history, highlighted by Hazard winning the Playmaker Award and being nominated for Goal of the Season for his stunning solo effort against West Ham.

Hazard’s ability to single-handedly change games and his penchant for delivering in big moments made him a true entertainer and a legend of the sport. However, only one Belgian can top him…

1. Kevin De Bruyne

Midfielder

A crafty maestro of a midfielder, widely regarded as one of the best in Premier League history, let alone Belgium’s, Kevin De Bruyne’s ability is the stuff of legend. Equipped with telescopic vision and wizard-like creative abilities, De Bruyne’s prime at Manchester City has been the catalyst behind their six Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola.

After revitalizing an initially disappointing Premier League career at Chelsea with Bundesliga side VFL Wolfsburg, De Bruyne went on to provide 180 goal contributions in 260 games for the Citizens. Under Guardiola’s tutelage, he transformed from a talented attacking midfielder into one of the very best the game has ever seen, culminating in a famous treble win in 2023.

A modern-day great who has shown little sign of slowing down, Kevin De Bruyne is the best Belgian to ever grace the sport.