The Red Devils continued their proud tradition of producing top talents in 2024, despite enduring an underwhelming year on the European scene.
From serial winner Thibaut Courtois, and one of the greatest playmakers in history Kevin De Bruyne, to young talents like Lois Openda and Jeremy Doku, these players continue to make waves with their exceptional displays for club and country.
In this article, Soccernet.football ranks the top 10 Belgian footballers of 2024, highlighting their outstanding performances for club and country.
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10. Youri Tielemans ( Aston Villa )
After leaving former side Leicester City, the 27-year old impressed in his first season with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa as they qualified for the UEFA Champions League and also reached the semifinals of the UEFA Conference League, losing to Greek side Olympiakos. His creativity and positioning has been key to his side’s form this season and he has appeared in 25 matches in all competitions this season. He started twice in the European championships and was on target in Belgium’s 2-0 win over Romania in their second group game.
9. Leandro Trossard ( Arsenal )
Trossard played a pivotal role in the Gunners push for the English Premier League title, narrowly losing to Manchester City on the final day of the season. He scored the equalizer as Arsenal went on to defeat the Cityzens on penalties in the Community Shield, following a season where he notched an impressive 17 goals and two assists in 46 appearances. This season, he has had to battle out with Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli on the left-wing and has tallied seven goal contributions already. His pace and dribbling ability was evident in his play in the European championships, as he played a part in all three of Belgium’s group stage games.
8. Hans Vanaken ( Club Brugge )
The experienced attacking midfielder was one of his side’s most important players, as they clinched the Belgian Pro Super League and also got to the semifinals of the Belgian cup. He banged in 12 goals and provided 11 assists for his teammates. His precision passes, ability to arrive in the box at key moments and experience was also key to the National side this year though he mostly appeared on the bench but was decisive when called upon.
7. Romelu Lukaku ( Napoli )
The 31-year old has been superb for Antonio Conte’s Napoli side this season, scoring six goals with a further four assists in 16 league matches and has been a competent replacement for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. Last season, he played for AS Roma, contributing an impressive 25 goals, but the team was eliminated by German champions Bayer Leverkusen in the semifinals. His experience was key in Belgium’s journey at the European championships, and he backed it up with a goal in their second game of the tournament.
6. Johan Bakayoko ( PSV Eindhoven )
Bakayoko’s partnership with Dutch forward Luuk De Jong was pivotal to their PSV’s Eredivise triumph last term, chipping in 28 goal contributions as they won both the Dutch league and the Dutch Super cup to cap off an impressive season. He has continued his remarkable achievements into the new season with nine goal contributions, as he has become one of the most sought after talents in World football. He made two appearances off the bench for Belgium at Euro 2024 and troubled opposition defenders with his pace and trickery despite logging few minutes.
5. Lois Openda ( RB Leipzig )
The 24-year old’s rise to prominence continued with another impressive season forming an attacking partnership with Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons at RB Leipzig. He can play as a lone striker and on the wings, and chipped in 28 goals and seven assists in all competitions last season. This season, he has 18 goal contributions in 23 games as RB Leipzig continue to push for a title charge. He played 63 minutes of Belgium’s Round of 16 loss to France at the Euros and was a key player throughout their Nations league tournament troubling defenders with his positioning and pace.
4. Jeremy Doku ( Manchester City)
Doku’s pace, dribbling technique and creativity was key to Pep Guardiola Manchester City’s title winning run last season. His telepathic partnership with Erling Haaland, was devastating and he provided seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season. He has constantly provided threats off the flank this season despite Manchester City’s poor form. He started all four of Belgium games at the European championships, and constantly disturbed defenders with his bursting runs and trickery.
3. Charles De Ketelaere ( Atalanta )
The attacking midfielder who has revived his career at Atalanta after a disappointing spell at AC Milan, starred in Europe as Atalanta won the Europa League defeating German Champions Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final courtesy of an Ademola Lookman’s treble. He provided 14 goals and 11 assists last season and has 19 goal contributions already this season. His dribbling skills and eye for line-breaking passes, will be key for the next generation of Belgium stars as they look to continue their rebuild from the golden generation.
2. Kevin De Bruyne ( Manchester City )
Widely regarded as one of the best footballers in history, the 33-year-old played a key role in leading his club to an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title. Although he was injured for most of the season, he contributed 24 goals when fit, helping his team edge out rivals Arsenal to win the league title. He started all four of Belgium’s Euro 2024 games, scoring once, while also scoring twice in their Nations League opening day win over Israel. He remains one of the most important players for the country despite his age.
1. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid )
Real Madrid shot-stopper Courtois claims top spot on our list. His goalkeeping heroics ensured that Real Madrid won both the Spanish La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final. He recently won the Globe Soccer Award for his remarkable achievements in 2024 and is widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in football today.
