As of March 2016, the Belgium national team has been led by at least 89 different captains;[1] 86 different players started an international game as captain,[2] but due to substitutions the total number is higher. At least 15 pure forwards and eight goalkeepers have fulfilled this role but most often Red Devils in defensive positions and midfielders were assigned as captain, as is usually the case in association football. Until 2011 under Dick Advocaat and Georges Leekens the former Belgium U-23 captain Thomas Vermaelen was chosen as national squad's leader, but during an injury period he left the captaincy to Vincent Kompany, who became the new permanent captain.[3] After several periods of injuries and missing out UEFA Euro 2016, Kompany gradually lost his position as captain to Eden Hazard by 2017.[4] Following Hazard's retirement from international duty in 2022, Kevin De Bruyne was appointed as captain.[5]
- ^ H., Cl. (17 Nov 2004). "Le 82e capitaine". La Dernière Heure (in French).
- ^ "Belgium national football team match results". eu-football.info. Retrieved 5 Sep 2013.
- ^ Ankers, George (10 Nov 2011). "Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen disappointed to lose Belgium captaincy to Manchester City's Vincent Kompany". Goal.com. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
- ^ "Vincent Kompany is weer Rode Duivel, Eden Hazard blijft aanvoerder". Goal.com. 30 May 2017. Retrieved 1 Jun 2017.
- ^ "Royal Belgian FA". www.rbfa.be. Retrieved 2024-05-30.