BRUSSELS — Jan Vertonghen, the renowned former Belgian defender, has announced his decision to retire from professional soccer at the conclusion of the current season. The 37-year-old, who was a key player for Tottenham Hotspur and holds a record 157 appearances for the Belgium national team, previously retired from international competition following the 2024 European Championship.
Reflecting on his career, Vertonghen expressed that the decision was challenging but necessary. “In recent weeks, it has become apparent that these will be my final matches,” the Anderlecht captain said on Tuesday. “Though this decision is far from easy, it is the correct one. I’ve found it increasingly difficult to physically prepare for training and games to perform at the level I expect of myself. This is not just about living up to the expectations of fans and colleagues, but also my personal standards. As a result, I have concluded that this season will be my last.”
Throughout his 18-year-long career, Vertonghen also represented prestigious clubs like Ajax and Benfica. He notably featured for Tottenham in the 2019 Champions League final, which was ultimately won by Liverpool. As part of Belgium’s celebrated Golden Generation, Vertonghen significantly contributed to the team’s qualification for three consecutive World Cups, with a highlight being their third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup held in Russia.
Currently, Anderlecht is positioned in fourth place after the regular season, which has secured them a spot in the title playoffs. Additionally, the team is set to compete in the Belgian Cup final against Club Brugge. “I am determined to give my best effort in the remaining 11 games, hoping to create more memorable experiences with my teammates and the fans,” Vertonghen shared.