Youri Tielemans Named New Captain of Belgium National Team
Youri Tielemans has been named the new permanent captain of Belgium ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein.
“There are few things more beautiful in a career than this. I'm proud, that's for sure...”
Belgium's coach, Rudi Garcia, has appointed Youri Tielemans as the team's new captain. The 28-year-old Aston Villa midfielder was chosen over more experienced players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku due to his strong relationships and unanimous support among teammates. Garcia believes Tielemans' ability to unify the team makes him the ideal leader.
Tielemans' Reaction
Tielemans expressed his pride in being appointed captain, stating it's a significant honor. He emphasized that his new role won't change his personality, saying, “There are few things more beautiful in a career than this. There were five names and I'm the chosen one. It wouldn't have made any difference to me. I'll always be the same. I'm proud, that's for sure, but it won't change my personality,” Tielemans said he regarded the appointment as an honour.
This is your captain speaking. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/mig2LuwUtg
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) September 3, 2025
Rudi Garcia, announced that Youri Tielemans will be the team's permanent captain. “Youri Tielemans will be our permanent captain,” Garcia told a press conference on the eve of Thursday's World Cup qualifier in Liechtenstein. Garcia explained that Tielemans was chosen due to his good relationships with everyone in the group and the unanimity he enjoys within the team.
About Tielemans' Appointment
Tielemans, a 28-year-old midfielder from Aston Villa, has been given the armband after Garcia rotated the captaincy during his tenure. Other senior players like Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, and Romelu Lukaku will remain important leaders, but Tielemans will officially lead the team.
Tielemans' Career Highlights
- Early Life: Born on May 7, 1997, in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium
- Club Career: Played for Anderlecht, Monaco, Leicester City, and currently Aston Villa
- International Career: Represented Belgium at various youth levels and gained over 70 caps for the senior national team
- Notable Achievements: Part of the Belgium squad that finished third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and played in UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024.
Rudi Garcia continued: “We've rotated the captain’s armband for a long time, but now the decision has been made.
“He has a good relationship with everyone in the group. He enjoys unanimity within the group. Even though other guys remain important leaders, like Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku... but Youri gets the armband.”
Upcoming World Cup Qualifier
With his new role, Tielemans will lead Belgium in their World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein on Thursday. Despite being favored to win, Belgium will face the challenge without Romelu Lukaku due to injury. The match is expected to be a tough test for Liechtenstein, who have lost all three matches in the qualification campaign so far.
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