Belgian football legend Jan Vertonghen (37) has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
The Anderlecht captain and Belgium's all-time record international confirmed his decision in a statement.
"The past few weeks have made it clear that these will be my final matches", Vertonghen said. "Physically, it's becoming harder to prepare for training and matches, and I want to be the player I expect myself to be, for my teammates, the fans, and myself."
Vertonghen has spent over 18 years at the top of European football. He played 220 games for Ajax, winning two league titles and captaining the club, before an eight-year spell at Tottenham, where he made 315 appearances.
He later spent two seasons at Benfica before joining Anderlecht in 2022, where he has been captain for nearly three seasons. His retirement from club football follows his international farewell in 2024 after the European Championship in Germany.
Belgium's Jan Vertonghen reacts disappointed after losing the Euro 2008 qualifying match Belgium vs Portugal, Saturday 2 june 2007 in Brussels. Credit: Belga
Vertonghen made his Belgium debut in 2007 and went on to earn a record 157 caps. He played in five major tournaments, scoring at the 2014 World Cup and playing a key role in Belgium's run to the semi-finals in 2018.
Anderlecht praised Vertonghen's leadership, calling him "a true inspiration and a rock in defence."
Determined to finish on a high, he aims to lead the club through the final phase of the season, including a domestic cup final. "I'll give everything in these last 11 matches and hope to create more special moments with the fans and my teammates", he said.
