Jan Vertonghen retired from the Belgium national team with record appearances

The veteran defender of Anderlecht Jan Vertonghen37, announced today that he will retire from the national team Belgiumleaving an absolute record of 157 games played with the Red Devils.

“Thank you for all the memories. I have lived my dream,” said the former central defender. Ajax, Tottenham, Benfica and still a footballer Anderlechtalong with his message on the social network Instagram with photos of his debut with the national team in 2007 and another of his last appearance at the Euro Cup in 2024.

Vertonghen, who also has ten goals for the national team, has been one of the pillars of the Red Devils for almost two decades. The center back retired with a decidedly bitter aftertaste, having scored an own goal that put France in the quarterfinals (1-0) and eliminated Belgium from the Euro Cup.

In this way he joins the long list of football players who retired from the national team who were part of the “golden generation” of Belgian football, such as Vincent Kompany, Marouane Fellaini, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Eden Hazard and they managed to finish third in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Roma striker is still active and available for the Red Devils from that group. Romelu Lukaku31 years old, defender of Atlético de Madrid Axel Witsel35 years old, or the Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruynewho said he will decide after the summer whether he is still on the national team or not.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper is still active Thibaut CourtoisThe 32-year-old, who ruled himself out of the Euro Cup after falling out with the coach, Domenico Tedesco.

Vertonghenfor his part, explained at that tournament that he had not yet decided whether he would play one final season with the team. Anderlecht or if he hangs up his boots for good.