INTERVIEWS From bit-part player to undisputed presence between the posts: Colin Coosemans (33) has come a long way. In 2025, he grew into Anderlecht's first-choice goalkeeper and captain. With a nomination for Goalkeeper of the Year in his pocket, he looks back on a turbulent—but above all liberating—year.
Last Tuesday, there was no training at Neerpede. Christmas sweaters came out and the players sat down for an extensive lunch. “The chef went all out,” Coosemans laughs. “Salmon tartare with wasabi, Wagyu as the main course, and tiramisu with Kinder Bueno. And yes, a glass of wine was allowed.”
A year of stability
On a personal level, Coosemans looks back on 2025 with satisfaction. “I played the entire year and was able to combine that with consistent performances. There was a lot of unrest around the club, but it didn't throw me off balance. As a goalkeeper, you mainly try to radiate calm and secure points.”
According to him, it's his strongest season to date. “Especially because it's at Anderlecht. I've had good years elsewhere too, but here everything is more intense: the pressure, the expectations, the media. For me, that's actually motivating.”
That perseverance was rewarded when the supporters voted him Player of the Year. “That's exactly why I kept fighting. Leaving would have been easier, but I wanted to succeed in this shirt. There were moments when it seemed unattainable, but I always kept believing.”
Tough moments
The road to recognition wasn't without scars. Coosemans speaks openly about the period when Anderlecht signed Kasper Schmeichel. “That was a huge mental blow. Shortly after, my body completely shut down. A locked neck, severe pain, hospitalization… That takes its toll, also on your family.”
Today, he approaches life differently. “I'm happier. The tension that had been there for years is gone. When I'm home now, I'm really home. I used to look for distractions outside more often; now I try to keep things calm heading into the weekend.”
Captain without a mask
Since wearing the captain's armband, his attitude hasn't changed. “I was already part of the captain's group under Kompany. I say what I think—sometimes sharply, sometimes gently. That depends on the moment.”
Together with Thorgan Hazard, he forms a tandem in the dressing room. “We're completely different. Thorgan is social and uses humor to relieve tension. I also get a lot from Lucas Biglia, who helps me in my role as captain. He emphasizes how important positive coaching is, especially with a young group.”
The turning point
A crucial moment this season was the group meeting without the staff, just before the match against KV Mechelen. “First we sat down with the captains and then brought in the whole group. It went quiet for a moment, but we made it clear we weren't running away from it. In the end, everything came out. We were honest: up to that point, our level hadn't been good enough for Anderlecht.”
According to Coosemans, it was necessary to wake some players up. “Not everyone immediately realizes what it means to play for this club. That meeting clarified a lot. Things have been better since then.”
Anderlecht is not a sub-top team
“Anyone who plays here has to know the history,” he says sharply. “We no longer accept being satisfied with winning once in a while. The older players and the boys from Neerpede guard that standard.”
Although the squad on paper isn't stronger than last season, the team is performing better. “Results decide everything. If you win, the group grows naturally. In recent years, we ended up in crises too often.”
On the departure of Wouter Vandenhaute, Coosemans remains nuanced. “It's too easy to point at one person, but there is more calm now. There's trust in the current policy, and that helps.”
Looking ahead with caution
Will Anderlecht win a trophy in 2026? “We hope so and will do everything we can. But with the upcoming transfer window, you never know what will change.”
The victories against Club Brugge, Union, and Genk inspire confidence. “Last season it often just went against us; now it sometimes falls our way. That difference lies in details and belief.”
The young talents are also making an impression. “Angulo has already decided matches, and De Cat is developing faster than expected. He's really putting his stamp on the team now.”
An open future
With nominations for De Cat (Young Player of the Year) and himself (Goalkeeper of the Year), Coosemans remains grounded. “I enjoy it, but I don't count on anything. In football, everything can change quickly. I'm simply proud to be number one and captain.”
On a new contract, he remains cautious. “I feel I still have many years in me. I've been able to manage my body well. I'd like to spend those years at Anderlecht, but it's up to the club to show that they truly want to continue with me.”
Source: © Internal source
