Vertonghen, Jan

Step into Lotto Park on a typical Sunday in 2022 and mention the name Jan Vertonghen. Instantly, heads nod with admiration and respect. Not just because he wore the Red Devils shirt 157 times. Not just because he lifted trophies with Ajax or played nearly a decade in the Premier League. But because, even at 35, he still exuded calm, leadership, and that unmistakable grit. Vertonghen was the headline signing of 2022 — and in 2025, he would bid farewell to Anderlecht and an extraordinary football career.

From Sint-Niklaas to London, via Amsterdam
Born in 1987 in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, Jan began his footballing journey at VK Tielrode before moving to Germinal Beerschot. But it was Ajax that truly shaped him. In Amsterdam, he became a cornerstone of the team — captain, multiple-time champion, and the very model of a modern defender: technically gifted, intelligent in build-up play, and never afraid of a crunching tackle when needed. The nickname “Strong Jan” stuck — and for good reason.

In 2012, he took the big step: Tottenham Hotspur. For eight seasons, he was a defensive mainstay for the Spurs. Who could forget that stunning solo goal against Manchester United? Or the Champions League final he reached with Tottenham — even if it ended in heartbreak against Liverpool? And of course, his iconic looping header against Japan at the 2018 World Cup — the goal that sparked one of Belgium’s greatest comebacks (from 0–2 to 3–2). Belgium finished third that summer — but could just as easily have become world champions.

Homecoming: Anderlecht
After a brief spell with Benfica, Vertonghen returned home in 2022 — to RSC Anderlecht. It was a move few expected, but one that thrilled fans. At that point, he was arguably the best defender in the Belgian league. With a squad full of young talent, Vertonghen became the mentor — the professor at the back. He didn’t dribble past midfield or deliver flashy skills. But he read the game like a chess master. He always seemed to know where the ball would land five seconds before it got there. His long-range passing remained razor-sharp, a true weapon.

In 2024, Anderlecht seemed poised to take the league title, leading the playoff rounds. But then disaster struck: a string of injuries — including to Vertonghen and star man Hazard — derailed the campaign. The team ran out of steam and let the title slip away in the penultimate round. 2025 brought more misfortune. Vertonghen struggled with a persistent injury and barely played. He set his sights on the Cup final, came on as a substitute — but that too ended in defeat, 2–1 to Club Brugge.

His final appearance came in the playoff match against Brugge on May 18, 2025. He played around 70 minutes before being subbed off to a standing ovation. Lotto Park gave him a farewell to remember — a massive tifo in purple and Belgian colours, video tributes from legends like Mourinho, Lukaku, Huntelaar, Son, Eriksen… His family watched proudly from the sidelines, and it was his daughter who held up the substitution board. “Wasn’t exactly a surprise — my girls had already told me,” he joked afterwards. His close friend Mousa Dembélé was there too.

More Than a Player
Vertonghen’s impact at Anderlecht went far beyond the pitch. In the dressing room, he wasn’t loud — but when he spoke, everyone listened. The younger players looked up to him — rightfully so. He brought with him years of top-flight experience and a quiet, relentless work ethic. Even in his final season, plagued by injury, he remained close to the squad — traveling, supporting, mentoring. From the stands, he still influenced matches.

What made Jan Vertonghen truly special wasn’t just the glittering career or the hundreds of top-level games. It was his role as a leader, a guide, a model professional. He stayed grounded throughout, and in recent years devoted more energy to his foundation — giving back to children in need.

A true great — on and off the pitch.