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Hans Vanaken
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Hans Vanaken

Belgian midfielder who scored in Belgium's 4-1 win over the United States.

Last refreshed: 7 July 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

Why did it take until his thirties for Vanaken to become a Belgium regular?

Timeline for Hans Vanaken

#36 5 Jul

Belgium end USA's home World Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup
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Background

Vanaken scored in Belgium's 4-1 last-16 win over the United States, a rare World Cup outing for a player who only became a senior international fixture in his thirties.

The Club Brugge captain has spent his entire senior career at the Belgian club, winning multiple Pro League titles and a record-equalling three Belgian Golden Shoes, level with Jan Ceulemans and Wilfried van Moer for the most in the award's history. He made his Belgium debut in September 2018, in a win over Scotland.

At 33, Vanaken's World Cup run is late recognition for a player long regarded as the best in Belgian domestic football but overlooked internationally until recently.

Common Questions
What club does Hans Vanaken play for?
He plays for and captains Club Brugge KV in the Belgian Pro League, where he has spent his entire senior career.Source: Club Brugge
How many Belgian Golden Shoes has Hans Vanaken won?
Three, a record-equalling total level with Jan Ceulemans and Wilfried van Moer, most recently in February 2025.Source: Belgian FA
When did Hans Vanaken make his Belgium debut?
On 7 September 2018, in a 4-0 win over Scotland at Hampden Park, replacing Eden Hazard.Source: Wikipedia
Why is Hans Vanaken only a recent Belgium regular?
Despite years as Club Brugge's best player, he was overlooked by national coaches until his thirties. His goal against the USA on 6 July 2026 capped a rare deep World Cup run.Source: event