Another of Belgium's 'Golden Generation' has retired from national team duty
Jan Vertonghen has retired from international football following Belgium’s exit from Euro 2024.
The 37-year-old bows out having made 157 appearances for his country – the seventh most in history.
Vertonghen made his Red Devils debut in June 2007 against Portugal and has gone on to play at the World Cup in 2014, 2018 and 2022 as well as the European Championship in 2016 and 2021.
View this post on Instagram
He earned his 100th cap – presented to him by his mother – in 2018, in another clash with Portugal, exactly 11 years after his debut.
Anderlecht defender Vertonghen started Euro 2024 on the bench but was recalled for the game with Romania and helped his side keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 win. He kept his place for the goalless draw with Ukraine and the round of 16 clash with France in which he was credited with an own goal after deflecting Randal Kolo Muani’s shot into his own net with five minutes to go as Domenico Tedesco’s side lost 1-0.
He may not be the only Belgium player to retire as their ‘Golden Generation’ start to dwindle away.
Kevin De Bruyne is considering his position while the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Axel Witsel could also opt to call it quits.
A legendary performance. 👏👏 #MerciJan pic.twitter.com/PapQ2UH5hL
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 5, 2024