Belgium’s national football team is facing an unexpected shake-up as two of its most influential players, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, have opted out of the upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and France. This decision, coming from two key figures of the team’s so-called ‘golden generation,’ signals growing uncertainty about the future of Belgian football, particularly under the leadership of head coach Domenico Tedesco.
Both De Bruyne and Lukaku have been instrumental in Belgium’s major international campaigns over the past decade. However, neither player will feature in the October fixtures, raising questions about their current mindset and long-term commitment to the national team. While neither player has officially retired from international duty, their absence comes amidst reports of dissatisfaction with the team’s current performance and tactical approach under Tedesco.
De Bruyne’s Frustration and Lukaku’s Absence
Kevin De Bruyne’s decision not to participate in the October Nations League matches appears to be fueled by his frustrations with the team’s recent performances. After Belgium’s match against France in September, De Bruyne was caught on camera expressing his discontent, reportedly saying, “I’m done, I’m done.” Many have interpreted this as a sign of dissatisfaction with the team’s playing style and lack of success in recent years. While De Bruyne hasn’t officially stepped down from international duty, his decision to sit out the upcoming matches suggests that he may be reassessing his future with the national team.
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, is also stepping back for the upcoming fixtures. While his absence in September was attributed to the uncertainty surrounding his club transfer to Napoli, his decision to skip the October matches is less clear. Lukaku’s form has improved since his move to Napoli, where he has been performing well under Antonio Conte. However, his decision to withdraw from the national team raises questions about his motivation, with some speculating that it may be a form of silent protest against Tedesco’s leadership.
Underlying Tensions and Criticism of Tedesco
Tensions within the Belgian camp have been simmering for some time, with several high-profile players expressing dissatisfaction with Tedesco’s leadership. Thibaut Courtois, Belgium’s star goalkeeper, has already stated that he will not play for the national team as long as Tedesco remains in charge. Courtois’ decision was a significant blow to the team, and the absence of De Bruyne and Lukaku only deepens the sense of disunity within the squad.
Despite being one of the most talented teams in the world, Belgium’s golden generation has failed to deliver the success many expected. The team’s best finish was a semifinal appearance at the 2018 World Cup under former coach Roberto Martinez, but they have struggled to win silverware at major tournaments. Under Tedesco, the team has continued to falter, with recent performances falling short of expectations.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Belgium?
The absence of De Bruyne and Lukaku from the upcoming Nations League matches is a stark reminder that Belgium’s golden generation may be nearing the end of its cycle. With younger players coming into the squad and the team underperforming on the international stage, there is a growing sense that Belgium is entering a period of transition. For Tedesco, the task of rebuilding the team and addressing the underlying tensions within the squad is critical if Belgium is to remain competitive at the highest level.
Belgium’s upcoming matches against Italy and France are crucial for their Nations League campaign, but the absence of two of their most influential players adds an extra layer of uncertainty. The team will need to rely on younger talent and remaining veterans to step up in their absence.
The Road to 2026 World Cup
Both De Bruyne and Lukaku have indicated that they still have ambitions to compete in the 2026 World Cup, but their temporary absence from the national team suggests that they may be using this time to reassess their roles within the squad. For Belgium, the road to the World Cup may be filled with challenges, and the team’s ability to navigate this period of transition will depend on how they address the internal issues that have surfaced under Tedesco’s leadership.
As Belgium prepares for a future without some of its key players, the focus will now be on rebuilding the squad and creating a cohesive team that can compete on the world stage. For now, the absence of De Bruyne and Lukaku leaves Belgium with a great task ahead as they navigate this critical moment in their footballing journey.
