2. Will Thibaut Courtois return to the Devils?
Oui. Since the answer to this question depends on the previous one… Is it a good idea for Thibaut Courtois to return? There are arguments for and against. But the will of the federation and Vincent Mannaert seems to go in the direction of a resolution, while the Real Madrid goalkeeper admitted that he wanted to play in the 2026 World Cup. Obviously provided that a new coach arrives…
3. Will the Devils qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Oui. The opposite would be a shame for Belgian football, given the very favorable draw that the Devils have inherited. As a reminder, Belgium's Group J will be made up of Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein. We no longer imagine achieving an almost faultless run like in 2017 or 2021, but the Belgians will be the big favorites in the group, and will have to take responsibility for it. All matches will be played between June and November 2025. Only the first in the group will go directly to the World Cup but the second will also have the opportunity to qualify via play-offs in March 2026.
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4. Will other members of the golden generation quit?
Oui. The list will grow in 2025. After Kompany, Vermaelen, Mirallas, Eden Hazard, Dembélé or Fellaini, it is almost already a given that Toby Alderweireld (35) will stop at the end of the season. In any case, this is what the Antwerp defender announced in November. “Sometimes I can't wait to stop, but on the other hand, I still have a lot of ambition with Antwerp. I'm going to give it my all for another six months.”he told VTM. Jan Vertonghen, who will turn 38 in April and seems to be slowing down more and more due to his physical problems, could make the same decision at Anderlecht, even if he has not yet spoken on the subject. As for Dries Mertens, he could still postpone his retirement by twelve months, even if he will also be 38 years old in May. “We experience the same thing every season. We start by saying it's my last and that I'm going to stop, then things go well. Let's let this one end before we think about what's next.”he recently admitted to the Turkish newspaper Nationality.
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5. How many Belgians will be champions?
Three. Every season, Belgians win titles in major foreign championships. It is now difficult to see Kevin De Bruyne and Jéremy Doku (Manchester City) succeeding in defending their Premier League crown, nor Roméo Lavia (Chelsea), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) or Matz Sels (Nottingham) preventing Liverpool from being champion. In Italy, Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta) and Romelu Lukaku (Naples) are off to a much better start, but Inter remain the big favorites for their own succession. On the other hand, the chances are higher in Spain with Thibaut Courtois' Real Madrid and Axel Witsel's Atlético Madrid vying for the top of La Liga. Coach Vincent Kompany is also off to a good start with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga after his good first part of the season. In Portugal, Zeno Debast and Sporting Portugal are neck and neck with their neighbor Benfica and FC Porto, but their recent success in the Lisbon derby (1-0) allowed them to take the lead in the standings. Let us also mention Johan Bakayoko who dominates the Dutch championship with PSV and is heading towards a second title in a row… provided that he finishes the season at the club.
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6. Will a Belgian win the Champions League?
Oui. There are several among the favorites. And even if Courtois' Real Madrid and Manchester City, with KDB and Doku, got off to a bad start in the competition, all the cards will be reshuffled from the second round, in February. The difficulties in the championship could also allow the Citizens to concentrate on Europe. But the competition will be huge again. With Kompany's Bayern Munich who dreams of playing in the final at home. With Inter Milan who impressed in the first round. With Liverpool who will try to continue their almost perfect season in 2025. With Barça who have already impressed against Bayern or Dortmund. Or even with Arsenal (with Trossard), Atlético (Witsel), Atalanta (De Ketelaere) who will be among the outsiders. In short, several favorites do not have Red Devils in their core, but the probability that a Belgian will succeed Courtois, winner in 2024, is rather high.
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7. Will Kevin De Bruyne leave?
Oui. It's difficult to get into the head of the Red Devil who perhaps doesn't yet know himself what decision he will make. His contract at Manchester City expires in six months, and several possibilities are available to him. Extend, if the Citizens' proposal suits it, or leave: towards Saudi Arabia, the United States or even Turkey. “In fact, there is nothing to say yethe recalled Sunday on Sky Sport. Sometimes you see and read so much… People seem to know more than me. Maybe I should talk to them a little more. It's not time yet. But I feel good, I'm happy and I'm doing my job. Everything in its time, the right time will come.” If he wants to enjoy one last challenge before retirement, the one who will celebrate his 34th birthday next June must go. His decision will probably also depend on the verdict in the case of 115 financial fair play violations and the Citizens' second half of the season.
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8. Will Vinicius Jr succeed Rodri at the Ballon d’Or?
Non. No major international competition this year to influence the votes, as was the case with Rodri, winner of the Euro with Spain. On the other hand, competition will once again be enormous. If we can already exclude Erling Haaland following his rather disappointing first part of the season, the favorites will be Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski or Harry Kane. But if we had to put a coin today, we would put it on Mohamed Salah who is coming off an exceptional five months and will try to continue his momentum with Liverpool. Note that a future winner of the Champions League will, as usual, have a head start.
Rodri's little dig at Cristiano Ronaldo after his criticism of the Ballon d'Or award
