De Bruyne confirmed as new Belgium captain

De Bruyne confirmed as new Belgium captain

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 08:38 - 22.03.2023

Belgium have confirmed that star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will take over as new national team captain.

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne will take over the Belgium captaincy from former Chelsea and current Real Madrid player,  Eden Hazard. 

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne becomes new Belgium captain

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Hazard announced his retirement from international football in December in the wake of Belgium's group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Roberto Martinez's reign ended with that elimination, and De Bruyne who has amassed an impressive 97 caps for his county, will now be tasked with the burden of leadership under the guidance of new Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and striker Romelu Lukaku, on loan at Inter from Chelsea, have been named as vice-captains.

Big picture for Belgium and De Bruyne

De Bruyne has been a key part of Belgium’s rise through the years. He rose to stardom around the same time Belgium began to blossom with a crop of exceptional young talent. 

Unfortunately, the group failed to make good on the talent at their disposal. 

Belgium and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne

Belgium begin their quest to qualify for Euro 2024 on Friday when they take on a tough Sweden side in Stockholm. They will also face Euro 2024 hosts Germany in a friendly on March 28.

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