Former Tottenham and Belgium defender announces shock retirement | OneFootball

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the 2024-25 season. The 37-year-old, who currently captains Belgian side Anderlecht, explained that his physical condition is the main reason behind his decision to call time on his 19-year professional career. So far this season, he has made just five appearances across all competitions after struggling with Achilles and ankle problems.

Vertonghen started his senior career in 2006 with Eredivisie side Ajax, where he won two Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups. In 2012, he was named Dutch Footballer of the Year. He was also the club captain in his final year in the Netherlands.

Ahead of the 2012-13 season, Vertonghen moved to Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent eight years in the Premier League. The defender made 315 appearances for the North London club in all competitions, scoring 14 times. He also played a key role in their run to the Champions League final in 2019. During his time in England, he was twice named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. One of his finest performances as a Tottenham player came when he played in the less familiar position of left wing-back, scoring one goal and providing one assist in a 3-0 victory. He received wide praise for his display and was named the Champions League Player of the Week by UEFA.

Following his spell with Spurs, Vertonghen joined Benfica on a three-year deal before signing for Anderlecht on a free transfer in 2022 after his contract was terminated.

The veteran defender made a total of 880 appearances over 19 seasons, winning five trophies and leaving a lasting impact at every club he represented. With 157 caps and 10 goals for the Belgium national team, Vertonghen remains the nation’s most-capped player of all time. In 2018, his Belgian side finished third in the FIFA World Cup. He retired from international football last July after UEFA Euro 2024.

Vertonghen cited an inability to properly prepare for games as key to his decision, and Anderlecht's final league game of the season against Genk will be his last match. he said, “I have noticed that it is becoming more and more difficult to prepare myself physically for training sessions and matches and to show myself as the player I want to be, not only towards the fans and my fellow players, but also towards myself. That is why I will be stopping after this season."