Kevin De Bruyne named Belgium’s captain after Eden Hazard’s retirement

Kevin De Bruyne is now Belgium’s national team captain following the retirement of former Chelsea star, Eden Hazard.

Following Eden Hazard’s retirement from international football following Belgium’s premature exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which also marked the end of former coach Roberto Martinez’s reign, the country’s new national team coach, Domenico Tedesco has faced the hurdle of getting a new captain.

De Bruyne who already has 97 caps for his country and 25 goals at the international level, has been named as Belgium’s new captain ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

Speaking to RTL-TVI television after the announcement, the Manchester City star said;

“It’s an honour for me to be named and represent the country in this way.

“I’m almost 32. I’ve never considered international retirement. I think I can still bring something to the table and help the youngsters.”

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Inter forward Romelu Lukaku have also been chosen as the two vice-captains.