Arthur Vermeeren: Belgium’s Exciting and Talented Youngster
Arthur Vermeeren is one of the best rising stars in football alonside the likes of Lewis Miley, Harry Amass and Claudio Echeverri. He is regarded as one of the future of Belgian Football along the likes of Amadou Onana, Johan Bakayoko.
Arthur Vermeeren plays like a hybrid of midfield maestros, combining tactical intelligence, the ball-carrying, tenacity, creativity, and passing precision. Join us as we delve into the life of Arthur Vermeeren
Player Profile – Arthur Denis Vermeeren
Arthur Vermeeren is a talented Belgian midfielder born on February 7, 2005, who has quickly risen through the ranks of European football.
He started his career at Royal Antwerp, he made his professional debut in 2022 and became a key player, helping Antwerp win the Belgian Cup in 2023 and the Belgian Super Cup in 2024.
Vermeeren’s impressive performances earned him a move to Atlético Madrid in January 2024, before joining RB Leipzig on loan later that year.
Internationally, he made his senior debut for Belgium in October 2023 and was named in the squad for UEFA Euro 2024, highlighting his rapid progression. Known for his composure, vision, and tactical intelligence, Vermeeren is regarded as one of Belgium’s brightest football prospects.
Player Profile Overview
| Player Name | Arthur Denis Vermeeren |
| Date of Birth | 7 February 2005 |
| Place of Birth | Lier, Belgium |
| Height | 1.80 m |
| Weight | 170 pounds |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Current Club | RB Leipzig |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Youth Career | Royal Antwerp Belgium U17 Belgium U18 Belgium U19 Belgium U21 |
| Senior Career | Royal Antwerp II Royal Antwerp Atlético Madrid RB Leipzig Belgium |
| Achievements and Recognitions | 2022-23 Young Professional Footballer of the Year 2023 Best youngster of the year |
Arthur Vermeeren’s Early Life and Background
Arthur Vermeeren was born on February 7, 2005, in Belgium. From an early age, Vermeeren showed a natural affinity for football, playing in local youth teams before joining the academy at Royal Antwerp, one of Belgium’s most historic clubs.
His early development was marked by his exceptional intelligence on the pitch, tactical awareness, and technical ability, which quickly set him apart from his peers.
Coming from a country known for producing world-class talent, Vermeeren grew up idolizing some of Belgium’s “Golden Generation” players, which inspired him to pursue football at a professional level.
Arthur Vermeeren’s Playing Style and Strength
Arthur Vermeeren is a versatile and intelligent midfielder known for his ability to control the tempo of a game. His playing style blends defensive awareness with creativity, allowing him to excel both in breaking up opposition play and orchestrating attacks.
He is composed under pressure, with excellent ball control and passing accuracy. Vermeeren’s vision and tactical understanding enable him to distribute the ball effectively, while his tenacity and work rate make him a strong presence defensively.
Arthur Vermeeren: A Foundation at Royal Antwerp
Arthur Vermeeren’s footballing journey began in the youth ranks of Royal Antwerp, where his technical ability and intelligence on the pitch were evident from an early age.
He progressed quickly through the club’s academy, honing his skills and attracting attention from coaches for his composure, vision, and tactical awareness.
At Antwerp, he played alongside notable talents like Zeno Van Den Bosch and Pierre Dwomoh, both of whom were key figures in the academy setup. These early partnerships helped him develop a well-rounded understanding of midfield play, laying the groundwork for his eventual first-team breakthrough.
Arthur Vermeeren’s Breakthrough to the Royal Antwerp First Team
Arthur Vermeeren’s senior debut came on August 11, 2022, in the second leg of a UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Lillestrøm SK.
He came on as a second-half substitute, Vermeeren’s composure and football intelligence caught the eye immediately. “I couldn’t have imagined a better debut,” he told reporters post-match.
His sentiment was echoed by his coach, Mark Van Bommel, who described him as a “smart footballer” and a “joy to work with.” This debut set the stage for what would become a breakout season for the youngster.
Vermeeren’s rise continued as he was entrusted with a starting role in the Belgian Cup Final. Antwerp triumphed over KV Mechelen 2–0, and the young midfielder’s disciplined performance in the center of the park was instrumental in securing the silverware.
His first senior goal came just a month later, in a thrilling 3–2 victory against Club Brugge during the Champions’ play-off in May 2023, further cementing his status as a key player for the club.
Arthur Vermeeren’s performances throughout the season didn’t go unnoticed. His ability to maintain high standards over such a grueling run highlighted his fitness, tactical intelligence, and consistency, earning him widespread praise.
Scoring his First UEFA Champions League Goal
The following season saw Vermeeren taking on even more responsibility at Antwerp. He began the 2023-24 campaign by starting in the Belgian Super Cup, where Antwerp once again defeated KV Mechelen, this time via a penalty shootout.
His performances at the domestic level continued to impress, but it was in Europe where he truly announced himself to a wider audience. Vermeeren made his UEFA Champions League debut in a tough 5–0 defeat to Barcelona at the iconic Camp Nou.
Despite the heavy loss, his performance showcased his ability to compete at the highest level of European football. The defining moment of his European campaign came in the return leg against Barcelona.
Despite playing against world class names like Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez, Vermeeren scored his first Champions League goal in a thrilling 3–2 victory over the Spanish giants.
His decisive play earned him the Man of the Match award, and in the post-match interview, he described the night as “a dream come true.”
Arthur Vermeeren’s Spanish Adventure with Atlético Madrid
Arthur Vermeeren’s performances had caught the attention of European heavyweights, and it was Atlético Madrid who swooped in to secure his signature.
Though he was still young, the move to Atlético represented a significant step in Vermeeren’s career. At the Spanish club, he found himself training alongside renowned names like Antoine Griezmann, Rodrigo De Paul, and Marcos Llorente, all of whom provided invaluable experience and mentorship for the burgeoning Belgian star.
RB Leipzig: The Next Adventure in the Bundesliga
Seeking consistent first-team minutes, Vermeeren was loaned to RB Leipzig for the 2024-25 season, with an obligation to buy upon meeting certain conditions. The move to Leipzig promised more opportunities to develop his game in the highly competitive Bundesliga.
At Leipzig, he has the chance to link up with rising talents like Xavi Simons and Benjamin Šeško, both of whom are also seen as future stars of European football. This season-long loan offers Vermeeren the platform to prove himself further and prepare for a possible permanent move.
Arthur Vermeeren International Journey with Belgium
Vermeeren’s international career began at a young age, representing Belgium across various youth levels. His journey started with the Belgium U15 team, where he first showcased his potential on the international stage.
His composed performances in midfield quickly earned him a reputation as one to watch, leading to his inclusion in the Belgium U17 squad.
In 2022, Vermeeren was a key player for Belgium’s U17 team during the European Under-17 Championship. Although the Belgian side faced tough competition, Vermeeren’s ability to control the tempo of games and dictate play from midfield stood out.
Playing alongside talented peers such as Enock Agyei and Roméo Lavia, Vermeeren further developed his game, learning to adapt to higher levels of international football while forming important partnerships that would later define Belgium’s youth setup.
Belgium Senior Team: A Dream Realized
Arthur Vermeeren’s progress through the youth ranks culminated in a significant moment in October 2023. At just 18 years old, he received his first senior call-up from Belgium’s national team coach, Domenico Tedesco, for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers.
On October 13, 2023, Vermeeren made his senior debut for Belgium in a crucial Euro 2024 qualifying match against Austria. Coming on as a substitute in the 87th minute, Vermeeren replaced Johan Bakayoko in a thrilling 3–2 victory for the Red Devils.
Just a few months later, in May 2024, Vermeeren’s rapid ascent was further validated when he was named in Belgium’s 25-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024.
His inclusion in the squad alongside established stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Yannick Carrasco highlighted the trust the national team had in the young midfielder.
Though Belgium boasted an experienced squad, Vermeeren was brought in for his energy, versatility, and tactical intelligence—attributes that had already made him a standout at the club level.
A Key Figure for Belgium’s Future
As Belgium transitioned from its celebrated “Golden Generation,” which included the likes of De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Eden Hazard, Arthur Vermeeren was seen as one of the key players to lead the next generation of Belgian football.
His seamless integration into the senior squad and the valuable experience gained from playing alongside some of Europe’s finest talents positioned him as a future leader of the team.
In particular, his relationships with younger players like Charles De Ketelaere, Amadou Onana, and Romeo Lavia formed the backbone of Belgium’s midfield for years to come.
These partnerships—built on technical proficiency, intelligent movement, and a shared understanding of modern football—offered a glimpse into the bright future that awaited Belgium on the international stage.
Who Does Arthur Vermeeren Play Like?
He excels at dictating the tempo of a game, breaking up play, and distributing passes with precision. Like Luka Modrić, Vermeeren can switch between defense and attack seamlessly, showcasing creativity and vision, while his technical passing in tight spaces resembles Xavi.
Conclusion
Arthur Vermeeren’s club career, though still in its early stages, is already filled with notable achievements and defining moments. From lifting the Belgian Cup and Super Cup with Antwerp to scoring his first Champions League goal against Barcelona, his meteoric rise has been a joy to watch.
Now, with the backing of Atlético Madrid and the platform provided by RB Leipzig, Vermeeren is well on his way to becoming a prominent figure in European football.
As he continues to develop his game, football fans across the continent are eagerly awaiting his next steps in a journey that promises to be filled with more success and silverware.
