Mario Stroeykens: The Exciting Belgian and Anderlecht Midfielder
Mario Stroeykens is one of the most exciting young players in European football; he has dazzled with Anderlecht in the Belgian First Divison.
Alongside Romeo Lavia, Rav van den Berg, Malick Fofana and Arthur Vermeeren, he is regarded as one of the best young players in the world. Join us as we delve into the career of Mario Stroeykens.
Player Profile – Mario Stroeykens
Mario Stroeykensis rose through Anderlecht’s youth academy to make his professional debut on January 15, 2021, at just 16 years old.
His breakthrough came in the 2022-2023 season when he scored his first senior goal against KV Mechelen. In the 2023-2024 season, after signing a contract extension until 2026, he delivered six goals and six assists, becoming a key figure in Anderlecht’s title challenge.
A highlight includes his stunning goal in the Belgian Cup Clasico against Standard de Liège. By late 2024, he had amassed 91 caps and 12 goals for Anderlecht.
Player Profile Overview
|        Player Name           |          Mario Stroeykens           |
| Date of Birth | 29 September 2004 |
| Place of Birth | Zellik, Belgium |
| Height | Â 1.80 m |
| Weight | 176 pounds |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Current Club | Anderlecht |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Youth Career | Toekomst Relegem Anderlecht Belgium U15 Belgium U16 Belgium U19 Belgium U20 Belgium U21 |
| Senior Career | Anderlecht |
Mario Stroeykens’ Early Life and Background
At just eight years old, Stroeykens embarked on his journey with Anderlecht’s youth system, known for nurturing exceptional talent.
Transitioning through various youth levels, Stroeykens refined his technical abilities and tactical understanding. His progression within the club’s ranks was a testament to his hard work and the supportive environment at Anderlecht.
Family
Mario Stroeykens was to a Belgian father and a Congolese mother and hails from a family with a rich footballing background. His brother, Mathieu Stroeykens, and cousin, Henri Stanic, are also involved in the sport, indicating a familial passion for football.
Mario Stroeykens’ Playing Style and Strength
Mario Stroeykens combines physical presence with technical prowess. One of his notable strengths is his adeptness at layoffs, facilitating quick one-two passes that disrupt opposing defenses.
He frequently employs short passes and demonstrates a preference for cutting inside from the flanks, adding unpredictability to his offensive maneuvers.
In terms of technical skills, Stroeykens is proficient in executing complex moves. This proficiency enables him to maintain agility and balance, essential for navigating tight spaces and evading defenders.
Moreover, his playing style is characterized as a “Hole Player,” indicating his tendency to exploit spaces between the opposition’s defense and midfield. This role allows him to link play effectively and create scoring opportunities for his team
Mario Stroeykens’ Club Career
Mario Stroeykens has swiftly ascended through the ranks of RSC Anderlecht, establishing himself as a promising attacking midfielder.
His journey began in the youth academy of Toekomst Relegem, where he honed his foundational skills. In 2012, he transitioned to Anderlecht’s esteemed youth system, further refining his talents.
By the summer of 2020, Stroeykens’ consistent performances earned him a promotion from the U21 squad, coached by Craig Bellamy, to Anderlecht’s first team.
Making His Professional Debut
On January 15, 2021, at just 16 years old, he made his professional debut in a Belgian First Division A match against KAS Eupen. This significant milestone marked the beginning of his professional career.
The 2022-2023 season was particularly noteworthy for Stroeykens. On October 9, 2022, he netted his inaugural goal for Anderlecht in a 3-1 victory over KV Mechelen.
Throughout the season, he accumulated 26 league appearances, contributing four goals and one assist. His performances were instrumental in Anderlecht’s competitive campaign.
Extending His Stay with Anderlecht
Recognizing his potential and value to the team, Anderlecht secured Stroeykens’ commitment by extending his contract until 2026.
Mario Stroeykens truly cemented his place in RSC Anderlecht’s first team during the 2023-2024 season under the management of Brian Riemer.
After signing a contract extension until 2026, Stroeykens showcased remarkable consistency, playing an impressive 40 matches across all competitions.
His contributions were vital to Anderlecht’s campaign, as he scored six goals and provided six assists, becoming a key figure in the squad.
Stroeykens was instrumental in Anderlecht’s challenge for the Belgian Pro League title that season. The team came agonizingly close to glory, only slipping from first and second positions during the final two matches of the Champions’ Playoffs.
A narrow 0-1 home loss to archrivals Club Brugge KV and a 3-1 away defeat to Royal Antwerp FC dashed their hopes. Despite the disappointment, Stroeykens’ performances in high-pressure games underscored his potential.
Shining in the Belgian Classico
One of his most memorable moments came on December 7, 2023, during the Belgian Clasico against Standard de Liège in the Belgian Cup.
In a thrilling encounter, Stroeykens demonstrated his flair for the spectacular, scoring a stunning goal from outside the box to secure a 2-0 home victory for Paars-Wit. This performance not only delighted fans but also solidified his reputation as a player who thrives in crucial matches.
Playing Alongside Notable Players
Mario Stroeykens has had the privilege of playing alongside several standout teammates during his time at Anderlecht, each contributing to the team’s success and his development.
Kasper Dolberg’s clinical finishing, Thorgan Hazard’s versatility and European experience, and Jan Vertonghen’s leadership and defensive solidity have been vital assets.
Mario Stroeykens’ International Career
Stroeykens began his international journey in 2019 with the Belgium U15 team, earning his first cap that year. His potential was evident, and he quickly progressed to the U16 squad, where he made another appearance in 2019.
Rise Through the Youth Ranks
The year 2021 marked a significant step in Stroeykens’ career as he joined the Belgium U19 team. Over two years, he accumulated 13 caps and netted 5 goals, underscoring his offensive capabilities.
A standout performance came in March 2022 during the European Championship preliminary round against Finland. Stroeykens earned a penalty, converted it himself, and later provided an assist, leading Belgium to a 3-1 victory.
Transition to U20 and U21 Teams
In 2022, Stroeykens advanced to the Belgium U20 team, where he continued to impress by scoring once in two appearances. His upward trajectory persisted as he joined the U21 squad in 2023, amassing 12 caps to date.
Notable Teammates
Throughout his international tenure, Stroeykens has played alongside several promising talents, including Luca Oyen, with whom he played with effectively during the U19 European Championship qualifiers.
Ambitions and Future Prospects
As of January 2025, Stroeykens has expressed a clear ambition to break into Belgium’s senior national team. His consistent performances at the youth levels and growing experience with RSC Anderlecht position him as a strong candidate for future senior team call-ups.
Player Comparison
Mario Stroeykens has been compared to Jude Bellingham, Debinha, and Florian Wirtz due to his playing style. While these comparisons highlight the potential trajectory of Stroeykens’ career, it’s essential to recognize that each player’s development is unique.
Conclusion
Mario Stroeykens’ standout performances, crucial goals, and invaluable contributions in key moments has firmly established him as one of Anderlecht’s brightest talents.
As he grows in confidence and consistency, Stroeykens is poised to become a leading figure in Belgian football, making him a player to watch in the coming seasons.
References
Anderlecht
