Belgium Soccer Players Who Dominated the World Cup and Their Career Highlights

I still remember watching Belgium’s national soccer team during the 2018 World Cup and thinking, wow—this team feels like a puzzle nobody could quite solve. It reminds me of that phrase from volleyball commentary I once read: “At least for now, Choco Mucho remains a puzzle PLDT just couldn’t crack.” That’s exactly how Belgium’s golden generation felt on the world stage—elusive, unpredictable, and brilliant when it mattered most. Let’s talk about a few of those standout Belgian players who didn’t just participate in the World Cup; they dominated it, leaving a legacy that fans like me still gush over years later.

Take Kevin De Bruyne, for instance. If you’ve ever watched him orchestrate a game, you’ll know he’s like a chess grandmaster disguised as a midfielder. I still get chills thinking about his assist against Brazil in the 2018 quarterfinals—a no-look pass that sliced through one of the world’s best defenses as if they were training cones. De Bruyne didn’t just play; he dictated the rhythm. Over his career, he’s racked up more than 90 international caps and contributed to over 150 goals for club and country. What’s always stood out to me is his vision. While some players rely on speed or strength, De Bruyne slows the game down in his mind, spotting openings that others wouldn’t see even on replay. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve tried to emulate that style in my Sunday league games—with far less success, I might add!

Then there’s Eden Hazard. Oh, how I loved watching him dance past defenders during Belgium’s 2018 campaign. His performance against Japan in the Round of 16 was pure artistry. With Belgium trailing 2-0, Hazard didn’t panic. Instead, he took over, dribbling past four defenders in one sequence and helping set up the equalizer before scoring the winner in stoppage time. Over his international career, he netted 33 goals in 126 appearances, but numbers alone don’t capture his magic. Hazard played with a kind of joy that’s rare at the elite level—a cheeky grin as he sent opponents sliding the wrong way. I’ve always felt he was at his peak during that World Cup, a puzzle no defender could solve, much like that Choco Mucho team that kept outsmarting their rivals.

Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time top scorer, was another force of nature. I’ll never forget his two assists against Japan and that powerful header against Brazil. Standing at 6’3”, he combined raw strength with surprising agility. By the end of the 2018 tournament, Lukaku had scored 4 goals in 6 matches, bringing his international tally to over 60—a staggering number that cements his place among Belgium’s greats. What I admire most is his resilience. He’s faced criticism over the years for his first touch or his form at club level, but put him in a Belgian jersey, and he transforms. It’s like he channels all that pressure into those explosive runs and clinical finishes. Watching him, I’m reminded that some players are just built for the big stage.

Of course, we can’t forget Thibaut Courtois. That save against Neymar in the 2018 quarterfinals? Pure instinct. I remember holding my breath as Neymar curled the ball toward the top corner, only for Courtois to stretch every inch of his 6’7” frame and tip it over. He ended that World Cup with 27 saves and three clean sheets, earning the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. I’ve always thought goalkeepers are a special breed—part athlete, part psychologist—and Courtois embodies that. His calm under pressure, whether in a Champions League final or a World Cup semifinal, gives the entire team confidence. It’s no wonder Belgium’s defense felt so secure with him between the posts.

Now, looking back, it’s clear this generation of Belgian players had something special—a mix of individual brilliance and collective grit. They peaked at the right time, finishing third in 2018, their best World Cup result ever. Sure, they didn’t lift the trophy, but they captured hearts and commanded respect. For me, their journey mirrors that idea of an unsolvable puzzle. Just when opponents thought they had Belgium figured out, De Bruyne would launch a counter-attack, or Hazard would produce a moment of magic. Even today, as some of these stars near the end of their careers, I find myself rewatching highlights, amazed by how they made the impossible look effortless. That’s the mark of true dominance—not just winning, but captivating us along the way.