The once-mighty Belgian national team, known as the ‘golden generation’, is facing a stark reality. After their latest defeat to France in the Nations League, captain Kevin De Bruyne let his frustrations fly, publicly criticizing his teammates’ work ethic and coach Domenico Tedesco’s tactics. The Manchester City maestro couldn’t hide his despair as Belgium slumped to a 2-0 loss in Lyon. He openly expressed his disappointment at halftime and afterwards, stating, “If the standard we want to reach is the best, but we’re no longer good enough to get to that level, then you have to give everything. If you don’t even do that, it’s over.” De Bruyne was a key player in Belgium’s rise to the top of the FIFA rankings, leading the team to the World Cup semifinals in 2018 and reaching the quarterfinals of both the World Cup and European Championships in recent years. However, their recent performances have fallen short of expectations, culminating in a disappointing Round of 16 exit at Euro 2024, again against France. De Bruyne also pointed a finger at Tedesco’s defensive approach, stating, “I can accept that we’re not as good as in 2018. I was the first to see that, but other things are unacceptable. I’m not going to say what.” Tedesco, despite the criticism, defended his captain’s outburst, saying De Bruyne “has a mentality of a winner” and is “emotional and disappointed.” The team’s performance has taken a significant hit in recent years. Belgium, currently ranked sixth in the world, has slipped from the top table of international football. Their current struggles have been further amplified by the decline of their once formidable ‘golden generation’. The likes of Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, and Thibaut Courtois have either retired or are no longer part of the national team. Romelu Lukaku, the all-time top scorer for Belgium, is still available, but his recent move to Napoli after a difficult spell at Chelsea has left him sidelined for the Nations League games. With the departure of these key players, Belgium is facing a new era, one that is marked by uncertainty and a need for a complete overhaul. De Bruyne, along with Lukaku, represents the last remaining link to the previous generation. But with injuries impacting his form in recent seasons, his future with the national team remains uncertain. The ‘golden generation’ is fading, leaving Belgium with a crucial question: Can they rebuild and return to their former glory?
De Bruyne’s Outburst Highlights Belgium’s Decline: A ‘Golden Generation’ Fades
