Who are the fan favorites in Belgian sports?
From cycling tracks to soccer stadiums, which names shine brightest?
Discover the most popular athletes from Belgium and learn how their exceptional talents have left a lasting impact on their respective sports.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Belgium.
Most popular athletes from Belgium:
- Eden Hazard
- Kim Clijsters
- Justine Henin
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Tom Boonen
- Romelu Lukaku
- Tia Hellebaut
- Nafissatou Thiam
- Axel Witsel
- Philippe Gilbert
- Thibaut Courtois
- David Goffin
- Yanina Wickmayer
Table of Contents
#1 Eden Hazard
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1991
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2 English Premier League Titles
Eden Hazard, a supremely gifted soccer player, has dazzled fans with his impeccable dribbling skills and playmaking abilities. Playing for top clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid, he has etched his name among the finest Belgian footballers.
Beyond the field, his humble and charismatic personality has won him admiration from fans and fellow players alike.
#2 Kim Clijsters
- 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1983
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 4 Grand Slam Singles Titles
Kim Clijsters, a former World No. 1 in both singles and doubles, is one of Belgium’s most accomplished tennis players. Her remarkable comebacks and versatility on the tennis court have inspired countless fans and aspiring players.
Her sportsmanship and kindness off the court have endeared her to many throughout her career.
#3 Justine Henin
- 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1982
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 7 Grand Slam Singles Titles
Justine Henin, another former World No. 1 in singles, is considered one of Belgium’s tennis greats. Known for her elegant one-handed backhand, she won numerous titles and earned recognition for her incredible determination and fighting spirit.
Beyond the court, her philanthropic endeavors highlighted her commitment to giving back to her community.
#4 Kevin De Bruyne
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1991
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 3 English Premier League Titles
Kevin De Bruyne, a highly skilled midfielder, has become an integral part of Manchester City’s success. His exceptional vision and passing accuracy make him one of the best playmakers in modern football.
Off the pitch, his charitable work and down-to-earth nature have attracted admiration from soccer enthusiasts worldwide.
#5 Tom Boonen
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cycling
- 🎂 Born in: 1980
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 4-time Paris-Roubaix Winner
Tom Boonen, a cycling legend, has left an indelible mark on the sport with his incredible performances in one-day races. Known as the “Tornado from Balen,” he dominated the cobbled classics and brought numerous victories to Belgium.
Beyond racing, his engaging personality and passion for the sport have made him a beloved figure in the cycling community.
#6 Romelu Lukaku
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1993
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Serie A Title with Inter Milan
Romelu Lukaku, an imposing and powerful striker, has become one of Europe’s most feared forwards. With stints at clubs like Everton, Manchester United, and Inter Milan, he has showcased his goal-scoring prowess consistently.
Off the field, his outspoken nature and support for social issues have made him a respected figure among his peers.
#7 Tia Hellebaut
- 🏆 Sport(s): Track and Field
- 🎂 Born in: 1978
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal in High Jump
Tia Hellebaut, Belgium’s golden girl in high jump, has left a lasting legacy in track and field through her incredible accomplishments. Her Olympic Gold Medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics put her in the spotlight as one of Belgium’s all-time greats in athletics.
Her perseverance and sportsmanship endeared her to many fans and fellow athletes across the globe.
#8 Nafissatou Thiam
- 🏆 Sport(s): Track and Field
- 🎂 Born in: 1994
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Olympic Gold Medal in Heptathlon
Nafissatou Thiam, an exceptional multi-event athlete, has made a significant impact in track and field through her stellar heptathlon performances. Winning the Olympic Gold Medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics catapulted her into the global spotlight as one of Belgium’s finest athletes.
Her determination to continually improve and her hardworking demeanor have made her a role model for aspiring track and field athletes.
#9 Axel Witsel
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1989
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Belgian Golden Shoe Winner
Axel Witsel, an accomplished central midfielder, has become a crucial figure in Belgium’s national team. His composure, tactical awareness, and defensive prowess have made him a reliable anchor in the midfield for both club and country.
Off the pitch, his professionalism and dedication to the sport have earned him respect from teammates and fans alike.
#10 Philippe Gilbert
- 🏆 Sport(s): Cycling
- 🎂 Born in: 1982
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: World Road Race Champion and 4-time Monument Winner
Philippe Gilbert, a decorated cyclist, has showcased his talent in one-day races, becoming one of Belgium’s most successful riders. Known for his aggressive racing style and tactical versatility, Gilbert has been a prominent fixture in the international cycling scene.
Beyond racing, his passion for the sport and dedication to the development of young talents have made him a respected figure in the cycling community.
#11 Thibaut Courtois
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1992
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: FIFA World Cup 2018 Golden Glove Winner
Thibaut Courtois, an imposing and talented goalkeeper, has been a reliable guardian between the posts for both the Belgian national team and various top clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid. His shot-stopping abilities and command of the penalty area have solidified his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the sport.
Off the field, his calm demeanor and support for charitable causes have endeared him to fans and peers alike.
#12 David Goffin
- 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1990
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: Career-high ATP Ranking of No. 7
David Goffin, a skilled and consistent player on the ATP World Tour, has consistently been among the top tennis players from Belgium. His impressive shot-making and finesse on the court have helped him achieve notable victories over higher-ranked opponents.
Away from the tennis court, Goffin’s sportsmanship and humble personality have earned him admiration from fans and fellow players alike.
#13 Yanina Wickmayer
- 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1989
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: US Open 2009 Semi-finalist
Yanina Wickmayer, a talented and dedicated Belgian tennis player, has had a successful career on the WTA Tour. Her strong baseline game and fighting spirit helped her achieve a career-high ranking of No. 12 in singles.
Off the court, her perseverance and commitment to the sport have made her a respected figure among her contemporaries and tennis enthusiasts.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Belgium?
Eden Hazard is considered the greatest athlete in Belgian history.
Who is the most popular female athlete from Belgium?
Justine Henin is the most popular female athlete from Belgium.
Which sport has the most popular athletes from Belgium?
Football has the most popular athletes from Belgium.
Which athlete from Belgium is the most popular internationally?
Eden Hazard is the most internationally recognized Belgian athlete.
