Kevin De Bruyne has been named the new captain of the Belgian national team following the retirement of Eden Hazard.

After Belgium’s early elimination from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which also signalled the end of former coach Roberto Martinez’s tenure, Eden Hazard made the decision to leave the international game. Domenico Tedesco, Martinez’s successor, was then given the task of selecting a new leader for the Red Devils.

Before to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, the 37-year-old boss named De Bruyne as Belgium’s new captain. The Manchester City player has 97 caps for his country and 25 goals at the international level.

RELATED:

• Didier Deschamps selects Kylian Mbappe as the new France captain
• Revealed: FIFA’s update new plans for Club World Cup qualification
• Kevin De Bruyne discusses his falling out with Toby Alderweireld after Belgium beat Canada.

“It’s an honour for me to be named and represent the country in this way,” De Bruyne told RTL-TVI television after the announcement.

“I’m almost 32. I’ve never considered international retirement. I think I can still bring something to the table and help the youngsters.”

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Inter forward Romelu Lukaku have been chosen as the two vice-captains.

De Bruyne has previously captained Belgium on multiple occasions, notably against Croatia in their last 2022 World Cup group-stage match.

In a 2024 European Championship Qualification on Friday against Sweden, De Bruyne will begin his tenure as the full-time captain of Belgium.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Belgium announce De Bruyne as new captain after Hazard’s retirement.

In opposition to FIFA’s restriction on wearing the OneLove armband, Germany players covered their mouths during their team photo before their opening World Cup group stage match against Japan.

One day into the competition, Manuel Neuer and the captains of nine other UEFA nations received warnings that they would receive bookings if they chose to wear the armband in place of FIFA’s prescribed one.

Players, coaches, and spectators all harshly criticized the choice. Harry Kane of England claimed that he wanted to be the captain but that the decision was made without consulting him. Meanwhile, Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen held a scary press conference in which he implied that players feel like they are being controlled.

Before his team’s match against Japan, Germany manager Hansi Flick indicated that his starting XI will be posing for a team photo while covering their mouths as an alternate form of protest.

RELATED:

• Luka Modric set new career impressive record in world football
• Cristiano Ronaldo fined and banned by the FA after smashing a fan’s phone.
• Another serious setback for France as Lucas Hernandez is ruled out of the World Cup

“We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect. Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard,” the German national team said on Twitter.

“It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.

“Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”

We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect. Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.

— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) November 23, 2022

The German FA was reportedly considering suing FIFA for pulling the rug out from under them in the armband controversy earlier this week.

Since then, the Danish FA has announced that, along with other UEFA countries, they may quit FIFA in protest of this week’s events.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Germany staged an alternate protest after FIFA banned the OneLove armband..

Brazilian retired professional footballer Ronaldo de Assis Moreira commonly known as Ronaldinho Gaúcho has revealed his favourite footballer from Belgium.

Barcelona legend, Ronaldinho has picked Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne as his favourite Belgian player.

Ronaldinho said this while speaking about the qualities Roberto Martinez’s side possesses ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

RELATED:

• Liverpool and Man City stars left out of England squad to face Germany
• Ronaldo bled after colliding with Czech Republic’s goalkeeper mid-air
• Richarlison reveals shocking information about his transfer from Everton

The Brazil legend took the time to praise De Bruyne, saying (via Voetbul Nieuws):

“De Bruyne is my favourite Red Devil. I love his style. Okay, he’s not a dribbler like Eden Hazard, but he has great technique. He is a great player.”

For Man City, De Bruyne has had a fantastic start to the year. In his first ten games for Pep Guardiola’s team, the former Chelsea star has eight assists.

Since his international debut in 2010, he has been a vital part of the Belgian national team.

The City midfielder has 92 international appearances under his belt and 25 goals, but he hasn’t won a championship with the Red Devils yet. Time is running out for a side many deem to be Belgian’s ‘golden generation’ to achieve World Cup glory.

This post appeared first on Mp3bullet.ng... Read Original post on Ronaldinho names his favourite footballer from Belgium..