Belgium continues to stand out as one of Europe’s most reliable talent factories. Across domestic competitions and abroad, young Belgian players are increasingly trusted at senior level, often at an earlier age than in the past. Whether through the Challenger Pro League, the Jupiler Pro League or experiences outside the country, the pathway towards first-team football has become clearer and more accessible.
In this article, we focus on five young Belgian players we believe are ready to take the next step. Some have already made their senior debuts, while others are pushing hard for a breakthrough, but all appear capable of earning meaningful first-team involvement or a larger role in the near future. Active across different competitive environments, these players are profiles whose progression could accelerate significantly before the end of 2026.
Joshua NGA KANA
A versatile player who spent a large part of his development as a midfielder, whether in a defensive, central or attacking role. Joshua made his professional debut at the start of the season on August 9th against Kortrijk and has remained a constant member of the RSCA Futures squad ever since.
Joshua has impressed both as a number ten and on the right wing, showing his ability to adapt to different roles. A Belgian international, he has been a regular call-up since the U15 level. During the first qualification round for the UEFA U17 EURO 2026, he scored a goal against Moldova and provided an assist against Norway for another standout talent of his generation, Kiyan Achahbar.
He is undoubtedly one of Anderlecht’s biggest talents and one of the players closest to making his Jupiler Pro League debut. Joshua was also invited to take part in RSC Anderlecht’s winter training camp in Spain and played just over 20 minutes in the friendly match against St. Gallen.
Technically gifted and unpredictable, Joshua stands out for his excellent close control and ball-carrying ability. In 2026, he is likely to make his Jupiler Pro League debut and could realistically aim to establish himself within Anderlecht’s first team.
August DE WANNEMACKER
August De Wannemacker is a key member of the 2008 generation. After initially being involved with the Futures selection at U15 level, he quickly became an almost undisputed starter with the traditional national teams from the U16s onwards. He delivered a strong UEFA U17 EURO 2025 campaign and also impressed in two matches at the U17 World Cup 2025, despite his sending off.
At club level, everything is progressing smoothly at Genk. Last summer, he was already partially involved in the first team’s pre-season preparations and this winter he also joined the senior squad on training camp. August made his professional debut with Jong Genk in the Challenger Pro League on October 25th, 2024. During the 2024 season, he featured in seven matches, starting four of them and accumulating a total of 346 minutes.
This season, his status has been crystal clear. He started the opening match of the campaign against SK Beveren on August 15th, 2025 and has not left the starting eleven since, with 15 starts in 15 matches. He has even captained Jong Genk on five occasions.
August De Wannemacker is one of the cornerstones of this talented Jong Genk side, which is currently enjoying a stronger season than last year. After finishing the previous campaign with 14 points, the team has already surpassed that total with 16 points this season.
Known for his game intelligence, technical ability and passing quality, August stands out as a highly reliable midfielder. This year, he could be rewarded with his first league appearances for KRC Genk and potentially earn a regular place in the senior squad with meaningful minutes before the end of 2026.
Noah FERNANDEZ
An extremely important member of the 2008 generation that reached the semi-finals of the UEFA U17 EURO and the round of 16 at the U17 World Cup. Noah is undoubtedly one of the best-known Belgian talents among European specialists. A key figure for the national team, he has already scored four goals in seven matches this season at international level.
Noah is also a versatile profile, capable of playing as a number eight or a number ten, while having already featured on the right wing, particularly with the national team. At PSV since the age of six, he is a pure product of the Eindhoven academy, where Belgian players are present across almost every age group. He is considered one of the club’s standout talents.
Back in 2023, he was already training with the first team. He made his professional debut last August on the 11th against Emmen and his progression has been exponential ever since. One month later, he was named on the bench for an Eredivisie match for the first time and on October 4th he made his league debut against PEC Zwolle.
He then travelled to the U17 World Cup in Qatar, where he delivered an outstanding tournament, scoring two goals and providing two assists in four matches. Upon returning, he only featured twice for Jong PSV, while starting twice in the KNVB Cup, registering one assist, and making two substitute appearances in the Eredivisie.
A highly technical player with an excellent left foot, Noah excels on set pieces and brings a great deal of creativity in the final third. He could realistically earn a regular starting role with PSV as early as the beginning of next season.
Xander DIERCKX
Xander is part of a strong 2009 generation and has been a Belgian international since the U15 level. This season, he has started all five matches he has played with the U17 national team. He also delivered an excellent first qualifying round for the UEFA U17 EURO, scoring three goals and providing one assist in three matches.
Alongside Youssef Hamdaoui from the 2008 generation, Xander is emerging as one of the two most exciting young midfield talents beginning to establish themselves in Antwerp’s first team. He started the season as a regular starter with the Young Reds in the D1 VV, starting nine of ten matches.
After being named on the bench twice in the Jupiler Pro League, he made his league debut against Club Brugge on November 30th. A few days later, he was called into action after Dennis Praet was forced off injured after just eleven minutes in the Belgian Cup. From that moment on, Xander never left the starting line-up.
He has since started five Jupiler Pro League matches and one cup game, recording five wins and one draw. Xander has quickly convinced both the supporters and the coaching staff with his performances. Exceptionally calm for a 16-year-old making his first steps in professional football, he shows strong passing quality and is increasingly acting as a true midfield maestro.
Xander appears ready to secure a long-term place in Antwerp’s starting eleven, following a path similar to that of Arthur Vermeeren during the 2022–2023 season.
Kaye FURO
A member of the 2007 generation, Kaye Furo has just signed a contract with Brentford running until 2032. The transfer is reported to be worth around €10 million according to Transfermarkt. Kaye is following a path similar to that of former Club Brugge striker Igor Thiago, who also moved from the Belgian club to Brentford in 2024.
A Belgian international since the U15 level, Kaye made his professional debut with Club NXT in the Challenger Pro League on August 18th, 2023 against Lommel. During the 2023–2024 season, he accumulated 417 minutes across 14 matches and provided two assists. The following season marked his true breakthrough after adapting to the demands of professional football. In the 2024–2025 campaign, he scored 8 goals in 18 matches, playing a total of 1,199 minutes in the Challenger Pro League.
This season, he made his Jupiler Pro League debut with Club Brugge, featuring in five matches and scoring one goal. He also gained valuable minutes in the UEFA Champions League and the Belgian Cup. His current Challenger Pro League season has been more difficult, with Club NXT currently bottom of the table.
His move to England will allow him to experience a new league and a new environment. With Igor Thiago enjoying an excellent season and attracting interest from several clubs, opportunities could open up more quickly for Kaye with the Bees. The Belgian U19 international has all the attributes of a future top striker. Combining pace, power and technical ability, Kaye will be determined to make a strong impression in this new chapter of his career.
Of course, this list is far from exhaustive. Several other young players could also earn further first-team opportunities or increase their involvement at senior level with their respective clubs, including Mohammed El Adfaoui, Nicolas Verkooijen, Samuel Nibombe, Joyeux Masanka Bungi, Samuel Gomez Van Hoogen, Charli Spoden and many others.