Jan Vertonghen
Jan Vertonghen: A Defender with a Passion for Football and Life
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jan Frederik Verthongen is commonly known as Jan Vertonghen. He was born on April 24, 1987, in Waregem, Belgium.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: April 24, 1987 (still alive)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Belgian
Profession: Footballer (defender) and current member of the Royal Belgian Football Association's Board of Directors
Early Life and Background
Jan Vertonghen was born in Waregem, a city located in the province of West Flanders, Belgium. His father, Frans Vertonghen, was a football coach who played an instrumental role in developing Jan's passion for the sport from a young age. Jan began playing football at the local club, KFC Eendracht Zele, where his father coached.
Major Accomplishments
Vertonghen's impressive career has been marked by numerous achievements:
Tottenham Hotspur: In 2012, he joined Tottenham Hotspur and quickly established himself as a key player in the team. During his six-year tenure with the club, Vertonghen made over 150 appearances and helped the team reach the Champions League final in 2019.
Belgium National Team: Jan Vertonghen has been an integral part of the Belgian national team since making his debut in 2007. He played a crucial role in helping Belgium finish third at the 2018 World Cup, where they were eliminated by France.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable achievements and works include:
Captaincy: Vertonghen was appointed captain of the Belgian national team for several high-profile matches.
Champions League appearances: He made numerous appearances in the Champions League with both Tottenham Hotspur and Ajax, showcasing his skills on the biggest stage.
Impact and Legacy
Jan Vertonghen's legacy extends beyond his impressive football career:
Philanthropy: He has been involved in various charity initiatives, including supporting organizations that promote health and education.
Inspiration: As a prominent figure in Belgian football, Vertonghen has inspired countless young players to pursue their dreams.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jan Vertonghen's passion for the sport, combined with his impressive achievements on the field and off it, have made him widely recognized and respected.
Quotes by Jan Vertonghen
Benfica is a club of the people, with ambition domestically and in Europe and that was important to me, I really want to achieve things and Benfica has the same ambitions that I have.
Six years at Ajax and eight years at Tottenham, that reflects the way I want to be as a footballer, I like stability and that is what Benfica offered me and that was very important for me.
The interest of a great club like Barcelona is certainly flattering. That is confirmation that I am doing a good job.
Obviously the leagues are different. The Premier League is much more competitive than the Dutch league.
Growing up in Belgium, I played football all of the time, in the garden, on the street.