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Leander Dendoncker
Leander Dendoncker
Leander Dendoncker
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Leander Dendoncker (born 15 April 1995) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for La Liga club Real Oviedo.

Key Information

Dendoncker joined Anderlecht in 2009 and made his professional debut in July 2013, going on to play 171 matches and score eleven goals for the club as well as winning two Belgian Super Cups and a Belgian Pro League title. In 2018, he signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan, before transferring permanently for €15 million. After making 159 appearances and scoring twelve goals for the club, Dendoncker moved to fellow Premier League side Aston Villa in September 2022 for an undisclosed fee. He was loaned to Serie A club Napoli and to Anderlecht in 2024. He then joined Spanish club Real Oviedo permanently in August 2025.

Having represented Belgium at youth and senior level, Dendoncker made his senior international debut for Belgium in June 2015. He was part of their squad that finished third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, also featuring at UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

Club career

[edit]

Anderlecht

[edit]

Dendoncker transferred from K.S.V. Roeselare to R.S.C. Anderlecht in 2009, choosing that club ahead of Standard Liège, Club Brugge and K.R.C. Genk.[4] After performances for the youth team in the NextGen Series and a training camp in Turkey, he was incorporated into the first team in January 2013.[4] He said at the time that he modelled his game on that of the Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets.[4]

He made his professional debut on 21 July in the 2013 Belgian Super Cup, replacing Dennis Praet for the final nine minutes of the 1–0 win over Genk at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.[5] On 26 September, he extended his contract until 2016.[6]

However, it was not until 1 August 2014 that he debuted in the Belgian Pro League, on the first day of the season away to KV Oostende.[7] After scoring his first professional goal on 18 January 2015 in a 3–0 win at Lierse S.K., Dendoncker was praised by former Anderlecht player Paul Van Himst, who said that there was no better player at his position in the club.[8] He played six matches in the 2014–15 Belgian Cup, which his team lost 2–1 in the final to Brugge.[9]

Anderlecht won the 2016–17 Belgian First Division A.[10] Dendoncker scored five goals along the way, including two on 18 December in a 4–0 home win over K.A.S. Eupen.[11] He also played all 16 games in their European campaign that season, which ended with elimination by eventual winners Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. In the first leg of that tie on 13 April 2017, he scored a late equaliser in a 1–1 draw.[12]

Wolverhampton Wanderers

[edit]

On 9 August 2018, Dendoncker moved to newly promoted English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers on an initial season-long loan with an obligation on Wolves to make the player a permanent Wolves signing in summer 2019.[13] He made his debut on 28 August in the second round of the EFL Cup away to Sheffield Wednesday (2–0 victory), with coach Nuno Espírito Santo making nine changes from the previous game.[14] In late September, The Football Association rejected the obligatory purchase clause in Dendoncker's Wolves contract and made his deal permanent for €15 million.[15]

He finally made a league appearance on 5 December in a 2–1 win against Chelsea, playing the final nine minutes in place of goalscorer Raúl Jiménez,[16] and scored his first Premier League goal on his sixth appearance in the competition, in a 1–3 win at Everton on 2 February 2019.[17]

Dendoncker with Wolves in April 2022

Dendoncker committed a foul in the Wolves penalty area with just 180 seconds remaining of their April 2019 FA Cup semi-final with Watford while leading 2–1, thereby conceded the penalty that enabled the opponents to draw the game and then win in extra time.[18] On 4 May he scored the only goal of a home win over Fulham, which enabled Wolves to make the Europa League as a result of Watford losing the cup final.[19][20]

Dendoncker became a permanent Wolves signing on 1 July 2019, his original loan agreement having included an obligation on the club to sign him permanently at the end of the original season-long loan period.[21] Following the introduction of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) by the Premier League for the 2019–20 season,[22] he was the first Wolves player to have a 'goal' ruled out using VAR in a league match during Wolves' opening fixture away to Leicester City on 11 August.[23]

On 14 December 2020, it was announced by Wolverhampton Wanderers that Dendoncker had extended his contract with the club until 2023, with an option of a further twelve months available to the club.[24][25] He made his 100th competitive appearance for the club in an FA Cup 4th Round tie away to non-league Chorley the following 22 January, a game Wolves won 1–0.[26] He scored his first goal of the 2020–21 season at home to West Ham United in a 3–2 loss on 5 April 2021.[27] He scored his first goal in the 2021–22 Premier League season in 2–0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur on 13 February 2022.[28]

Aston Villa

[edit]

On 1 September 2022, 27-year-old Dendoncker moved to fellow West Midlands-based Premier League club Aston Villa for a fee of around £13 million.[29] He made his debut 15 days later, as a 67th-minute substitute for Jacob Ramsey in a 1–0 home victory over Southampton.[30] He was mainly used as a substitute in his first season, and missed out on games altogether, and manager Unai Emery said that it was because of "a problem at home"; he was absent from all of March 2023 with a hand injury.[31]

Dendoncker scored his first goal for Aston Villa on 26 December 2023, his team's second in a 3–2 defeat at Old Trafford against Manchester United.[32]

Loan to Napoli

[edit]

On 26 January 2024, Dendoncker was sent to Serie A club Napoli on loan until the end of the season, with the option to buy for around £8 million at the end of the loan.[33] He made his Napoli debut two days later in a 0–0 draw at Lazio.[34] On 30 June 2024, Napoli confirmed that they would not be taking up the option to sign Dendoncker permanently and he would be returning to Aston Villa.[35]

Loan to Anderlecht

[edit]

On 31 August 2024, Dendoncker returned to Anderlecht on loan until the end of the season.[36] Both clubs agreed on a purchase option, but the amount is undisclosed.[37] At the end of his loan, the Belgian club decided not to act on the purchase option and Dendoncker returned to Aston Villa.[38]

Oviedo

[edit]

On 19 August 2025, Dendoncker signed for newly-promoted La Liga club Real Oviedo for an undisclosed fee.[39] Despite the official statement on the transfer stating there was an undisclosed fee, media reported that it was actually a free transfer with Aston Villa keen to rid themselves of Dendoncker's wages.[40][38]

International career

[edit]
Dendoncker (right) and England's Jamie Vardy at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

At the age of 20 on 22 May 2015, Dendoncker received his first call-up to the Belgium national football team by coach Marc Wilmots, along with his Anderlecht teammate Youri Tielemans.[41] He made his debut on 7 June in an away friendly match against France, replacing Jason Denayer for the final five minutes of a 4–3 victory.[42]

On 4 June 2018, coach Roberto Martínez named Dendoncker in Belgium's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[43] He made his tournament debut on 29 June in a 1–0 victory against England at the Kaliningrad Stadium, with both teams fielding unfamiliar teams having already advanced to the last 16.[44]

Dendoncker was called up by Martínez for UEFA Euro 2020 in May 2021.[45] After starting the first two matches, he was replaced for the rest of the tournament for the quarter-finalists once Axel Witsel recovered from injury.[46]

On 8 June 2022, Dendoncker scored his first international goal in a 6–1 home victory against Poland in the Nations League.[47] At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he started Belgium's opening match against Canada in a three-man defence alongside veterans Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld in a 1–0 victory.[48] Dendoncker was dropped out in a 2–0 defeat against Morocco.[49] He returned to the starting line-up in a goalless draw against Croatia, which led the Belgians to be eliminated from the group stage.[50]

Personal life

[edit]

Dendoncker was born in Passendale, West Flanders, to pig farming parents.[4] He is the middle of three footballing sons: younger brother Lars was on the books of Club Brugge KV before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2020, while older Andres played local football and became an agent for his siblings.[51][52] Lars Dendoncker retired at age 22 in 2023, due to a heart condition.[53]

Dendoncker moved to Brussels to play for Anderlecht while in their under-15 team and suffered from homesickness while adjusting to the difference between a largely white rural setting and a diverse urban environment.[54] He attended the Sint-Guido-Instituut school in Anderlecht at the time that it was being filmed for the fly-on-the-wall documentary De School van Lukaku (Lukaku's School) focusing on his teammate Romelu Lukaku.[54]

Dendoncker speaks four languages fluently; English, French, Spanish and Dutch. He has noted that he speaks in West Flemish to his family, but the Brabantian dialect when doing interviews for Anderlecht.[54]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 31 January 2026
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Anderlecht 2013–14[55] Belgian Pro League 0 0 1 0 — 0 0 1[c] 0 2 0
2014–15[55] 26 2 6 0 — 6[d] 0 0 0 38 2
2015–16[55] 23 1 1 1 — 6[e] 0 — 30 2
2016–17[55] 40 5 1 0 — 16[f] 1 — 57 6
2017–18[55] 36 1 2 0 — 6[g] 0 0 0 44 1
Total 125 9 11 1 — 34 1 1 0 171 11
Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan) 2018–19[56] Premier League 19 2 5 0 2 0 — — 26 2
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2019–20[57] 38 4 2 0 0 0 17[e] 2 — 57 6
2020–21[58] 33 1 3 0 1 0 — — 37 1
2021–22[59] 30 2 2 0 2 1 — — 34 3
2022–23[60] 4 0 0 0 1 0 — — 5 0
Wolves total 124 9 12 0 6 1 17 2 — 159 12
Aston Villa 2022–23[60] Premier League 20 0 1 0 — — — 21 0
2023–24[61] 8 1 1 0 1 0 5[h] 0 — 15 1
2024–25[62] 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 28 1 2 0 1 0 5 0 — 36 1
Napoli (loan) 2023–24[61] Serie A 3 0 — — 0 0 — 3 0
Anderlecht (loan) 2024–25[62] Belgian Pro League 30 2 5 1 — 8[e] 0 — 43 3
Oviedo 2025–26[63] La Liga 18 1 0 0 — — — 18 1
Career total 329 22 30 2 7 1 60 5 1 0 431 28
  1. ^ Includes Belgian Cup, FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ^ Appearance in Belgian Super Cup
  4. ^ Four appearances in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  6. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, fourteen appearances and one goal in UEFA Europa League
  7. ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  8. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League

International

[edit]
As of match played 17 June 2023[64]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Belgium 2015 1 0
2016 1 0
2017 2 0
2018 2 0
2019 3 0
2020 3 0
2021 12 0
2022 7 1
2023 1 0
Total 32 1
Belgium score listed first, score column indicates score after each Dendoncker goal.[64]
List of international goals scored by Leander Dendoncker
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 8 June 2022 King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium 27  Poland 5–1 6–1 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A

Honours

[edit]

Anderlecht

Belgium

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Leander Dendoncker

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Leander Dendoncker (born 15 April 1995) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for club . He began his senior career with in 2013, making over 170 appearances and scoring 11 goals during his time there, including winning the and in the 2016–17 season. In July 2019, Dendoncker transferred to Wolverhampton Wanderers for €13.8 million, where he played 106 matches over five seasons in the Premier League. He joined Aston Villa in September 2022 for €15 million, appearing in 46 Premier League games before a loan to Napoli in January 2024, a loan return to Anderlecht in August 2024, and a permanent move to Real Oviedo in August 2025 with no transfer fee involved. At international level, Dendoncker debuted for the Belgium national team in June 2015 and has earned 32 caps with 1 goal as of November 2025, including participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup (where Belgium finished third), the UEFA Euro 2020, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Early life

Family background

Leander Dendoncker was born on 15 April 1995 in , a village in , . He grew up in a rural setting on his family's pig farm, where his parents worked as farmers, shaping his early years with a strong connection to agricultural life and the countryside. Dendoncker is the middle child of three brothers, all of whom pursued involvement in football; his older brother Andres played at lower levels in before becoming a football agent who represents his siblings, while his younger brother Lars was a professional defender who retired in 2023 at age 22 due to a heart condition. The family environment, marked by his brothers' shared passion for the sport amid their rural upbringing, sparked Dendoncker's initial interest in football from a young age.

Youth development

Dendoncker began his youth football career at local club FC Passendale from 2001 to 2003, before joining KSV Roeselare's academy from 2003 to 2009. Leander Dendoncker joined RSC Anderlecht's youth academy in 2009 at the age of 14, relocating from his hometown of in to pursue professional football training. During his time in the academy, Dendoncker progressed steadily through the youth ranks, beginning with the under-15 team and advancing to the under-17 and under-19 squads by 2012, where he honed his skills as a defensive . In 2013, he was promoted to the club's reserve team, making his initial appearances at that level ahead of his first-team breakthrough later that year. Alongside his football development, Dendoncker balanced his commitments by attending the Sint-Guido-Instituut in , a institution known for supporting aspiring athletes. No major individual awards or recognitions were recorded during his youth phase, though his consistent performances earned him progression within the academy system.

Club career

Anderlecht (2013–2018)

Leander Dendoncker made his professional debut for on 21 July 2013, substituting into the match against , which won 1–0. His first league appearance followed on 1 August 2014 in a 1–1 draw away to . Dendoncker scored his first professional goal on 18 January 2015 during a 3–0 league victory over Lierse S.K., netting in the 47th minute from a defensive midfield position. Over the subsequent seasons, Dendoncker established himself as a key squad member, demonstrating versatility across defensive midfield and central defense roles. In the 2014–15 campaign, he featured in 26 domestic and European matches, scoring twice. His development continued in 2015–16 with 23 appearances and one goal, including contributions in the group stage. By September 2014, had extended his contract until 2016, reflecting confidence in his potential. The 2016–17 season marked Dendoncker's breakthrough, as he played in all 40 competitive fixtures, scoring five goals—including a brace in a 4–0 league win over on 18 —to help secure the Belgian First Division A title, their 34th championship. He also featured prominently in the , starting in ten matches en route to the quarter-finals, where faced Manchester United. In 2017–18, Dendoncker appeared in 36 games, scoring once and providing three assists, while starting in the group stage alongside Bayern Munich, Celtic, and Paris Saint-Germain. Across his five seasons at from 2013 to 2018, Dendoncker amassed 125 appearances and nine goals in domestic and European competitions, underscoring his emergence as a reliable, multi-positional asset. Efforts to extend his contract in 2017 further highlighted his growing importance before his departure.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (2018–2023)

Leander Dendoncker joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan from on 9 August 2018. The move was structured to become permanent the following summer, allowing the 23-year-old Belgian international to adapt to English football during Wolves' debut campaign after their promotion from the . Dendoncker quickly established himself as a versatile defensive option, making 19 league appearances and scoring twice, including a notable goal in a 2-1 win over Leicester City. His contributions helped Wolves secure a seventh-place finish, ensuring survival and qualification for the Europa League. The loan transitioned to a permanent €15 million deal on 1 July 2019, with Dendoncker signing a four-year contract. Over the next seasons, he became a key fixture in midfield under manager , appearing in 108 matches and scoring 10 goals by the end of his tenure. In the 2019–20 Europa League, Dendoncker scored crucial goals, including the winner in a 3-2 aggregate victory over Torino to reach the group stage and another in a 4-0 home win against that secured qualification for the knockout rounds. His defensive solidity and positional flexibility were instrumental in Wolves' run to the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Sevilla. Dendoncker's role extended to domestic cups, highlighted by his involvement in the semi-final against , where despite an early lead, a late foul by him in the led to a decisive spot-kick in extra time, resulting in a 3-2 defeat. By December 2020, he had extended his contract until 2023, with an option for an additional year, reflecting his growing reputation as a reliable defensive capable of anchoring the team through high-pressing opponents. Across all competitions during his time at Molineux, Dendoncker made 159 appearances and scored 12 goals, contributing to consistent mid-table stability in the .

Aston Villa (2023–2025)

Leander Dendoncker joined Aston Villa from Wanderers on 1 September 2022 for a reported fee of £13 million, signing a four-year contract until June 2026. Under manager , who succeeded shortly after Dendoncker's arrival, the Belgian midfielder was deployed primarily as a versatile squad player in defensive midfield or central defense roles, providing depth amid a competitive lineup featuring players like and . His integration was initially steady, with notable substitute appearances contributing to Villa's mid-table stability in the season. Over his tenure at Villa through 2025, Dendoncker made 28 appearances in the , scoring one goal—a header in a 3–0 win over in October 2023—while accumulating 36 total outings across all competitions with the same goal tally. However, his playing time diminished significantly from the 2023–24 season onward, as he featured mostly off the bench or in cup matches, hampered by tactical preferences favoring younger or more dynamic options and occasional minor injuries, including a knock that sidelined him briefly in early 2023. Emery publicly acknowledged the challenges, describing Dendoncker's adaptation as "really difficult" due to the intensity of demands and squad competition. These factors, combined with limited starts—only eight in the league—prompted to loan Dendoncker out in 2024 to Napoli and again in August 2024 to , as he struggled to secure a consistent role despite his positional versatility. By mid-2025, with his contract set to expire in 2026 but Dendoncker firmly out of Emery's long-term plans, Aston allowed his departure on a free transfer to on 19 August 2025, ending a period marked by underutilization despite his prior experience.

Napoli loan (2024)

In January 2024, Aston Villa loaned midfielder Leander Dendoncker to Napoli for the remainder of the season, with the Italian club holding an option to purchase him permanently for €9 million. The move aimed to provide Dendoncker with regular playing time amid his limited opportunities at Villa, while bolstering Napoli's midfield during a challenging campaign following their title-winning previous season. Dendoncker's impact at Napoli was minimal, as he featured in only three Serie A matches, accumulating 24 minutes of playing time without recording a goal or assist. His debut came as a substitute against on 28 January, but subsequent opportunities were scarce due to the timing of his arrival—midway through the season—and stiff competition in the midfield from established players like , compounded by Napoli's tactical shifts under manager . Adapting to Italian football presented challenges for Dendoncker, who noted the intense passion of Napoli's supporters and the city's vibrant atmosphere as highlights, describing the club as "slightly more prestigious" than owing to their recent success. He integrated into a star-studded squad that included forward , with whom he trained during the loan period, though his bench role limited on-pitch contributions alongside such talents. His agent later emphasized that Dendoncker did not regret the move despite the frustration of sparse minutes, viewing it as a valuable experience in . The loan concluded at the end of the 2023–24 season without Napoli exercising the buy option, as confirmed on 30 June 2024, due to Dendoncker's inability to secure a consistent amid the team's mid-table struggles. Overall, the stint was deemed unsuccessful, with Dendoncker's limited involvement—costing Napoli approximately €129,000 per minute played—failing to justify a permanent transfer and prompting his return to Aston Villa.

Anderlecht loan (2024–2025)

On 31 August 2024, Leander Dendoncker joined on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, returning to the club where he had begun his professional career. The move, which included an option for to make the transfer permanent, allowed Dendoncker to reconnect with his roots in Belgian football amid limited playing time at Villa. This homecoming was met with enthusiasm from fans and the club, who viewed his experience in the and as a boost to the midfield, with Dendoncker himself expressing excitement about contributing to Anderlecht's ambitions in domestic and European competitions. During the 2024–2025 campaign, Dendoncker quickly established himself as a key figure in 's midfield, providing defensive solidity and positional discipline that helped stabilize the team during a challenging season marked by inconsistencies in the and participation in the Conference League. He made 30 appearances in the league, scoring 2 goals, while his overall contributions extended to 43 total matches across all competitions, where he started 41 times and added 1 more goal in European play. His role emphasized breaking up opposition attacks and supporting transitions, drawing on his versatility to anchor the midfield as navigated a fourth-place finish in the league and group stage progression in before elimination. The loan period represented a revitalization for Dendoncker, who thrived in the familiar environment, earning praise for his leadership and work rate among teammates and supporters. The emotional resonance of the return was evident in his post-match comments and the warm reception from Anderlecht's fanbase, who celebrated his integration as a of the club's . However, at the conclusion of the loan in June 2025, Anderlecht opted not to activate the purchase clause, prompting Dendoncker to return to Aston Villa and evaluate his next steps in a career seeking greater stability. This outcome highlighted the temporary nature of the stint while underscoring its positive impact on his form and market appeal for future permanent opportunities.

Real Oviedo (2025–present)

On 19 August 2025, Leander Dendoncker joined on a permanent transfer from Aston Villa, with the deal reported as a free transfer due to the expiration of his previous contract. He signed a two-year contract with the club, set to run until June 2027, aiming to bolster the midfield following 's promotion to . At age 30, this move marked Dendoncker's return to a permanent role in top-flight football after loans in and . Dendoncker made an immediate impact, debuting in shortly after his arrival. As of early November 2025, he has appeared in 10 league matches, starting every one and accumulating over 800 minutes on the pitch while scoring one goal and providing defensive stability in midfield. His sole goal came in a 1-0 home win against on 30 August 2025, securing Real Oviedo's first points of the season and entering him into the club's history. As a versatile defensive , Dendoncker has played a key role in Real Oviedo's push for survival, with the team sitting 19th in the standings after 11 matches. He has emphasized his commitment to both defensive duties and forward contributions, aligning with the tactical demands of Spanish football. Regarding his adjustment, Dendoncker demonstrated rapid cultural integration by speaking Spanish in interviews just two weeks after arriving, expressing pride in contributing to the club's historic return to the top flight. This transfer offers long-term prospects for stability in , where he aims to build on his experience at age 30.

International career

Youth international

Dendoncker began his international career at youth level with the under-17 team in 2011, accumulating 8 appearances and scoring 2 goals during his time in the age group. He was selected for the 2012 UEFA European Under-17 Championship squad under head coach Patrick Klinkenberg, a former lower-division player turned youth developer who emphasized tactical discipline and player passion. In the tournament hosted in , Dendoncker featured in all three group stage matches as a , but Belgium finished third in their group with a loss to (0-1), a draw with the (0-0), and a win over (3-1), failing to advance to the semifinals. Progressing to the under-19 level in 2013, Dendoncker earned 9 caps without scoring, primarily in qualifiers under coach , who focused on integrating promising talents from domestic academies into a cohesive unit. Belgium's qualifying campaign included competitive fixtures against teams like and Georgia, where Dendoncker's defensive midfield contributions helped build team structure, though they did not qualify for the finals. By 2014, Dendoncker had debuted for the under-21 team, making 5 appearances with no goals during the 2015 period under head coach , a Belgian football legend known for nurturing versatile players through high-intensity training and match simulation. He participated in qualifiers, including key games that tested his positional adaptability, aiding his overall development as a multi-role player. His selections were bolstered by consistent performances in Anderlecht's senior squad.

Senior international

Dendoncker made his senior international debut for on 7 June 2015, starting in a 4-3 friendly victory over at the . Under coach , the 20-year-old defensive midfielder impressed with his composure, earning praise for his performance despite the high-scoring match. Over the course of his senior career, Dendoncker accumulated 32 caps and scored 1 goal for , with his sole international goal coming on 8 June 2022 in a 6-1 victory over . His appearances spanned friendlies, qualifiers, and major tournaments, often deploying him in a utility role across midfield and defense. Dendoncker was included in Belgium's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he made one appearance as a substitute in the third-place playoff, a 2-0 win over England that secured Belgium's best-ever finish of third place. He featured more prominently at UEFA Euro 2020, starting all three group-stage matches against Russia, Denmark, and Finland, before coming on as a substitute in the round-of-16 win over Portugal; Belgium reached the quarter-finals, losing to Italy. For the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Dendoncker started both group-stage games against Canada (1-0 win) and Croatia (0-0 draw), but Belgium failed to advance from the group. Primarily a squad player under Roberto Martínez from 2016 to 2022, Dendoncker provided depth and versatility, often rotating with starters like Youri Tielemans and Axel Witsel in midfield. Following Martínez's departure, new coach Domenico Tedesco called him up for UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying, where his final cap came on 17 June 2023 in a 1-1 draw with Austria. Dendoncker has not received a national team call-up since, amid increased competition in defense and midfield, and no retirement announcement has been made as of November 2025.

Playing style

Positional versatility

Leander Dendoncker has demonstrated significant positional versatility throughout his career, primarily operating as a defensive midfielder (DM) or centre-back (CB), with occasional deployments at right-back (RB). His ability to adapt across these roles has made him a valuable asset for multiple clubs, allowing managers to adjust formations dynamically without compromising defensive solidity. Early in his professional tenure at from 2013 to 2018, Dendoncker evolved from a box-to-box , where he contributed both defensively and in attack during his breakthrough seasons, to a more disciplined central role by the later years. This shift highlighted his growing tactical awareness, as he featured in 105 league appearances primarily in , scoring 6 goals while providing energy across the pitch. Upon joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018, Dendoncker's role became even more defensively oriented under manager , who frequently utilized his flexibility in a 3-5-2 system, deploying him as a DM to shield the back three or as a CB during injury crises. Nuno praised Dendoncker's adaptability as "huge" to the team's structure, enabling seamless transitions between midfield and defensive duties in over 120 appearances across all competitions. At Aston Villa from 2023 onward, this versatility continued, though with reduced starts; he alternated between DM and CB in a possession-based setup, appearing in 28 matches before loans to Napoli and in 2024, where he reverted to a central midfield role. Statistical breakdowns underscore this adaptability. Over his last 50 club matches as of 2025, Dendoncker started 27 games as a DM (average rating 7.7), 13 as a central midfielder, and 10 as a CB, representing approximately 54% of appearances in defensive midfield compared to 20% at centre-back. During his Wolves tenure (2018–2023), he logged 60% of starts as DM and 30% as CB, reflecting Nuno's tactical demands, while at (2023–2024), the split was roughly 70% DM and 20% CB in limited minutes. This positional distribution has persisted into his 2025 move to , where early outings show a primary DM focus with CM rotations.

Key attributes

Leander Dendoncker stands at 188 cm tall, providing him with a significant physical advantage in midfield and defensive roles. His strength in aerial duels is notable, with a career average of approximately 1.5 aerials won per 90 minutes across domestic leagues, allowing him to compete effectively against taller opponents. Dendoncker's stamina enables him to maintain high performance levels throughout full 90-minute matches, supported by his renowned work-rate that has been described as incredible during his time at Wanderers. Technically, Dendoncker demonstrates reliable passing with a career accuracy of around 85% in domestic competitions, facilitating smooth transitions from defense to attack. His tackling proficiency stands out, averaging 2.5 tackles per 90 minutes in recent appearances, while his ball recovery rate of about 3.6 per 90 underscores his effectiveness in regaining possession in midfield areas. Mentally, Dendoncker exhibits leadership qualities, having served as captain during his loan spell at in the 2024–2025 season, where he guided the team through challenging matches. His adaptability is evident in successful transitions across multiple leagues, including Belgium's Pro League with , England's at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, Italy's on loan at Napoli, and Spain's with . Dendoncker's profile draws comparisons to fellow Belgian midfielder , another academy product known for versatility and composure, though Dendoncker leans more toward defensive solidity in midfield.

Personal life

Family

Leander Dendoncker is married to Anna Steegen, daughter of former Anderlecht Vincent Steegen, and the couple welcomed their second child in 2025. Dendoncker has publicly emphasized the central role his family plays in his life, dedicating a goal scored for in April 2025 to his wife and two children. His wife and father-in-law were key figures in facilitating his loan move to in 2024, with Steegen leveraging his club connections to smooth the transfer process. Dendoncker's older brother, Andres, transitioned from playing lower-level to becoming a football agent, representing both Leander and their younger sibling. Andres has been actively involved in Leander's career negotiations, including to AS Roma's in January 2025 regarding a potential transfer and facilitating the permanent move to later that year. The brothers' professional collaboration underscores the family's ongoing influence on Dendoncker's club choices. His younger brother, , retired from professional football in July 2023 at the age of 22 after being diagnosed with a heart condition during his time with & Albion. Despite Lars's early exit from the sport, the siblings remain closely connected, with Leander occasionally referencing the family's shared football heritage in interviews. Dendoncker's parents, from where the family previously operated a pig farm, continue to offer emotional support amid his international career transitions, maintaining the foundational encouragement that shaped his path.

Languages

Leander Dendoncker is proficient in four languages: Dutch as his native tongue, English, French, and Spanish. Born in in the Dutch-speaking region of , Dendoncker acquired fluency in Dutch from his early life, with his family's roots there further supporting his command of the language and its regional West Flemish dialect in family communications. He developed proficiency in French during his time at , the bilingual club's environment in necessitating its use for team interactions. English became essential upon joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018, where he conducted numerous interviews and adapted to the Premier League's multicultural setting. His Spanish skills, honed in preparation for his 2025 move to , were evident just two weeks into his tenure there, aided by similarities to French. These multilingual abilities have significantly facilitated Dendoncker's integration into diverse international teams, enabling seamless communication with teammates from various nationalities at clubs like Wolves and . They also enhance his media interactions, as demonstrated in public instances such as his fluent English discussion with about his career challenges in 2019.

Honours and statistics

Honours

Dendoncker has achieved notable success with and the national team, accumulating several domestic titles and an international podium finish.

Anderlecht

  • Belgian Pro League: 2013–14, 2016–17
  • Belgian Super Cup: 2013, 2014, 2017

Belgium

  • FIFA World Cup: Third place 2018

Club statistics

Leander Dendoncker's club career statistics encompass appearances across multiple leagues and competitions in , , , and , totaling 466 senior appearances, 31 goals, and 10 assists as of November 17, 2025. His contributions have primarily come in defensive midfield roles, with notable output in domestic leagues and European fixtures.

Per-Club Totals

The following table summarizes Dendoncker's appearances, goals, and assists by club, including loan spells:
ClubYears ActiveAppearancesGoalsAssists
(senior)2014–2018214145
Wolverhampton Wanderers2018–2023159124
Aston Villa2022–20243610
Napoli (loan)2023–2024300
(loan)2024–20254331
2025–present1110
Career Total4663110
Data compiled from performance records across all competitions.

Breakdown by Competition

Dendoncker's statistics are distributed across major competitions, with the majority in top-tier domestic leagues:
  • Belgian Pro League (Anderlecht): 155 appearances, 11 goals, 6 assists, spanning multiple seasons from 2014 to 2018 and the 2024–25 loan.
  • Premier League (Wolves and Aston Villa): 152 appearances, 10 goals, 2 assists, including 124 for Wolves across five seasons and 28 for Villa in 2022–24.
  • Serie A (Napoli loan): 3 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists, limited to substitute roles in 2023–24.
  • La Liga (Real Oviedo): 11 appearances, 1 goal, 0 assists, in the 2025–26 season.
  • European Competitions: 53 appearances, 2 goals, 0 assists, including UEFA Europa League (Anderlecht and Wolves) and UEFA Conference League (Aston Villa), with 8 appearances during his 2024–25 Anderlecht loan.
  • Domestic Cups (Belgium, England, Italy, Spain): 46 appearances, 3 goals, 3 assists, across FA Cup, EFL Cup, Belgian Cup, Coppa Italia, and Copa del Rey.
These figures highlight his consistent involvement in high-level club football, particularly in the and , where he accumulated the bulk of his playing time.

International statistics

Dendoncker has represented the senior national team since his debut in a 4–3 friendly victory over on 7 June 2015. As of November 2025, he has accumulated 32 caps and scored 1 goal. His sole international goal came on 18 November 2020 in a 4–2 win against . Dendoncker's senior appearances span friendlies, qualifiers, Nations League matches, and major tournaments. He featured in the with 3 appearances during Belgium's run to the semi-finals, including matches against , , and . At , he made 1 substitute appearance in the round of 16 loss to . He also played 2 matches at the , starting against Canada and substituting in the game versus . No additional caps were recorded in 2024 or 2025 following Belgium's campaign, where he was not selected. The table below provides a breakdown of his senior international statistics by competition:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
Friendlies80
100
40
41
50
10
Total321
Dendoncker began his international career at youth level, featuring for Belgium's U17, U19, and U21 teams. Approximate totals include around 8 caps and 2 goals at U17 level, 9 caps with no goals at U19, and 5 caps with 3 goals at U21, primarily during qualification campaigns for European youth championships in the early .

References

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