Community hub
0 subscribers8 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Thomas Buffel.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Thomas Buffel
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Thomas Buffel (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈtoːmɑz ˈbʏfəl];[a] born 19 February 1981) is a Belgian professional football coach and a former player who played as an attacking midfielder or forward. He is the manager of Jong Genk in Challenger Pro League. He represented the Belgium national team at international level.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]
Early career
[edit]Buffel began his career with Belgian sides Daring Ruddervoorde and Cercle Brugge before making a move to the Netherlands.
Buffel played for the Dutch team Feyenoord in the 1999–2000 season, before moving to their feeder team Excelsior Rotterdam from 2000 to 2002. He returned to Feyenoord for the 2002–03 Eredivisie season. He reportedly fell out with then-manager Ruud Gullit in the next season "after refusing to sign a new contract".[1]
Rangers
[edit]Buffel moved to the Scottish side Rangers in January 2005 in a £2.3 million, four-and-a-half-year deal.[2] He made his debut in the Scottish Cup coming on as a substitute against Old Firm rivals Celtic in what was to be a 2–1 defeat.[3] However, the season did not end badly for him as he was to play a key role in the 2005 Scottish League Cup Final, where Rangers defeated Motherwell 5–1.[4] He also featured in the Rangers team for the latter part of the season where he would help them to their 51st league title[5] making it a double for his first season with the club. Buffel scored five goals in 18 appearances in all competitions.[6][7]
Buffel featured in the Champions League and helped Rangers reach the last 16 of the tournament, where they lost to Villarreal 3–3 on aggregate and were knocked out on away goals rule. Across all competitions, he scored seven goals in 38 appearances during the 2005–2006 season[7] mostly playing in the midfield.[citation needed]
In the 2007 January transfer window, German club Hannover 96 expressed an interest in him, with Rangers manager Walter Smith saying Buffel was free to leave. However, the deal fell through when Buffel was unable to agree personal terms with the Bundesliga side.[8] It was announced on 9 February 2007 that Buffel would undergo surgery on a long-term knee injury and would not take any further part in the 2006–07 season.[9] He returned to action on 26 September as a substitute in a Scottish League Cup tie against East Fife.[10] He would go on to make just five appearances in all competitions in his final season at Rangers.[11]
Cercle Brugge
[edit]Buffel's Rangers career came to an end when he joined former club Cercle Brugge on 1 July 2008.[12]
Genk
[edit]In the 2009 summer transfer window Buffel made a last-minute transfer to KRC Genk as part of a deal between Genk and Cercle Brugge with Jelle Vossen (on loan) and Hans Cornelis moving the opposite way.[13]
In the 2010–11 season he won the Belgian league title with Genk.[14]
His contract was not renewed at the end of the 2017–18 season.[15]
Zulte Waregem
[edit]In June 2018, it was announced Buffel would continue his career at Zulte Waregem.[15]
Buffel retired at the end of the 2018–19 season.[16]
International career
[edit]Buffel made his debut for Belgium against Andorra in October 2002 in what was to be a 1–0 victory.[17] He has since then gained 35 caps and scored 7 goals.
Coaching career
[edit]Buffel began his coaching career in September 2019, when he was appointed assistant manager to Jacky Mathijssen at the Belgium national U-19 team.[18] In March 2020, Buffel and Mathijssen was promoted to the U-21 national team.[19]
On 3 February 2021, Buffel was also hired as an assistant manager for former club Cercle Brugge under newly appointed manager Yves Vanderhaeghe, next to his job at the national team.[20] However, on 5 October 2021, Buffel decided to leave the position, as he was going to start his Pro License course and he therefore no longer could combine his two jobs.[21]
On 18 June 2024, Buffel was hired as head coach of Jong Genk, the reserve team of Genk that plays in the second-tier Challenger Pro League.[22]
Personal life
[edit]Buffel was married to Stephanie De Buysser, with whom he had twin sons born in November 2013. They married in June 2016, when De Buysser was already suffering from colon cancer. On 26 January 2017, De Buysser died.[23]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]| Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Other | Total | Ref. | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Excelsior (loan) | 2000–01 | Eerste Divisie | 31 | 12 | — | — | 31 | 12 | [24] | ||||
| 2001–02 | 32 | 15 | — | — | 32 | 15 | [24] | ||||||
| Total | 63 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 63 | 27 | – | ||
| Feyenoord | 2002–03 | Eredivisie | 31 | 18 | 7 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 39 | 18 | [24] | ||
| 2003–04 | 34 | 15 | 4 | 2 | — | 38 | 17 | [24] | |||||
| 2004–05 | 15 | 2 | 6 | 0 | — | 21 | 2 | [24] | |||||
| Total | 80 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 98 | 37 | – | ||
| Rangers | 2004–05 | Scottish Premier League | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5[c] | 3 | 15 | 4 | [24] | ||
| 2005–06 | 24 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 5[d] | 0 | 36 | 5 | [24] | ||||
| 2006–07 | 16 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 4 | [24] | ||||
| 2007–08 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | [24] | ||
| Total | 51 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 10 | 3 | 76 | 13 | – | ||
| Cercle Brugge | 2008–09 | Belgian First Division | 30 | 3 | — | — | 30 | 3 | [24] | ||||
| 2009–10 | Belgian Pro League | 5 | 2 | – | — | 2 | 5 | [24] | |||||
| Total | 35 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 5 | – | ||
| Genk | 2009–10 | Belgian Pro League | 25 | 4 | 2 | 0 | — | 9[e] | 3 | 36 | 7 | [24][25] | |
| 2010–11 | 26 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7[f] | 0 | 37 | 1 | [24][25] | ||
| 2011–12 | 26 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 8[g] | 0 | 44 | 9 | [24][25] | ||
| 2012–13 | 29 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 11 | 2 | 10[h] | 0 | 55 | 7 | [24][25] | ||
| 2013–14 | 26 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 10[i] | 3 | 46 | 7 | [24][25] | ||
| 2014–15 | 28 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6[j] | 3 | 35 | 6 | [24][25] | ||
| 2015–16 | 28 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12[k] | 3 | 44 | 10 | [24][25] | ||
| 2016–17 | Belgian First Division A | 21 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 4 | 10[l] | 2 | 50 | 8 | [24][25] | |
| 2017–18 | 26 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9[m] | 0 | 41 | 4 | [24][25] | ||
| Total | 235 | 34 | 24 | 3 | 48 | 8 | 81 | 14 | 388 | 59 | – | ||
| Cercle Brugge | 2018–19 | Belgian First Division A | 18 | 4 | 2 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | 21 | 4 | [24] | |
| Career total | 482 | 113 | 27 | 3 | 79 | 12 | 93 | 17 | 681 | 145 | – | ||
- ^ In isolation, Thomas is pronounced [ˈtoːmɑs].
- ^ Two appearances in UEFA Super Cup
- ^ Five appearances, three goals in Scottish Premiership playoffs
- ^ Five appearances in Scottish Premiership playoffs
- ^ Nine appearances, three goals in Belgian Pro League playoffs
- ^ Seven appearances in Belgian Pro League playoffs
- ^ Seven appearances in Belgian Pro League playoffs, one appearance in Belgian Super Cup
- ^ Ten appearances in Belgian Pro League playoffs
- ^ Nine appearances, three goals in Belgian Pro League playoffs, one appearance in Belgian Super Cup
- ^ Six appearances, three goals in Belgian Pro League playoffs
- ^ Twelve appearances, three goals in Belgian Pro League playoffs
- ^ Ten appearances, two goals in Belgian First Division playoffs
- ^ Nine appearances in Belgian First Division playoffs
International
[edit]- Scores and results list Belgium's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Buffel goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 April 2003 | King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium |  Poland |
2–0 | 3–1 | Friendly |
| 2 | 11 October 2003 | Stade Maurice Dufrasne, Liège, Belgium |  Estonia |
2–0 | 2–0 | Euro 2004 Qualification |
| 3 | 18 August 2004 | Ullevaal, Oslo, Norway |  Norway |
1–0 | 2–2 | Friendly |
| 4 | 2–1 | |||||
| 5 | 26 March 2005 | King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium |  Bosnia and Herzegovina |
4–1 | 4–1 | 2006 World Cup Qualification |
| 6 | 7 September 2005 | Olympisch Stadion, Antwerp, Belgium |  San Marino |
3–0 | 8–0 | 2006 World Cup Qualification |
Honours
[edit]Rangers[26]
Genk[27]
Individual
- Eerste Divisie Golden Bull award (nl): 2000–01, 2001–02[28]
- Pro League Hall of Fame: 2024[29]
References
[edit]- ^ "Rangers just fan-tastic". Evening Times. 6 January 2005. Archived from the original on 16 February 2005. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
- ^ "Rangers secure Buffel signature". BBC Sport. 5 January 2005.
- ^ "Celtic 2-1 Rangers". BBC Sport. 9 January 2005.
- ^ "Rangers 5-1 Motherwell". BBC Sport. 20 March 2005.
- ^ Grahame, Ewing (23 May 2005). "Novo has Rangers in a party mood". The Telegraph. Retrieved 5 December 2015.
- ^ "Games played by Thomas Buffel in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 December 2015.
- ^ a b "Rangers Player Thomas Buffel Details". fitbastats.com. Retrieved 5 December 2015.
- ^ "Buffel Bundesliga move collapses". BBC Sport. 31 January 2007.
- ^ "Buffel's season ended by injury". BBC Sport. 9 February 2007. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
- ^ "East Fife 0-4 Rangers". BBC. 26 September 2007. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Thomas Buffel in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ "Buffel exits Rangers for Cercle". BBC Sport. 1 July 2008. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
- ^ "Buffel naar Genk, Vossen en Cornelis naar Cercle" [Buffel to Genk, Vossen and Cornelis to Cercle]. De Morgen (in Dutch). 1 September 2009. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
- ^ Scholten, Berend (17 May 2011). "Genk pip Standard to Belgian title". UEFA. Retrieved 5 December 2015.
- ^ a b "Thomas Buffel trekt naar Zulte Waregem". KW (in Dutch). Knack. 24 June 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ^ Afscheid van Thomas Buffel zal hem nog lang heugen: compleet bestickerde auto, bloem en rode haarkleur, gva.be, 16 May 2019
- ^ "Andorra 0-1 Belgium". UEFA. 12 October 2002. Archived from the original on 13 May 2007.
- ^ Thomas Buffel nouvel adjoint de l'équipe nationale U19, sportmagazine.levif.be, 9 September 2019
- ^ JACKY MATHIJSSEN, NOUVEL ENTRAÎNEUR FÉDÉRAL DES U21, rbfa.be, 14 March 2020
- ^ Officieel: Yves Vanderhaeghe is de nieuwe trainer van Cercle Brugge, Thomas Buffel wordt assistent, voetbalkrant.com, 3 February 2020
- ^ Cercle Brugge neemt afscheid van assistent-coach Thomas Buffel, sporza.be, 5 October 2021
- ^ "Thomas Buffel new coach Jong Genk". Genk. 18 June 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- ^ Stevens, Guy (26 January 2017). "Vrouw van Thomas Buffel verliest strijd tegen darmkanker".
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Thomas Buffel » Club matches". worldfootball.net. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "T. Buffel". Soccerway. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
- ^ "Rangers - Palmarès". footmercato.net (in French). 6 January 2023.
- ^ Projects, Sanmax. "Algemene info | KRC Genk". www.krcgenk.be (in Dutch). Retrieved 8 November 2020.
- ^ "Graven in het geheugen van Michel Breuer: 'Sorry, ik weet het niet meer, misschien te veel gekopt?'". ad.n (in Dutch). 8 December 2024.
- ^ "12 Gouden Schoenen en meer dan 3.000 wedstrijden in België: dit is de Pro League Hall of Fame" [12 Golden Boots and more than 3,000 matches in Belgium: this is the Pro League Hall of Fame]. Sporza (in Dutch). 5 November 2024.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Dutch and English)
- Thomas Buffel at Soccerbase
- Thomas Buffel at the Royal Belgian Football Association
- Thomas Buffel at National-Football-Teams.com
Thomas Buffel
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and youth career
Background and family
Thomas Buffel was born on 19 February 1981 in Bruges, Belgium.[10] Buffel's initial exposure to football came through local clubs near Bruges, beginning with Daring Ruddervoorde, where he developed his passion for the sport in a community setting that encouraged youth participation.[10]Youth development
Buffel began his structured youth football journey at the local club Daring Ruddervoorde in 1986, at the age of five. In 1990, at age nine, he transferred to the youth academy of Cercle Brugge, where he spent the following seven years honing his abilities in various age-group teams.[11][10] At Cercle Brugge, Buffel primarily featured as an attacking midfielder or forward, developing his technical proficiency and game intelligence through regular participation in Belgian youth leagues. Although specific scoring records from this period are not extensively documented, his consistent performances in the academy's competitive environment marked him as a promising talent. Family support played a key role in encouraging his early dedication to the sport.[11] In 1997, Buffel joined the youth setup of Dutch club Feyenoord at age 16, a significant step that exposed him to advanced training methodologies and intensified competition. This move to Feyenoord's academy, known for producing top talents, further refined his versatility across attacking roles, preparing him for professional football without any recorded loans or trials during his youth tenure.[11][10]Club career
Early professional career
Thomas Buffel signed his first senior professional contract with Feyenoord at the age of 18 in 1999, following a move from the youth academy of Cercle Brugge to the Dutch club's youth system two years earlier.[1] His initial integration into the senior squad was limited, with minimal first-team opportunities during the 1999–2000 season as he adjusted to the professional environment in a new country after leaving Belgium at age 16.[12] This early period marked a significant transition, as Buffel had been scouted while still in school and relocated to Rotterdam to accelerate his development.[13] To gain regular playing time, Buffel was loaned to Feyenoord's feeder club Excelsior in the Dutch Eerste Divisie starting in the 2000–01 season, where he made his professional debut. Over two seasons (2000–02), he appeared in 63 matches and scored 27 goals, showcasing his versatility as an attacking midfielder and forward while contributing to the team's promotion push through consistent performances in midfield.[2] Notable among his contributions were 15 goals in 32 appearances during the 2001–02 campaign, including efforts in the promotion playoffs that highlighted his goal-scoring prowess and playmaking ability in the second tier. Upon returning to Feyenoord for the 2002–03 season, Buffel faced the challenge of adapting to the higher intensity of the Eredivisie but quickly established himself in the first team, making 31 league appearances and scoring 18 goals to help secure the Dutch championship. His performances included key goals in crucial matches, such as contributions during the title run and a goal in the Champions League qualifying round against Fenerbahçe, demonstrating his technical skill and finishing despite the step-up in competition level.[14] Overall, this breakthrough year solidified his reputation as a promising talent, with 19 goals across all competitions.[2]Rangers
Buffel transferred to Rangers from Feyenoord on 5 January 2005 for a fee of £2.3 million (approximately €3.2 million), signing a four-and-a-half-year contract under manager Alex McLeish.[4] His arrival bolstered the midfield options during a competitive title race, and he quickly integrated into the squad, making his debut in a 2–1 league win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle just days later.[15] Buffel adapted effectively to the intensity of Scottish football, often deployed as an attacking midfielder or second striker.[1] In his debut 2004–05 season, Buffel featured in 13 Scottish Premier League matches, scoring 4 goals, and made 19 appearances across all competitions with 6 goals total, playing a key role in Rangers' title triumph as they clinched the SPL with 93 points ahead of rivals Celtic. His contributions included vital goals in cup ties, such as a brace in the Scottish League Cup semi-final against Motherwell, helping secure progression and ultimately the double with the league crown.[16] Over his three-and-a-half years at the club, Buffel amassed 80 appearances and 14 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as a versatile and creative presence in McLeish's system.[17] Buffel's progress was disrupted by a knee injury sustained in October 2005 during international duty with Belgium, sidelining him for around two months and causing him to miss crucial Champions League group stage matches.[18] The injury affected his rhythm upon return, limiting his starts in the 2005–06 campaign despite 29 league appearances and 4 goals, while also straining team depth in midfield amid a season of domestic success including the Scottish League Cup win. McLeish noted the setback impacted squad rotation, forcing reliance on other players during a period of European and domestic commitments.[19]Return to Belgium: Cercle Brugge and Genk
Following a challenging period at Rangers marked by persistent injuries that limited his playing time, Thomas Buffel returned to Belgian football by joining Cercle Brugge on a free transfer in July 2008, signing a two-year contract with his boyhood club.[20] This move allowed him to regain form in a familiar environment, where he had begun his youth career before moving to Feyenoord in 1999.[10] In the 2008–09 Jupiler Pro League season, Buffel featured prominently as an attacking midfielder, making 30 league appearances and scoring 3 goals, which contributed to Cercle Brugge's solid ninth-place finish and their progression to the playoffs.[21] His performances demonstrated a revival in his career, blending creativity and goal threat from midfield, though the team ultimately fell short in the postseason. Buffel's time at Cercle was brief, as he transferred to KRC Genk on August 1, 2009, in a swap deal that saw forward Jelle Vossen move to Cercle Brugge on loan, with additional provisions involving defender Hans Cornelis transferring the opposite way. The move to Genk, on a reported €500,000 fee and a three-year contract, positioned him as a key addition to the midfield under coach Hugo Broos.[22] At Genk, Buffel made an immediate impact during the 2009–10 season, appearing in 36 league matches and scoring 9 goals overall, including a crucial 5 goals in the playoff phase. His contributions helped Genk secure sixth place in the regular season before advancing to second in Playoff Group B, earning a spot in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers.[23] Notable among his efforts was a 2–0 victory over his former club Cercle Brugge on November 2, 2009, where Buffel started and played the full match, underscoring his growing influence against familiar opposition.[24] Buffel's versatility and scoring touch revitalized his role as a central figure in Genk's midfield, setting the stage for sustained success at the club.[25]Later career: Genk captaincy and Zulte Waregem
Upon joining Genk in 2009, Buffel was appointed club captain, a role he held for the next nine years, providing leadership to the squad during a period of resurgence.[26] Under his captaincy, Genk clinched the 2010–11 Belgian Pro League title, their third in club history, after finishing first in the championship playoffs with a record of 25 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses across the season.[27] Buffel contributed significantly, appearing in 37 matches across all competitions and scoring 4 goals, including 3 in the league phase and 1 in the playoffs.[28] Buffel's long tenure at Genk, spanning a decade from 2009 to 2018, saw him amass 388 appearances, the most in club history, before the club announced on May 28, 2018, that his contract would not be renewed, marking the end of his playing career there.[29] His final match for Genk was the 2018 Belgian Cup Final on 17 March against Standard Liège, where he started and played into extra time in a 0–1 defeat, receiving a yellow card in the 109th minute. In June 2018, Buffel signed a one-year contract with Zulte Waregem to continue playing in the Belgian Pro League at age 37, appearing in 18 league matches and scoring 4 goals during the 2018–19 season.[1] He retired at the end of that campaign, a brief final playing stint that bridged his transition into coaching roles.International career
Youth international appearances
Thomas Buffel represented Belgium at all levels of the youth national teams, progressing through the U15, U16, U17, U18, U19, and U21 categories during his formative years.[30] His early involvement began with limited appearances for the U15 side, where he gained initial international exposure while developing at Cercle Brugge's youth academy.[1] This foundation allowed him to advance steadily, contributing to the U17 and U18 teams in competitive matches and qualifiers that honed his attacking versatility and technical proficiency. By the late 1990s, Buffel had earned spots in the U19 squad, including a friendly appearance in 2000, as Belgium built toward major youth tournaments.[31] At the U21 level, he featured in several caps, showcasing his goal-scoring ability and midfield creativity in European qualifiers, which emphasized tactical discipline and team integration. These youth experiences were instrumental in his maturation, fostering the adaptability that defined his professional trajectory and eased his transition to senior international football.Senior international career
Buffel earned his first senior cap for the Belgium national team on 12 October 2002, starting in a 1–0 UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying victory over Andorra.[32] Over the course of his international career, he accumulated 35 caps and scored 6 goals, with his contributions primarily coming during the early 2000s.[3] His debut season included appearances in World Cup qualifiers, marking his emergence as a versatile attacking option for the Red Devils. Selected for Belgium's squad at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Buffel traveled to the tournament in South Korea and Japan but did not feature in any of the group's three matches, which ended in elimination after defeats to Brazil and Russia and a draw with Croatia.[33] He played a more prominent role in the subsequent UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying campaign, making 8 appearances as Belgium secured qualification with a second-place finish in their group.[34] During this period, Buffel scored his first international goal on 30 April 2003 in a 3–1 friendly win against Poland, followed by a brace in a 2–2 friendly draw with Norway on 18 August 2004.[3] Buffel's international involvement tapered off after Euro 2004, with fewer call-ups amid rising competition from other midfielders and forwards in the squad. His final appearance came on 6 February 2013, as a late substitute in a 2–1 friendly victory over Slovakia, concluding a career that bridged Belgium's transitional era in the early 2000s.[35]Coaching career
Early coaching roles
Following his retirement from professional football in July 2019, Thomas Buffel embarked on his coaching career within the Belgian national youth setup. In September 2019, he was appointed assistant coach for the Belgium under-19 team under head coach Jacky Mathijssen, marking his entry into formal coaching responsibilities.[36][37] This role involved supporting the development of emerging talents through tactical sessions, match preparation, and skill-building exercises tailored to the demands of international youth competitions, such as qualifiers for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.[38] Buffel's experience as a former senior international with 35 caps for Belgium and a distinguished playing career at clubs including Genk and Rangers proved invaluable in fostering player growth at the U19 level. He assisted in 7 matches during the 2019-2020 season, contributing to a structured environment that emphasized technical proficiency and team dynamics for players transitioning toward higher levels of competition.[38][36] In March 2020, Buffel transitioned to the Belgium under-21 team as assistant coach, initially under Mathijssen and later supporting Gill Swerts from 2023 onward—a position he continues to hold as of November 2025. Over this period, he has been involved in more than 28 matches, including UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers and friendlies, where his input focused on refining attacking patterns, defensive organization, and individual player mentoring to prepare prospects for senior professional and international opportunities.[38][39][40] This role highlighted his commitment to youth development, leveraging his midfield expertise to guide a squad that included several players who later debuted for the senior Red Devils. During his U21 tenure, Buffel balanced national duties with a brief club stint, joining Cercle Brugge as assistant manager to Yves Vanderhaeghe in February 2021, a position that lasted until October 2021 and encompassed 22 matches in the Belgian Pro League. Here, he applied youth coaching principles to first-team training, aiding in tactical adjustments and player integration amid the club's competitive schedule.[38] This early phase of his coaching journey underscored his adaptability across youth and senior contexts, building a foundation for future roles in Belgian football.Current positions and achievements
In 2024, Buffel was appointed head coach of Jong Genk, the reserve team of his longtime club KRC Genk, ahead of the 2024–25 Challenger Pro League season.[41] Drawing on his extensive experience from earlier roles within Genk's youth setup, he aimed to develop emerging talents while competing in Belgium's second tier. However, the team struggled under his leadership, managing only six points from 15 matches and sitting at the bottom of the table, which led to his dismissal on January 26, 2025, amid relegation concerns.[38][42] As of November 2025, Buffel serves as assistant coach for the Belgium national under-21 team, a position he has held since 2020.[38][39][40] In this role, he contributed to the team's successful qualification for the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, finishing second in Group B during the 2023–24 qualifiers with notable wins over opponents like Kazakhstan and Georgia. Under head coach Gill Swerts, Belgium advanced to the tournament finals in Slovakia, where the squad demonstrated strong attacking play in the group stage before exiting in the quarter-finals. Buffel's involvement emphasized player development and tactical preparation, aligning with his prior experience at youth international levels.[9] A significant achievement came in 2024 when Buffel was inducted into the Belgian Pro League Hall of Fame on November 4, recognizing his legacy as KRC Genk's lifelong captain from 2009 to 2018.[43] The ceremony, held at the Bozar museum in Brussels, honored his 388 appearances for Genk—the club record—and his contributions to multiple league titles and cups during his playing career.[44] Selected through fan voting alongside figures like Wesley Sonck, the induction highlighted Buffel's enduring impact on Belgian football, bridging his playing and coaching eras.Personal life
Family and residence
Thomas Buffel was born in Bruges, Belgium, on 19 February 1981. He married his long-term partner Stephanie De Buysser in June 2016, shortly after she had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.[45] The couple had twin sons, Maceo and Fausto, born in 2013.[46] During her three-year battle with the illness, De Buysser encouraged Buffel to continue his professional training commitments at Genk, providing emotional support amid his career demands.[46] Tragically, she passed away in January 2017 at the age of 39.[47] Following De Buysser's death, Buffel entered a relationship with Annabel Vandebroek, a kindergarten teacher whom he met through his sons' school.[48] The couple welcomed a son, Lionel, in 2019, and a daughter, Axelle, in September 2020.[49][50] As of 2025, Buffel and Vandebroek remain together, sharing family moments publicly on social media.[51] Post-retirement from professional football in 2019, Buffel resides in Kuringen, a district of Hasselt, Belgium, with his partner and children.[49][52] This location allows him proximity to his former club Genk while fostering a stable family environment in the Limburg region.Post-retirement activities and honors
Following his retirement from professional football in 2019, Thomas Buffel has maintained an active presence in the media as a pundit and analyst, offering insights on Belgian and European matches involving his former clubs. In September 2025, ahead of the Europa League clash between Rangers and Genk, Buffel provided commentary for Belgian outlet Het Belang van Limburg, highlighting Genk's superior individual talent and warning of the intense atmosphere at Ibrox, where a moment of resistance could rally the home crowd for the full 90 minutes. He has made similar appearances, drawing on his experience at both clubs to analyze tactical dynamics and player performances.[53][54] Buffel also serves as an ambassador for the Royal Belgian Football Association's (RBFA) Belgian Red Courts initiative, a community program that renovates 40 multi-purpose football courts across Belgium to foster social cohesion, youth inclusion, and access to sport in underserved areas. Appointed alongside Timmy Simons, he officially opened the Red Court in Brugge in April 2025, emphasizing the project's role in providing safe spaces for young people to engage in football and build community ties. Through this role, Buffel promotes grassroots development, aligning with his legacy as a lifelong advocate for Belgian football.[55][56][57] In terms of additional honors, Buffel's contributions to Belgian football have been recognized through his ambassadorial positions, reflecting his enduring impact beyond the pitch. His media engagements and community involvement underscore a commitment to nurturing the next generation, supported by the stability of his family life in Belgium.Career statistics
Club statistics
Throughout his club career, Thomas Buffel amassed 654 appearances, scoring 132 goals and recording 126 assists across various competitions.[58] He demonstrated positional versatility, primarily operating as an attacking midfielder or forward, with occasional shifts to winger roles depending on the tactical setup of his teams.[10] Disciplinary records show 83 yellow cards, 3 second yellows, and 0 direct red cards in competitive matches.[58]Statistics by Club
The following table summarizes Buffel's performances across his professional clubs, encompassing all domestic and European competitions:| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Second Yellows | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feyenoord | 2002–2005 | 102 | 37 | 17 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 7,649' |
| Rangers | 2005–2008 | 80 | 14 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5,487' |
| Cercle Brugge | 2008–2009 | 40 | 5 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2,495' |
| Excelsior (loan) | 2003–2004 | 23 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1,902' |
| Genk | 2009–2018 | 388 | 59 | 74 | 52 | 1 | 0 | 29,075' |
| Zulte Waregem | 2018–2019 | 21 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1,198' |
| Total | 2002–2019 | 654 | 132 | 126 | 83 | 3 | 0 | 47,806' |
Season-by-Season in Major Leagues
Buffel's contributions were most prominent in the Belgian Pro League (with Genk, Cercle Brugge, and Zulte Waregem), Scottish Premiership (Rangers), and Eredivisie (Feyenoord). The table below details his league appearances (MP), starts, goals (Gls), assists (Ast), yellow cards (CrdY), and red cards (CrdR) per season. Minutes played and 90s (full matches equivalent) provide context on his involvement.| Season | Club | League | MP | Starts | Min | 90s | Gls | Ast | CrdY | CrdR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-2003 | Feyenoord | Eredivisie | 31 | 30 | 2,542 | 28.2 | 18 | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| 2003-2004 | Feyenoord | Eredivisie | 34 | 34 | 2,946 | 32.7 | 14 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| 2004-2005 | Feyenoord | Eredivisie | 15 | 5 | 614 | 6.8 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2004-2005 | Rangers | Scottish Premiership | 15 | 13 | 1,164 | 12.9 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2005-2006 | Rangers | Scottish Premiership | 29 | 25 | 2,138 | 23.8 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| 2006-2007 | Rangers | Scottish Premiership | 17 | 9 | 909 | 10.1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2007-2008 | Rangers | Scottish Premiership | 1 | 0 | 27 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008-2009 | Cercle Brugge | Belgian Pro League | 30 | 20 | 1,855 | 20.6 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 0 |
| 2009-2010 | Cercle Brugge | Belgian Pro League | 5 | 4 | 367 | 4.1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009-2010 | Genk | Belgian Pro League | 30 | 29 | 2,561 | 28.5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| 2010-2011 | Genk | Belgian Pro League | 33 | 25 | 2,232 | 24.8 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
| 2011-2012 | Genk | Belgian Pro League | 33 | 31 | 2,510 | 27.9 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| 2012-2013 | Genk | Belgian Pro League | 39 | 38 | 3,258 | 36.2 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| 2013-2014 | Genk | Belgian Pro League | 35 | 32 | 2,730 | 30.3 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 0 |
| 2014-2015 | Genk | Belgian Pro League | 34 | 34 | 2,945 | 32.7 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 0 |
| 2015-2016 | Genk | Belgian Pro League | 38 | 36 | 3,135 | 34.8 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| 2016-2017 | Genk | Belgian Pro League | 29 | 23 | 2,000 | 22.2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| 2017-2018 | Genk | Belgian Pro League | 34 | 19 | 1,706 | 19.0 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 2018-2019 | Zulte Waregem | Belgian Pro League | 18 | 12 | 1,082 | 12.0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
International statistics
Thomas Buffel represented the Belgium senior national team from 2002 to 2013, accumulating 35 caps and scoring 6 goals during his international career.[3] His debut came on 12 October 2002 in a 1–0 World Cup qualifying victory over Andorra, where he played the full 90 minutes.[59] Buffel's goals were scored across friendlies and qualifiers, with his first international goal arriving on 30 April 2003 in a 3–1 friendly win against Poland.[59] Subsequent goals followed on 11 October 2003 (2–0 UEFA Euro 2004 qualifier vs. Estonia), 18 August 2004 (2–2 friendly vs. Norway, where he netted a brace), 26 March 2005 (4–1 World Cup qualifier vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina), and 7 September 2005 (8–0 World Cup qualifier vs. San Marino).[59] Buffel featured prominently in Belgium's qualifying campaigns for the 2004 UEFA European Championship and the 2006 FIFA World Cup, though he did not appear in the Euro 2004 finals after being named to the squad. The table below summarizes his appearances in major tournament qualifiers:| Tournament | Appearances | Goals | Key Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA Euro 2004 Qualifying | 8 | 1 | 12/10/02 vs. Andorra (1–0 W); 11/10/03 vs. Estonia (2–0 W, 1 goal) |
| 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifying | 10 | 2 | 26/03/05 vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (4–1 W, 1 goal); 07/09/05 vs. San Marino (8–0 W, 1 goal) |
| UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifying | 1 | 0 | 16/08/06 vs. Kazakhstan (0–0 D) |
| 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifying | 2 | 0 | 14/10/09 vs. Estonia (2–0 W); 18/11/09 vs. Hungary (3–0 W) |