Belgian Sports Roundup: Europa League, Goffin, and Vermaelen

It was a day of contrasting emotions for Belgian sports on Wednesday, as Aston Villa’s Belgian contingent lifted the Europa League trophy in Istanbul, David Goffin played his final match at Roland-Garros, and former Red Devils captain Thomas Vermaelen revealed why he voluntarily walked away from professional football.

Aston Villa’s Belgians Conquer Europe

Aston Villa secured their second European title in club history on Wednesday night, defeating SC Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final at Besiktas Park in Istanbul. The victory, 44 years after their 1982 European Cup triumph, was powered by a strong Belgian influence.

According to DH Les Sports+, Red Devils captain Youri Tielemans opened the scoring before half-time with a stunning goal, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Emiliano Buendia doubled the lead with a sensational strike, and Morgan Rogers sealed the victory early in the second half.

Perhaps the most encouraging sight for Belgian fans was Amadou Onana’s return from injury. The midfielder, who had been sidelined in recent weeks, came on as a substitute and immediately made an impact, hitting the post with a header. His return is a significant boost for Belgium’s World Cup preparations.

Manager Unai Emery made history of his own, winning his fifth Europa League title — a record that includes three triumphs with Sevilla, one with Villarreal, and now this victory with Aston Villa. The Spanish manager’s mastery of the competition was on full display as Villa controlled the match from start to finish.

David Goffin Says Goodbye to Roland-Garros

In Paris, Belgian tennis star David Goffin played his final match at Roland-Garros, falling to British qualifier Toby Samuel 7-5, 3-6, 3-6 in the second qualifying round.

As reported by DH Les Sports+, the 35-year-old from Liège — currently ranked ATP 247 — had won his first qualifying round against Chun Hsin Tseng on Monday. He started strongly against Samuel, taking the first set 7-5, but his British opponent raised his level in the second and third sets.

Goffin missed five break points in the crucial fourth game of the deciding set, a moment that proved decisive. Despite the defeat, the Roland-Garros official social media account paid tribute to the Belgian, posting a video of his defensive skills with the caption: “David Goffin with some sublime defensive skills.”

Goffin’s history at Roland-Garros is rich with memorable moments. He reached the fourth round in 2012 as a lucky loser, where he faced his idol Roger Federer — a match famous for Federer’s affectionate kiss on Goffin’s cheek during the post-match interview. He went on to reach the quarterfinals in 2016, his best performance at the tournament. La Libre chronicled his 14-year journey at Porte d’Auteuil, noting the emotional weight of his final appearance.

Thomas Vermaelen: “I Voluntarily Left Football”

Meanwhile, former Arsenal and Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen opened up about his life after football in an interview with DH Les Sports+, conducted the day after Arsenal won their first Premier League title since 2004.

The 40-year-old, who earned 85 caps for Belgium and was a cornerstone of the country’s “Golden Generation,” told journalist Christophe Franken: “I voluntarily left the world of football.” After retiring from playing in 2022, Vermaelen briefly joined the Belgian Red Devils coaching staff under Roberto Martinez before stepping away entirely in 2023.

Vermaelen was speaking at the Soudal Open golf tournament near Antwerp, where he was participating in a VIP ProAm alongside fellow former footballers Wesley Sonck and Mark van Bommel. The interview revealed a man at peace with his decision, finding happiness outside the sport that defined his career.

Looking Ahead

For Belgian football, Tielemans and Onana’s Europa League success provides a powerful momentum boost ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Onana’s return from injury, in particular, will be closely monitored by Red Devils fans.

For Goffin, his professional career is drawing to a close, but his legacy as one of Belgium’s finest tennis players — a former world No. 7 who consistently competed at the highest level — is secure. Whether he plays any further tournaments before his final retirement remains to be seen.

And for Vermaelen, his voluntary departure from football serves as a reminder that even for those who reach the pinnacle of the sport, happiness can sometimes be found far from the pitch.