Belgian star Charles De Ketelaere shines for Atalanta and Belgium

Charles De Ketelaere, 25, is a Belgian forward who plays for Serie A club Atalanta and the Belgium national team. He scored a brace in the World Cup round of 16 against the United States, earning the match’s MVP award and helping Belgium reach the quarter‑finals.

Born in Bruges on 10 March 2001, De Ketelaere grew up in Jabbeke. He is the youngest of three children of Isabelle De Cuyper, a home‑nurse, and Francis De Ketelaere, an oral‑maxillofacial surgeon. After his parents’ divorce, he lived with his mother, who has accompanied him to key career moments, including his 2022 transfer to AC Milan and his later move to Atalanta. His sister Renée plays professional tennis and creates TikTok content, while his brother Louis works as a business developer. The family remains supportive of his football development.