Toby Alderweireld discusses Antwerp pressure and new club role

Former Belgian international Toby Alderweireld has opened up about the intense pressure he faced during his time at Royal Antwerp FC, which led to significant physical and mental exhaustion. Alderweireld revealed that after a cup semi-final defeat in 2022, he experienced a sudden episode where he feared he was having a heart attack. While medical tests eventually confirmed no underlying heart issues, the incident was a manifestation of extreme stress and fatigue caused by his personal mission to win titles and represent the club both domestically and abroad.

Following these challenges, Alderweireld stepped away from the Belgian national team to reduce his workload. He is now transitioning into a new phase of his career. The former defender and current shareholder at Royal Antwerp FC is undergoing a structured internship at the club to prepare for a potential future role. This program, which runs until the end of the season, involves working one day per week across various departments, including sporting, commercial, and organizational sectors, to determine his future responsibilities within the club.