Beyond the spotlight: Jan Vertonghen’s charitable drive after loss

While the cameras still chase Jan Vertonghen’s name, the 39‑year‑old former Belgium international spends his days far from the pitch, travelling with his family and visiting sick children. The contrast between the lingering spotlight and his new, quieter routine reveals a man who measures success in smiles rather than trophies.

Het interview, conducted a year after he hung up his boots, steered clear of football and instead focused on his wife, three children and the Jan Vertonghen Foundation. He says the only thing he still misses is the spotlight, yet he embraces the freedom of retirement with a grin.

During the summer he and his family embarked on a month‑long road trip through France, Spain and Portugal – a journey he could only dream of during his playing days. He describes it as “the advantages of retirement”, a rare chance to explore together after years of constant training.

Vertonghen now trains twice a week at Move to Cure with personal trainer Johan Gerets, keeping fit while meeting former teammates like Romelu and Kevin, as well as acquaintances from Antwerp. The sessions double as a social hub, linking his past football network to his present charitable work.

In the past six months he has also been visiting Tubize several times a week as part of a UEFA‑study he continues to follow. He is drafting a thesis on the commercialisation of the training centre in Tubize, blending academic curiosity with his football background.

His Foundation, born around his hundredth cap when his real‑estate office asked what he could give back, now organises regular hospital visits. He recalls early Ajax youth trips and notes that recent visits in Brussels included Anderlecht players Colin Coosemans, Mats Rits, Marco Kana and Yari Verschaeren.

The loss of his father and, later, his sister‑in‑law reshaped his outlook, making everything – football, daily life, even the smallest concerns – feel “relatively” unimportant. He explains that after those tragedies, the only things that still matter are family and helping children in need.

Vertonghen admits the first weeks at Anderlecht were the toughest period of his career, largely because his departure from Benfica ended abruptly. He turned down a medical test trip to Belgium after signing with Anderlecht, choosing to stay with his children who were at a surf camp near Lisbon.

Looking ahead, he plans to finish his studies in May, possibly take another internship, and continue expanding the Foundation. The JV Foundation will host a paddle charity event on 5‑6 September in Antwerp, featuring a business tournament and clinics for long‑term sick children, with all proceeds supporting the cause.