Charles De Ketelaere’s summer of fame and a missed PSG move

Belgium’s Red Devils are hunting a new centre‑forward after Romelu Lukaku’s limited minutes at Fenerbahçe, and 25‑year‑old Charles De Ketelaere has emerged as a prime candidate. The dynamic attacker, who impressed at the World Cup, now faces a pivotal season with Atalanta as the national team eyes his next step.

Summer fame and Ibiza bromance

The summer of 2026 belonged to Charles De Ketelaere. After becoming the only player to score against World Cup champions Spain, he proposed to his girlfriend Jozefien on holiday and later shared a carefree bromance in Ibiza with Kevin De Bruyne. “When France, the favourite, also failed to score against Spain, many people messaged me, saying I would make a good quiz question later,” recalled Niels Poissonnier, Chef Voetbal. The flood of messages highlighted how the Belgian forward’s goal resonated beyond the pitch.

At the World Cup staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada, De Ketelaere added further goals in the round of 16 against the United States and again versus Spain. Those strikes reinforced his belief that he is a natural striker, a role he embraced after the previous national team coach positioned him up front.

Atalanta role and statistical reality

Since joining Atalanta, De Ketelaere has featured in six Serie A matches, recording no goals but one assist. He describes himself as a “dynamic attacker” who feels more comfortable centrally than when pinned to the flank.

Charles De Ketelaere hails summer as a peak despite Atalanta criticism

“I think I am not best on the flank, but football is a team sport and you must not think only of yourself,” he explained. “Scamacca and Krstović are pure strikers, so I am happy to adapt.” Yet he increasingly sees himself as a centre‑forward, citing seven goals since the national team shifted him to that position.

There was contact with PSG, but ultimately the French club opted for Ferran Torres, De Ketelaere confirmed. “There was contact, yes, but the move did not materialise,” he said, adding that he is content at Atalanta and does not feel pressured to name future suitors.

Looking ahead, De Ketelaere acknowledges the heightened responsibility that comes with being a starter at a World Cup. “If you are a starter at the tournament, your responsibility rises,” he noted, stressing that leadership is earned through performance, not proclamation.

He also praised Romelu Lukaku, noting the Belgian’s 93 goals for the Red Devils and the lessons learned from training alongside him. “I look at how he finishes and try to learn from his qualities and mentality,” De Ketelaere said, underscoring the influence of senior teammates on his development.