Mika Godts shines in Rome and promises a new Devil for Belgium

In the dimly lit catacombs of the Stadio Olimpico, where two Italian journalists are taking their bathroom break, a loud cheer erupts when Mika Godts, the new number ten of the Red Devils, scores his first goal for Belgium under the stadium's bright lights.

New start in Rome

Six months after his official debut, a twenty‑minute appearance against the United States under Rudi Garcia, Godts finally has his international breakthrough. The missed World Cup participation served as an extra incentive, while the new national coach embraced him immediately as a ‘believer’. A few days later he earned a starting spot against Mexico, but that match ended in a collective non‑match.

First goal and magic

Yesterday the left‑winger showed why he is called the most divine among the Devils. From a position thirty metres outside the goal he started an attack, beat two Italian defenders with three clever touches and placed the ball ice‑cold into the net. “But I didn’t ask for that myself, you know,” Godts laughed in Rome, “it’s an honour to be there and to score my first goal for the country.”

Coach Van Bommel and PSG

After a top transfer to Paris Saint‑Germain, where he is currently a substitute for the Champions League winner, Godts received an unexpected start from national coach Mark van Bommel. Van Bommel praised his energy, threat and willingness to also run ‘dirty metres’, a quality that fits well with club coach Luis Enrique. “What the coach asked of me? Not much, just the basics and freedom in attack,” Godts confirmed.

Mark van Bommel gets warm welcome in Belgium after first international

Competition on the flanks is becoming increasingly fierce. If Jeremy Doku is fit again in November, and players like Leandro Trossard or Malick Fofana return at full capacity, the left‑side spots can become particularly expensive. Godts, however, remains calm: “I try to take on every battle. That’s why I also made the move to PSG. That competition is normal in football.”

Statistics and broader sport context

Besides his role in the Red Devils, Godts is listed in the overview of the Jupiler Pro League, the Challenger Pro League, the Champions League, the Europa League, the Conference League and the Nations League. The same overview mentions other sports – Tennis, Formula 1, Basketball and Athletics – and highlights the versatility of the sport‑calendar programme. This broad context underscores how Godts’ rise adds an extra dimension to Belgian football.

On Instagram he wrote: “Football is a battle that you sometimes endure from the stands or at home, but always with the same intensity. But I will keep working hard, every day, to be ready when the team needs me.” On Friday evening he admitted that the missed World Cup has made him hungry, a motivation he brings to every training.

Dodi Lukebakio's substitute strike puts Belgium ahead in Rome on Tuesday

Godts is seen by many as a dream asset, but the question remains whether he will later become a dilemma for the selection. His ability to keep creating actions, even after six failures, as Van Bommel emphasized, can only strengthen the Red Devils in the long term.