Mike Penders swaps France clash for Maasmechelen ceremony with KBVB

Mike Penders will sit out Monday night’s Belgium‑France friendly after a training injury, but the 21‑year‑old Chelsea goalkeeper returns to his hometown of Maasmechelen the following day for a very different assignment – the official opening of the eighteenth Belgian Red Court, organised by the KBVB.

Injury forces Penders out of France clash

The Belgian national side, known as the Rode Duivels, will face France without Penders, who suffered a knock in the build‑up to the match. The KBVB confirmed his absence on medical grounds, leaving the squad to adjust their goalkeeper options. Despite missing the game, Penders remains part of the core group that travelled to the World Cup last summer.

Born and raised in Maasmechelen, Penders progressed through the KRC Genk academy before making his Jupiler Pro League debut in July 2024. Chelsea signed the young prospect shortly after, loaning him to RC Strasbourg for a season where he amassed 52 appearances and kept twelve clean sheets. He returned to Chelsea in the summer and made his senior debut on 27 August in a Carabao Cup 2‑0 win over Luton Town at Stamford Bridge.

Return to Maasmechelen for Red Court opening

The ceremony marks the inauguration of the eighteenth Belgian Red Court, a facility aimed at giving children and youth a safe place to play and meet. Penders has been appointed ambassador of the project, joining former Red Flame Heleen Jaques – who earned 97 caps for the national side – in promoting the initiative.

According to the KBVB, the programme begins at 14:00 on Tuesday with a festive kickoff by a local school, followed by the official inauguration at 15:00. A signing session with Penders and Jaques is scheduled for 15:30, allowing fans to meet the duo.

The event underscores the KBVB’s commitment Voor the development of football in België, giving the young goalkeeper a chance to give back to the community that shaped his early career. For Penders, the return to Maasmechelen comes at a pivotal moment, offering a personal touch to a project that will benefit the next generation of Belgi talent.