Mother of KAA Gent talent slams Honduras call‑up as he sits on bench

In a terse social‑media post, the mother of 18‑year‑old Victor Vandenbroucke, a KAA Gent academy graduate, blasted Honduras national team coach José Francisco Molina after her son spent the recent CONCACAF Nations League window on the bench for four matches against Suriname, Jamaica and Martinique.

Call‑up yields no minutes

Vandenbroucke earned his first call‑up to the Honduras senior side during the most recent international break. Coach Molina listed the right‑footed defender in the squad for the CONCACAF Nations League fixtures. Yet he never entered the field, remaining an unused substitute throughout.

Honduras contested four games – against Suriname, Jamaica, Martinique and a second encounter with Jamaica – but Vandenbroucke was confined to the bench each time. On two occasions he was even positioned on the stadium terrace, watching the action from the stands. The lack of playing time left the young Gent prospect frustrated.

The disappointment sparked a sharp response from his mother on social media. “Why do you call players up only to waste their time?” she wrote, addressing Molina directly. “You could let them stay where they are and continue their lives,” she added.

Family disappointment and future prospects

Gent signed Vandenbroucke to his first professional contract at the end of 2025, describing him as a Belgian youth international. The defender, capable of playing centre‑back or right‑back, is tied to the club until mid‑2028 with an option for an additional season. Since the summer he has been featuring for Jong KAA Gent in the Challenger Pro League.

Vandenbroucke’s decision to accept Molina’s invitation was not without purpose; Honduras aimed to integrate the youngster into the national set‑up for future campaigns. However, the initial experience delivered no on‑field exposure, prompting his family to question the move’s value. Het Honduran federation’s plan to fast‑track him appears stalled for now.

The episode underscores the delicate balance young players must strike between club development and international ambition. As the 18‑year‑old continues his progression at Gent, the incident may shape how emerging talents assess overseas call‑ups that offer limited playing opportunities.