Vincent Mannaert’s four‑year CEO mandate reshapes the KBVB

Vincent Mannaert leaves a glittering 13‑year spell at Club Brugge, where he oversaw six league titles and regular Champions League trips, to assume the chief executive role at the Belgian football federation, a move that pits past triumph against future transformation.

The former Club Brugge CEO has been officially named chief executive officer of the KBVB, with a mandate lasting four years. The appointment marks a clear shift from club to national administration, granting him full responsibility for the federation’s daily operations.

Return to familiar leadership

Voor Mannaert, the new role mirrors duties he performed for over a decade at Club Brugge. He served as that club’s chief executive for 13 years, guiding it to six league championships and frequent Champions League participation.

He joined the KBVB as Sports Director at the end of 2024, and in May his contract in that post was extended to run until the end of 2028. The promotion now places the entire federation under his direct oversight.

Strategic focus on ‘dynamic stability’

Mannaert’s agenda centres on what he calls “dynamic stability”, a blend of continuity and renewal. He wants digitalisation, new technologies and artificial intelligence to make the KBVB more efficient.

“Since my arrival at the KBVB I have been able to see how much potential there is within our organisation and Belgian football,” Mannaert said on the federation’s website. “It is now up to us to use that potential together, with ambition, in full transparency and responsibility.”

The federation, which counts almost 550,000 members, will also tighten cooperation with Voetbal Vlaanderen, the FFA and both professional and amateur clubs. Responsible use of resources is highlighted as a key priority.

In the sporting structure, Pierre Locht steps into the Sports Director role, taking charge of the federation’s athletic direction, while Simon Mignolet remains as Technical Manager. Both will work under Mannaert’s broader leadership.

Chairwoman Pascale Van Damme praised the appointment as a choice for “continuity, a clear course and at the same time a new dynamism”. The KBVB plans to elaborate further during an upcoming press conference with Mannaert.