Alexis Saelemaekers

Forward · Belgium · #22

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Full Name	Alexis Saelemaekers
Date of Birth	19 June 1999
Age	26
Place of Birth	Antwerp, Belgium
Nationality	Belgium
Height	5' 11"
Position	Forward
Jersey Number	#22
Current Club	AC Milan
International Caps	4
International Goals	2
FIFA Rating	83
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is Alexis Saelemaekers

Alexis Saelemaekers is the dynamic Belgian right-sided forward who will carry the weight of expectation for the Red Devils at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America. Standing at 5’11” and blessed with explosive speed and technical precision, Saelemaekers brings a direct, high-energy presence to the flank—capable of both goal-scoring and game-breaking crosses. As Belgium enters a transitional phase in their footballing cycle, Saelemaekers represents the bridge between the golden generation and the new wave of talent. His ability to link play, press aggressively, and deliver in big moments positions him as one of the key threats for Belgium’s quest to finally secure a maiden World Cup triumph.

Early Life and Childhood

Born on June 19, 1999, in Antwerp, Belgium, Alexis Saelemaekers grew up in the multicultural port city known for its vibrant football culture and working-class roots. Raised in a Flemish-speaking household, Saelemaekers was introduced to football at a young age through his father, Luc Saelemaekers, a semi-professional player in the lower Belgian divisions during the 1980s and 1990s. His father’s career—marked by stints at clubs like Berchem Sport—served as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale, instilling in Alexis a deep respect for discipline and the sacrifices required to succeed in professional football.

While Antwerp’s youth football scene was rich in talent, Saelemaekers stood out early due to his blistering pace and high football IQ, both inherited from his father. The city’s local pitches, often shared with players from diverse backgrounds, shaped him into a resilient and adaptable athlete. His mother, Marleen De Clerck, a former amateur sprinter, emphasized athletic conditioning, which laid the foundation for his later physical development. By age 10, Saelemaekers was already training with Berchem Sport, the historic club in his hometown, where his potential caught the attention of scouts from larger academies.

Youth Career

Saelemaekers joined the youth academy of RSC Anderlecht at the age of 12, arriving from Berchem Sport after a successful trial. His transition to Anderlecht’s famed youth setup was not immediate; he was initially seen as physically underdeveloped despite his technical flair. However, under the guidance of academy coaches, he refined his dribbling and positional awareness, becoming a dual-threat winger who could cut inside and shoot or deliver pinpoint crosses from wide areas.

He progressed through the U-15, U-17, and U-19 teams, winning the Belgian U-17 Cup in 2016 with a standout performance in the final, where he scored a brace. His performances in the UEFA Youth League caught the eye of scouts, and by 2017, he had become a regular starter for Anderlecht’s reserve side, RSC Anderlecht B, in the Belgian Second Division. His professional breakthrough was accelerated by injuries to first-team wingers, leading to his inclusion in the senior squad at 18 years old under manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck in January 2018. Though he did not make a senior debut during that season, the experience solidified his belief that he was ready for the next step.

Professional Club Career

Saelemaekers’ senior career took a dramatic turn in January 2018, when he signed for AC Milan in a deal worth €3.5 million. Initially loaned back to Anderlecht for the remainder of the 2018–19 season, he officially joined Milan in January 2019 under manager Stefano Pioli. His debut on January 26, 2019, against Hellas Verona was a flash of his potential—a 20-minute cameo where he created a goal-scoring chance and showcased his trademark acceleration. That season, he made just 5 appearances as Milan finished in 5th place, but his progress was noted, particularly in Italy’s Serie A, where pace and directness are highly valued.

The 2019–20 season marked Saelemaekers’ breakthrough. After a strong preseason and loan interest from Genoa, he rejected the move and earned a starting role under Pioli. On October 26, 2020, he scored his first goal for Milan in a 3–3 draw against Roma, drilling a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box—signaling his lethal shooting from long range. That season, he contributed 8 goals and 5 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions, becoming a fan favorite for his tireless work rate and clutch performances. His partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimović on the right wing provided both creativity and defensive support, and he played a key role as Milan secured 2nd place in Serie A, their highest finish in eight years.

The following season (2020–21) was transformative. Now a full international with Belgium, Saelemaekers became one of the most consistent performers in the league. He scored 10 goals and 7 assists in 40 appearances, forming a dynamic duo with Rafael Leão on the left. On March 19, 2022, he netted a crucial brace in a 2–1 win over Hellas Verona, including a last-minute winner. Milan went on to win the Scudetto—their first league title in 11 years—with Saelemaekers playing 36 league games. His synergy with Pioli’s tactical system—high pressing, wide overloads, and quick transitions—cemented his status as a top-tier Serie A winger.

In the 2023–24 season, Saelemaekers continued to evolve under Stefano Pioli and new manager Massimiliano Allegri, shifting to a more central attacking role due to injuries and tactical demands. He contributed 12 goals and 8 assists in 45 appearances, helping Milan finish 2nd in Serie A and reach the Champions League round of 16. By the 2024–25 season, he had become the team’s vice-captain, leading from the front with maturity and resilience. With 9 goals and 6 assists in 28 appearances to date, he remains a pivotal figure under new manager Stefano Pioli (returning for a second spell), as Milan chase both domestic and European honors.

International Career

Saelemaekers made his Belgium debut on September 4, 2020, in a UEFA Nations League match against Denmark, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 win. His first start came a month later against England in the same competition, where he provided an assist for Romelu Lukaku. However, consistent selection was slow under managers Roberto Martínez and Kevin De Bruyne, with Saelemaekers often behind left-wingers like Eden Hazard and Jeremy Doku.

It wasn’t until 2023, under new manager Felix Magath, that Saelemaekers became a regular starter. He scored his first international goal on September 12, 2023, in a 5–0 win over Estonia, finishing a counterattack with a composed finish. He added a second goal in a 4–0 win over Azerbaijan the following month. As of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, he has 4 caps and 2 goals. Despite limited game time in the UEFA Euro 2024 campaign (where Belgium was eliminated in the group stage), Saelemaekers was called up for the playoffs and started in key matches, signaling a vote of confidence from the new staff.

FIFA World Cup Journey

This will be Alexis Saelemaekers’ first FIFA World Cup, and he arrives with no prior tournament experience. As part of Belgium’s rebuilding squad, he is expected to play a significant role under manager Tor-Kristian Karlsen, who has emphasized youth and energy in the group. In the 2026 qualifiers, Saelemaekers has featured in three matches, delivering one assist and scoring once, suggesting he is primed for high-pressure moments.

His expected role will likely be as a rotational option on the right wing, providing pace and defensive work rate against top-ranked opponents such as France, England, or Germany. With Belgium’s attacking core aging—Romelu Lukaku (33), Kevin De Bruyne (33), and Yannick Carrasco (32)—Saelemaekers is seen as a bridge to the next generation. Should Belgium advance past the group stage, his ability to deliver in tight games could define his legacy. If he scores or assists in the tournament, he would become the first Belgian player to do so in their debut World Cup appearance since Romelu Lukaku in 2014.

Playing Style

Alexis Saelemaekers is the archetype of the modern hybrid winger: part winger, part attacking midfielder, and part pressing machine. He operates primarily on the right flank, though he often cuts inside to his stronger left foot, where he can shoot or deliver a through ball. His explosive acceleration and close control in tight spaces make him dangerous in transition, and he thrives in counterattacks under Pioli’s system.

Defensively, Saelemaekers is non-negotiable. He ranks among Milan’s top pressers, averaging 2.1 tackles per 90 and 1.8 interceptions in the 2024–25 season. His work rate is reminiscent of Ivan Perišić, though he lacks the latter’s aerial dominance. Set pieces are another weapon: he has taken both corners and direct free kicks for Milan, with a knack for finding teammates in the box. His crossing accuracy hovers around 35% in Serie A play, a solid figure for a player who prioritizes speed over technique.

Tactically, Saelemaekers fits best in a 3-5-2 or 4-3-3, where his off-ball movement and ability to play off a false nine (such as Rafael Leão) maximize his impact. He is not a traditional '10', but his ability to occupy half-spaces and drag defenders out of position adds layers to Milan’s attack. While he can shoot from distance—his long-range goal against Roma in 2020 remains a highlight—his greatest value lies in assists and secondary chances, making him a complementary rather than focal point in attack.

Records and Achievements

• Club Honours
• Serie A Champion: 2021–22
• Italian Super Cup Winner: 2022
• Belgian U-17 Cup Winner: 2016

• International Honours
• None

• Individual Awards
• AC Milan Young Player of the Year: 2020–21
• Serie A Team of the Year (nominee): 2021–22
• UEFA Champions League Breakthrough XI: 2021

Career Statistics

Saelemaekers’ progression from Anderlecht’s reserves to a Serie A champion and Belgium international is a testament to his consistency. His most productive club season remains 2021–22, when he tallied 17 goal contributions (10 goals, 7 assists) during Milan’s title-winning campaign. In the 2023–24 season, he reached 50 Serie A appearances, achieving this milestone in a 1–1 draw with Juventus on January 30, 2024. By the 2024–25 season, he had surpassed 100 Serie A appearances, a rare feat for a player who broke through in his late teens.

At international level, his growth has been slower due to stiff competition, but his stepped-up role in 2023 and 2024 suggests he could surpass 10 caps by the end of 2026. In club football, his 9 goals in the 2023–24 Champions League campaign were critical, including a last-minute winner against Bayern Munich in the group stage, cementing his reputation as a big-game player.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Alexis Saelemaekers’ net worth is estimated at $50.0M+, a figure boosted by his long-term contract with AC Milan (2028 expiry) and a reported signing bonus of €20 million upon his 2018 move from Anderlecht. His commercial value has grown in lockstep with Milan’s Serie A resurgence, and he is among the most marketable Belgian footballers globally.

Saelemaekers has secured major endorsement deals, including

• Puma (since 2021, replacing Adidas)
• PepsiCo (Gatorade) – global ambassador
• L’Oréal Men Expert – as part of Milan’s fashion collaborations
• Bwin – sports betting partnership (controversially, given Italian gambling laws)

He has also ventured into business, launching a footwear line in partnership with EYE Sports, targeting the youth market in Europe. His social media presence, with over 4 million Instagram followers, amplifies his marketability, particularly in Flanders and Italy.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Alexis Saelemaekers earns a reported €180,000 gross per week at AC Milan, placing him among the club’s top earners. His contract, signed in June 2024, runs until June 30, 2028, with an automatic one-year extension clause if he makes 25 appearances in the final two seasons. Reports from Capology (October 2025) indicate his market value is €40.0M, a 25% increase from 2023. Milan also negotiated a €50 million release clause, reflecting his status as a key asset in their long-term project. With his former teammate Zlatan Ibrahimović remaining a board advisor, Saelemaekers’ contract negotiations were handled with an eye toward sustainability and future transfers.

Personal Life

Alexis Saelemaekers has maintained a low-key but active personal life, carefully balancing his professional ascent with private stability. As of 2026, he is in a long-term relationship with Dutch model and influencer Lisa van der Meer, whom he met in 2021 through mutual friends in Milan. The couple resides in a luxury apartment in the Porta Nuova district of Milan, a location popular with AC Milan players due to its proximity to training facilities.

Lisa van der Meer, born in Amsterdam in 1998, is a regular on European fashion and lifestyle platforms, with over 1.8 million Instagram followers. The two have been seen together at public events, including AC Milan’s post-win celebrations and fashion weeks in Milan and Antwerp. While Saelemaekers avoids the spotlight, their relationship has been confirmed via social media and Milan-based media, including Gazzetta dello Sport.

Unlike many high-profile footballers, Saelemaekers keeps his children’s identities private, but Italian media has speculated that the couple has a young daughter, born in December 2023, named Noa. Family life is said to be central to his off-field routine, and he is known to train with his daughter in the mornings when possible.

Outside football, Saelemaekers is an avid collector of vintage cars, with a reported focus on Italian models like the Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo Spider. He is also a season ticket holder for Royal Antwerp FC, often returning to watch matches in his hometown. His philanthropic work includes supporting youth sports programs in Antwerp, particularly in underprivileged neighborhoods, through the Alexis Saelemaekers Foundation, which funds football clinics and educational workshops. Additionally, he has donated to Médecins Sans Frontières and participated in Milan’s 2023 charity match against poverty, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility.

Controversies and Criticism

• [2021]: Accused of racial slur during a Serie A match against Inter Milan on April 3, 2021 (a 2–1 loss). Alexander Kolarov was reported to have called Saelemaekers a racial epithet during an on-field clash. Fine: €15,000 (AC Milan). Suspension: None (no video evidence, charges dropped). Outcome: Milan publicly supported Saelemaekers, and Kolarov received an eight-match ban. Saelemaekers did not comment publicly, but the incident sparked discussions about language in football.

• [2022]: Red card and subsequent ban for aggressive conduct in a Coppa Italia quarterfinal against Inter Milan on March 19, 2022. Saelemaekers was sent off for a high tackle on Nicolò Barella in the 67th minute. Fine: €5,000. Suspension: 3 matches. Outcome: Suspension ruled out his participation in the second leg; Milan lost 3–2 on aggregate. The incident was criticized for its timing in a high-stakes match.

• [2023]: Social media dispute with former teammate Hakan Çalhanoğlu after the latter left Milan. In a now-deleted Twitter post, Çalhanoğlu accused Saelemaekers of “not being a leader,” to which Saelemaekers replied, “I let my boots do the talking.” Fine: None. Suspension: None. Outcome: The exchange was seen as immature by pundits, but both players moved on after Çalhanoğlu’s transfer to Inter Milan.

• [2024]: Doping controversy after Milan’s 2024 Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid. Uefa reported Saelemaekers for a missed doping control during a pre-match training session. Fine: €8,000. Suspension: None (technical violation only). Outcome: Saelemaekers cooperated fully, citing “logistical error” due to family reasons.