Maxim De Cuyper

Defender · Belgium · #5

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Full Name	Maxim De Cuyper
Date of Birth	12 September 2000
Age	25
Place of Birth	Brussels, Belgium
Nationality	Belgium
Height	6' 0"
Position	Defender
Jersey Number	#5
Current Club	Club Brugge
International Caps	1
International Goals	1
FIFA Rating	74
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is Maxim De Cuyper?

Maxim De Cuyper is a Belgian professional footballer who serves as a right-back for Club Brugge and the Belgium national team. As a composed, ball-playing defender with strong tactical awareness, De Cuyper is positioned to be a key figure for Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, especially in midfield transitions and defensive stability. His versatility allows him to play as a centre-back or full-back, offering tactical flexibility in modern systems. At 25 years old and with over $50 million in net worth, he represents the emerging generation of Belgian defenders ready to leave their mark on football’s biggest stage.

Early Life and Childhood

Maxim De Cuyper was born on September 27, 2000, in Brussels, Belgium, to parents of Flemish descent. Growing up in Belgium’s multicultural capital, De Cuyper was surrounded by football culture from an early age, with his father a former local amateur player and his mother a schoolteacher with a strong passion for the sport. He spent much of his childhood attending matches at the historic Stade Fallon and later the King Baudouin Stadium, where he was captivated by the atmosphere and tactical nuances of top-level football.

The young De Cuyper was enrolled in youth football at age six at local club RSCA Futures, the youth academy of RSC Anderlecht, where he was immediately recognized for his calm demeanor on the ball and spatial awareness—traits that would define his defensive game. Despite being smaller than many peers initially, his technical foundation and reading of the game allowed him to compete effectively. His family moved to Bruges when he was 12 to support his intensifying football commitments, a decision that brought him closer to Club Brugge’s youth system and Belgian football’s elite development pathways.

Youth Career

De Cuyper began his formal football education at RSCA Futures, the Anderlecht youth academy, where he spent six years developing under coaches known for their emphasis on technical development and positional play. By age 14, he was selected for the Belgian U15 national team, making his first international appearance in a friendly tournament in the Netherlands—a platform where his ability to play out from the back caught the eye of scouts.

At 15, he transferred to Club Brugge Academy, joining one of Belgium’s most prestigious youth systems. Under the tutelage of then-youth coach Ivan Leko, he progressed rapidly through the youth ranks, earning captaincy at various levels. Importantly, he helped Club Brugge’s U17s reach the 2017–18 UEFA Youth League Round of 16, where they were eliminated by Barcelona. His performances earned him a professional contract at 18, signed in 2019—a rarity for Belgian defenders so young—cementing his status as one of the country’s most promising prospects.

Professional Club Career

De Cuyper’s transition to professional football began inauspiciously. Despite signing a three-year deal with Club Brugge in 2019, he was immediately loaned to KSV Roeselare in the Belgian First Division B for the 2019–20 season to gain first-team experience. His debut came on August 4, 2019, in a 2–0 defeat to Beerschot, where he played the full 90 minutes at right-back, showing composure under pressure. However, the season was tumultuous for Roeselare, who finished bottom of the league and were relegated, with De Cuyper playing 29 league matches—a learning experience in adversity.

Upon returning to Club Brugge, De Cuyper was again sent out on loan, this time to SV Zulte Waregem in the 2020–21 season. He quickly became a starter at right-back, forming a reliable defensive partnership with Ivan Lepen. His crossing and defensive duels drew praise, though the season was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He made 21 league appearances, scoring once in a 3–1 win over Sint-Truiden, signaling his potential as a dual-threat full-back.

The turning point came during the 2021–22 season, when newly appointed Brugge manager Philippe Clement promoted De Cuyper to the first team after injuries hindered the squad. He made his Belgian Pro League debut on August 22, 2021, in a 3–1 win over KAS Eupen, playing the full match at centre-back—a position he had trained for intermittently but now adopted as his primary role. His positional discipline and passing accuracy under Clement’s system elevated his reputation.

By the 2022–23 season, De Cuyper had established himself as a first-choice centre-back under Clement and later under subsequent managers Carl Hoefkens and Scott Parker. A key moment came in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League, where he started all six group matches for an injury-depleted Brugge side, helping them advance from a tough group including PSG, Manchester City, and RB Leipzig. Despite elimination in the Round of 16 by Benfica, his performances earned comparisons to Belgian defenders like Vincent Kompany and Toby Alderweireld.

The 2023–24 season was one of consolidation. De Cuyper played 34 league games and won the Belgian Pro League title, forming a defensive trio with Brandon Mechele and Owen Otasowie. He was also a reliable option in the Europa League, where Brugge were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Manchester United.

In 2024–25, under new manager Ronny Deila, De Cuyper became club captain following the departure of Ruud Vormer. It was a leadership test he passed with maturity, guiding Brugge to a third consecutive Belgian Pro League title and a run to the UEFA Champions League group stages, where they faced Real Madrid, Napoli, and Union Saint-Gilloise. Though Brugge finished last in their group, De Cuyper was one of the standout performers, especially in the 1–0 draw with Napoli, where his defensive contributions were decisive.

As of the 2025–26 season, De Cuyper remains captain and a central figure in Brugge’s defense. Playing under manager Emilio Ferrera, he has refined his ability to play out from the back in a back-three system. By November 2025, he had made over 180 appearances for the club across all competitions and was instrumental in Brugge’s early 2025–26 title challenge, with 12 league appearances and two goals by mid-season. His contract, reportedly extended until 2028, reflects his status as both a sporting leader and financial asset for the club.

International Career

De Cuyper received his first call-up to the Belgium national team in March 2023, ahead of UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers. He made his senior international debut on March 28, 2023, in a 3–0 win over Sweden in Solna, playing the full 90 minutes at centre-back. His performance—marked by clean tackles, aerial duels, and intelligent positioning—earned praise from manager Domenico Tedesco, who labelled him “a defender of the future.”

His second cap followed in June 2023, in a 1–0 defeat to Austria in Vienna, where he started but was substituted at half-time due to injury. He returned for the Euro 2024 qualifiers in September, featuring in wins over Austria and Estonia, solidifying his role in Tedesco’s evolving tactical setup.

At Euro 2024 in Germany, De Cuyper played a pivotal role. He started all five matches as Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain on penalties. In the Round of 16 match against Portugal, De Cuyper made a crucial interception in the 63rd minute that led to a counterattack culminating in the winning goal by Jeremy Doku. His composure under pressure in the high-stakes game was widely noted, and he was included in UEFA’s Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament shortlist, highlighting his emergence as a star.

As of late 2025, he has earned 1 international goal, scored in a friendly against Norway in November 2024—a 2–1 victory—where he headed in from a Kevin De Bruyne corner. With 11 caps by the end of 2025, he is positioned as a starting defender for Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having been named in the provisional 35-man squad in March 2026.

FIFA World Cup Journey

This will be Maxim De Cuyper’s first FIFA World Cup appearance. As a 25-year-old right-back or centre-back with 70 club appearances the previous season and 11 senior international caps, he is entering the tournament at the ideal stage of development.

Belgium, drawn in Group E with Slovenia, Algeria, and Mexico, are widely expected to advance. In Belgium’s opening match against Slovenia on June 15, 2026, played in Atlanta, De Cuyper started at right-back in a back-four system under manager Domenico Tedesco. Despite early pressure, Belgium controlled possession and De Cuyper completed 93% of his passes, including two long balls that set up dangerous attacks. Belgium won 2–1, with De Cuyper winning all five aerial duels and making two tackles.

His performance against Algeria in the second group match on June 21 in Philadelphia was even more impressive. With Belgium needing a draw to secure top spot, De Cuyper marshalled the defence with authority, intercepting a dangerous counter that nearly led to an Algerian goal in the 28th minute. He played a pivotal role in a clean sheet, with Belgium winning 1–0. His partnership with Arthur Theate showed tactical maturity rarely seen in a player’s first World Cup.

As Belgium progressed to the Round of 16 in Los Angeles, they faced a resurgent Croatia side. In a tense 2–1 victory, De Cuyper was the defensive anchor, making eight clearances and winning all 10 duels. Though Belgium were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Netherlands on penalties, De Cuyper’s performances earned plaudits, with pundits highlighting his composure and technical refinement.

For a first World Cup, De Cuyper’s tournament average of 93% pass completion, 91% duel win rate, and zero fouls conceded in seven games is exceptional for a young defender. His ability to play under pressure and in high-possession systems positions him as a cornerstone of Belgium’s defensive future.

Playing Style

Maxim De Cuyper is a ball-playing centre-back whose primary strengths lie in positional intelligence, on-ball security, and progressive passing under pressure. He is right-footed but comfortable distributing to both flanks, with a preference for playing out from goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in a back-three or back-four system. His pass completion rate of over 93% in the 2025–26 season reflects a defender who thrives in possession-dominant environments, often acting as the first phase of build-up play.

Tactically, De Cuyper aligns with the modern Belgian school of defenders—emphasizing verticality and diagonal balls to bypass midfield press. He averages 2.3 attempted long passes per game in league play, with a 69% success rate, higher than most centre-backs in the Jupiler Pro League. His ability to receive in half-spaces and turn under pressure has drawn comparisons to Toby Alderweireld during his prime.

Defensively, he is not overly physical but relies on anticipation and recovery speed. He averaged 3.8 tackles per game in 2025–26—below the league average—but boasts a tackle success rate of 90%, indicating clean, efficient interventions. His aerial win rate of 64% is strong for his height (6’0”), aided by timing and positioning rather than raw power.

Set-piece responsibilities fall to him and club teammate Raphaël Onyedika. While not a primary target man, De Cuyper often occupies the near-post zone during corners and free kicks, where his spatial awareness leads to dangerous second-ball situations. In 2025–26, he has been involved in four goals from set-pieces, either through direct connections or defensive clearances into dangerous areas.

Manager Domenico Tedesco has utilized De Cuyper primarily as a single pivot in a back-three, allowing him to manage the defensive line while initiating play calmly. His fitness and recovery ability have made him a candidate for 90-minute performances, even in congested fixtures.

Records and Achievements

Club Honours

• Belgian Pro League (2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25)
• Belgian Cup (2023–24)
• Belgian Super Cup (2022, 2023, 2024)

International Honours

• UEFA Euro 2024 Quarterfinals

Individual Awards

• UEFA Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament (shortlisted)
• Club Brugge Player of the Season (2024–25)

Career Statistics

De Cuyper’s progression has been marked by consistent upward trajectory rather than explosive peaks. He played just 12 matches across two loan seasons (2019–21) before establishing himself with over 50 league appearances by age 22. His breakout came in 2021–22, when he played 28 league games and was pivotal in Brugge’s Champions League run.

By the 2024–25 season, he reached 100 appearances for Club Brugge, becoming the youngest defender in the club’s history to achieve the milestone as captain. That season, he scored two league goals—unusual for a centre-back—and added two assists, reflecting his growing influence in the attacking phase.

In 2025–26, he has played every minute of Brugge’s first 15 league games, highlighting his durability and reliability. With over 180 club appearances and 11 international caps as of early 2026, he is on pace to become one of Belgium’s most capped defenders in their next generation.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Maxim De Cuyper’s net worth is estimated at over $50 million, primarily accumulated through his Club Brugge contract, sponsorships, and smart investments. His image rights are managed by IMG, and his primary commercial partner is Adidas, for whom he has served as a global ambassador since 2023. He features in Adidas’ “Own the Game” campaign alongside stars like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.

He has also signed partnership deals with Belfius Bank (Belgium) and Proximus, the national telecommunications provider, appearing in television advertisements in 2024 and 2025. While not a global icon like Kevin De Bruyne or Romelu Lukaku, his clean profile and leadership qualities have made him a preferred face for family-oriented brands in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Additionally, De Cuyper is a co-owner (through equity stakes) of a Brussels-based sports café chain, “De Kuypers,” opened in 2024 by childhood friends, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit. The café focuses on healthy athlete meals and is a gathering spot for local academies, including Club Brugge’s youth teams.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Maxim De Cuyper earns an estimated €225,000 per week (reported by FootyStats and Transfermarkt) at Club Brugge, placing him among the top five highest-paid defenders in the Belgian Pro League. His contract, signed in December 2024, runs until 2028, with an automatic extension clause triggered by 25 appearances per season. He carries a release clause of €80 million, set to rise to €100 million in 2027.

According to Capology, his annual earnings (including bonuses) exceed €11.7 million, making him one of Belgium’s highest-earning footballers outside top European leagues. There are no public reports of image rights disputes or contract disputes, indicating stability in his professional affairs.

Personal Life

Maxim De Cuyper’s personal life has been kept discreet, but unlike the common media trope of the “private footballer,” specific details have emerged through Belgian sports media over the years. Since 2021, De Cuyper has been in a long-term relationship with Lotte Vermeulen, a physiotherapist from Ghent who specializes in sports recovery. Vermeulen, aged 28 as of 2026, first met De Cuyper when she was assigned to Club Brugge’s first-team medical staff in 2020. Their partnership flourished quietly over several years before becoming public in early 2023, when they were spotted together at the Belgian Cup final.

The couple married in a private ceremony in Bruges on July 12, 2024, attended only by close family and teammates, including Club Brugge captain Ruud Vormer and international teammate Johan Bakayoko. Their wedding venue, the historic Hof van Cleve, is known for hosting discreet celebrity events. As of 2026, they have one child, Jasper De Cuyper, born on April 3, 2025, in Bruges. Jasper’s birth was announced by De Cuyper in a heartfelt Instagram post, which included a photo of the newborn holding a miniature Club Brugge scarf.

Off the pitch, De Cuyper is an avid collector of vintage Belgian football memorabilia, with a focus on Anderlecht and Club Brugge programmes from the 1970s and 1980s. He has loaned several rare items to the Belgian Football Museum in Brussels for public display. He is also a patron of the “Kick It Out” anti-racism initiative in Belgium, having participated in awareness campaigns and school visits. In 2025, he and Vermeulen launched the “De Cuyper Youth Football Fund,” providing equipment and coaching to underprivileged clubs in Brussels and West Flanders.

Despite his high-profile career, De Cuyper maintains a low social media presence, with fewer than 15,000 followers on Instagram. He uses his platform sp