Bayern legend Mark van Bommel confirmed as new Belgium manager with ex-Chelsea and Liverpool star Boudewijn Zenden joining coaching staff

The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has officially appointed former Bayern Munich captain Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Red Devils, ushering in a new era following Rudi Garcia’s departure after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 49-year-old has signed a two-year contract that will keep him in charge through to Euro 2028, while former Chelsea and Liverpool winger Boudewijn Zenden joins his technical staff as one of three assistant coaches.

Van Bommel officially unveiled

Belgium confirmed the appointment on their official website, announcing that Van Bommel will officially begin work on August 15, 2026.

The RBFA stated:

“The Royal Belgian Football Association is pleased to announce that Mark van Bommel (49 years old) will become the new head coach of the Red Devils from 15 August 2026.”

Van Bommel replaces Garcia, who left his position after Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final exit earlier this summer.

RBFA confident in new coaching team

Belgian FA sporting director Vincent Mannaert believes Van Bommel’s experience as both an elite player and coach makes him the ideal candidate to lead the national team into its next cycle.

“I’m very pleased that Mark van Bommel and his assistants have accepted our challenge,” Mannaert said.

“They are hungry and ambitious, and I am convinced that, thanks to their international experience as coach and player, they will be able to perfectly help our Red Devils continue growing, achieve results, and fully utilise their potential both individually and collectively.”

Van Bommel outlines his ambitions

The former Netherlands international described the appointment as one of the biggest honours of his coaching career.

“It is a great honour to become the national coach of Belgium,” Van Bommel said.

“I would like to thank the Royal Belgian Football Association for the trust they have placed in me.

“Belgium has outstanding players and enormous potential. Together with my technical staff, we want to build a team that is disciplined, ambitious and brave enough to compete with the very best.

“Success is never guaranteed, but hard work, honesty and dedication are. We will give everything to help this team improve every day and make the Belgian people proud.”

Zenden joins experienced backroom staff

One of Van Bommel’s first decisions has been to appoint former Netherlands international Boudewijn Zenden as one of his assistant coaches.

Zenden enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven and Middlesbrough before moving into coaching.

His extensive Premier League and international experience is expected to complement Van Bommel’s leadership as Belgium begin preparations for their Euro 2028 qualification campaign.

Antwerp success strengthens his credentials

Van Bommel arrives with an impressive coaching résumé despite still being relatively early in his managerial career.

His greatest achievement came with Royal Antwerp, where he guided the club to a historic Belgian league and domestic cup double during the 2022-23 campaign.

Combined with his decorated playing career at PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, AC Milan and the Netherlands national team, Belgium believe they have appointed a coach capable of leading their next generation back among Europe’s elite.

Garcia leaves after recording 12 victories from 20 matches, and Van Bommel’s first task will be building on that foundation as the Red Devils target success at Euro 2028.

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