Bayern Munich legend Mark van Bommel confirmed as new Belgium boss with ex-Chelsea and Liverpool star joining coaching staff

Belgium have officially appointed former Bayern Munich captain Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Red Devils, with the Dutchman bringing former Chelsea and Liverpool winger Boudewijn Zenden into his backroom staff.

The 49-year-old replaces Rudi Garcia following Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final exit and has signed a two-year contract that will keep him in charge through to Euro 2028.

Van Bommel officially takes charge

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) confirmed Van Bommel’s appointment on its official website, announcing that he will begin his role on August 15, 2026.

The former PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan midfielder inherits one of Europe’s most talented national teams and will be tasked with leading Belgium into a new era after Garcia’s departure.

Van Bommel has assembled an experienced coaching team that includes former Netherlands international Boudewijn Zenden, whose playing career featured spells with Chelsea and Liverpool.

Belgium chiefs welcome new era

RBFA sporting director Vincent Mannaert welcomed Van Bommel and his coaching staff, expressing confidence that their experience will help Belgium remain among international football’s elite.

“I am 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 to continue growing, achieve results, and fully utilise their potential on an individual and collective level.”

Van Bommel outlines his ambitions

Speaking after his appointment, Van Bommel described becoming Belgium’s head coach as a tremendous honour and pledged to build a disciplined and fearless team capable of competing with the world’s best.

“It is a great honour to become the national coach of Belgium. I would like to thank the Royal Belgian Football Association for the trust they have placed in me,” he said.

“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. I look forward to meeting the players, the staff, and the supporters and starting this new chapter together.”

Proven pedigree at club level

Van Bommel arrives with an impressive coaching résumé, highlighted by his historic 2022-23 campaign with Royal Antwerp, where he guided the Belgian club to a memorable domestic league and cup double.

Combined with his decorated playing career across Europe’s biggest clubs, Belgium believe Van Bommel possesses the experience and leadership required to maximise the potential of their next generation of international stars as they prepare for the road to Euro 2028.

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