Jan Vertonghen on his Foundation
Years ago, I visited the VUmc hospital in Amsterdam, which had built a beautiful play city for patients on the top two floors, called VUmc Kinderstad. What I saw there stayed with me: all those seriously ill children who, surrounded by toys, stuffed animals, and games, could momentarily be carefree kids again. I promised myself that one day, I would contribute to something like this.
I chose to launch the Jan Vertonghen Foundation around my 100th international match as a Red Devil for Belgium.
For me, the Foundation is a special way to reflect on the good fortune I’ve had as a footballer and to give something back for all the support I’ve received from Belgium throughout my career. I’m now a father of three healthy children, and I can’t think of a better cause than to help children who are going through difficult times.
— Jan Vertonghen
Our Story
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Respect
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Solidarity
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Fun
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Community
Our Vision
A world that enables children to reach their full potential. A world where children can play together regardless of age, background, gender, physical, or mental limitations.
Our Goal
To create a world where every child feels special. The Jan Vertonghen Foundation aims to encourage as many children as possible to play, move, and be creative. We want to bring out the best in every child because every child is unique.
The Jan Vertonghen Foundation also aims to ensure that in every hospital in Belgium, children are encouraged to always do their best and feel accepted and connected to society. They are much more than their illness; they remain special!
In addition, the Foundation will also organize fun activities each year for sick, disabled, and needy children. When children are given the opportunity to feel like kids again and have fun, regardless of their physical or mental limitations, it benefits their well-being. We are committed to this cause! Bringing out the best in every child is our goal because every child is special!
About Jan Vertonghen
1Red Devils
In May 2007, Vertonghen made his debut in the Belgian national football team during the European Championship qualifying match against Portugal. It marked the beginning of a long international career. He participated in the 2014 World Cup (Brazil), the 2016 European Championship (France), the 2018 World Cup (Russia), and the 2020 European Championship.
On October 10, 2017, with 97 caps, he became Belgium’s record international, overtaking Jan Ceulemans (the previous record holder with 96 caps).
On June 2, 2018, again against Portugal, he became the first ever to reach 100 matches for the Red Devils!
On July 14, 2018, he, along with the Red Devils, secured third place at the World Cup in Russia.
2Anderlecht
After two seasons and 88 matches at the top Portuguese club Benfica, Jan signed with Belgian team Anderlecht in early September 2022 for two seasons.
3Benfica
In August 2020, Jan Vertonghen signed a three-year contract with SL Benfica, the record champions of Portugal.
4Tottenham Hotspur
In the summer of 2012, Vertonghen transferred from Ajax to Tottenham Hotspur, where he would remain until 2020. He became a key player in the defense of the English club and was voted Premier League Player of the Month in March during his first season. At the end of that season, he was chosen by his fellow footballers in the PFA Team of the Year. He made this team again in the 2017-2018 season. In 2018, he also won the Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year Award.
Vertonghen played 315 matches for Tottenham and scored 14 goals for the club. In 2013, he reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League with Tottenham.
5AJAX
Between 2006 and 2012, Vertonghen grew into one of Ajax’s key players.
Wearing number 28, he played in various positions, from central defender to left midfielder and left-back.
He played 155 matches, scored 23 goals, won two cups, and became the national champion twice in a row with the Amsterdam team in 2011 and 2012.
In his last season, 2011-2012, he was captain and won the Golden Shoe as the best player in the Eredivisie.
6Youth Years
Vertonghen was 6 years old when he started playing football at VK Tielrode, the club in his hometown.
At the age of 13, he joined Germinal Beerschot, after which he moved to the youth academy of Ajax, the club with which Beerschot collaborated.
After several years in the youth teams and with Jong Ajax, coach Henk ten Cate promoted him to the first team during the 2006-2007 pre-season.
