Axel Laurent Angel Lambert Witsel was born on 12 January 1989 and is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for La Liga club Atletico Madrid.
19 Facts About Axel Witsel
2.
Axel Witsel began his career at hometown club Standard Liege, making 183 appearances and scoring 42 goals while winning five domestic trophies.
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Axel Witsel was awarded the Belgian Golden Shoe in 2008.
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Axel Witsel won four honours during his time in Russia, before leaving for Tianjin Quanjian in January 2017.
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Axel Witsel returned to Europe with Borussia Dortmund in August 2018.
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Axel Witsel made his senior international debut in 2008 and earned his 100th cap for Belgium on 15 November 2018.
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Axel Witsel represented the country at the FIFA World Cup in 2014,2018 and 2022, and the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and 2020, helping them to third place in the 2018 tournament.
8.
On 17 September 2006, a 17-year-old Axel Witsel made his debut with Standard Liege during a competitive game against FC Brussels when he replaced Steven Defour in the 89th minute.
9.
On 30 August 2009, Axel Witsel sparked controversy when he broke Marcin Wasilewski's leg by stamping on his ankle during the match between Anderlecht and Standard.
10.
On 3 January 2017, Zenit officially announced that Axel Witsel has moved to Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian.
11.
On 6 August 2018, Axel Witsel signed for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund and agreed a four-year contract which would last until 30 June 2022.
12.
On 7 July 2022, Atletico Madrid officially announced that Axel Witsel had signed for the club on a one year contract via a free transfer after his contract with Borussia Dortmund expired.
13.
On 26 March 2008, Axel Witsel made his senior international debut for Belgium during a friendly game against Morocco.
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On 13 May 2014, Axel Witsel was named in Belgium's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
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Axel Witsel featured in the Belgian squad at UEFA Euro 2016, announced on 31 May 2016.
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Axel Witsel scored his first tournament goal during the Championships, in a Group E match against the Republic of Ireland.
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Axel Witsel scored twice in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, both in wide victories over Gibraltar.
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Axel Witsel was part of the Belgian squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the team performed badly, failing to make it out of the group stage.
19.
On 12 May 2023, Axel Witsel announced his retirement from the national team on Instagram, having made 130 appearances for Belgium.