Belgian international striker Dries Mertens reportedly considered a return to the Belgian national team for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, according to recent reports. The Galatasaray forward, who had previously announced his retirement from international duty, allegedly evaluated the possibility of a comeback before ultimately deciding to remain retired from the Red Devils’ squad.
The veteran attacker, currently a key fixture at Galatasaray in the Turkish Süper Lig, has remained a consistent performer at the club level since leaving SSC Napoli in 2022. While his international career appeared to conclude following the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, speculation regarding a potential return surfaced as Belgium prepared for their summer campaign in Germany. For a player with 109 caps and 21 goals for his country, such a decision carries weight in the context of Belgium’s “Golden Generation” transition under head coach Domenico Tedesco, who confirmed his final squad selections in May 2024 via the Royal Belgian Football Association official channels.
The Context of Mertens’ International Retirement
Dries Mertens officially stepped away from international football in June 2023, choosing to focus exclusively on his club commitments. This decision followed a decade-long tenure during which he became one of the most prolific goalscorers in Belgian history. His departure marked a significant shift for the Red Devils, who were actively seeking to integrate younger talent alongside established stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
According to data tracked by Transfermarkt, Mertens’ final appearance for Belgium occurred during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. Since that time, the Belgian national team has undergone a structural overhaul, with Tedesco prioritizing high-intensity pressing and tactical flexibility—a system that relies heavily on the physical conditioning of players. Despite his age, Mertens has maintained a rigorous fitness regimen in Istanbul, which reportedly sparked the internal debate regarding a late-career international swan song.
Club Form and Tactical Considerations
Mertens’ ongoing success at Galatasaray serves as the primary driver for any discussion regarding his potential availability. During the 2023-2024 season, the playmaker played a vital role in his club’s pursuit of the domestic title, demonstrating that he retains the technical proficiency required for elite competition. His ability to operate between the lines and deliver precise assists remains a hallmark of his playstyle, characteristics that were once central to the Belgian national team’s offensive strategy.
However, the transition to a younger squad remains the primary objective for the Belgian Football Association. As noted in the official UEFA Euro 2024 squad list, the selection process focused on players who could provide longevity for the upcoming World Cup cycle. Integrating a player who had already announced his retirement would have required a significant shift in the team’s long-term development strategy, a move that the coaching staff ultimately avoided to maintain continuity within the current group.
What Happens Next for the Belgian Squad
With the squad for the most recent international windows already established, the focus for the Royal Belgian Football Association remains on the UEFA Nations League and the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Domenico Tedesco continues to refine his roster, emphasizing the development of players who can replicate the output of veterans like Mertens within the current tactical framework.
For Dries Mertens, the focus is squarely on his remaining years in Turkey. His contract status and performance metrics will continue to be monitored by fans and analysts, but any expectation of a return to the national team has been effectively dismissed by the lack of inclusion in recent call-ups. Supporters looking for the latest updates on the national team’s roster or upcoming friendly fixtures can find official information at the Royal Belgian Football Association website.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the evolution of the Belgian national team. Do you believe the current squad has the necessary experience to succeed at the highest level without the veteran presence of players like Mertens? Join the conversation in the comments section below.