Goal machines: The best Belgian strikers of all time

Best Belgian strikers of all time list features the elite marksmen who transformed the Red Devils into a global footballing powerhouse over the past century. You can explore the comprehensive performance data and career scoring rates for these legendary attackers by visiting the archives at soccerwayuk.com. 

Legendary goalscorers: Ranking the best Belgian strikers of all time

The rise of Belgium as a global footballing power has been fueled by a lineage of prolific attackers who have consistently found the back of the net on the world stage. To understand the evolution of the Red Devils from their early pioneers to the modern "Golden Generation," fans often look to the statistical breakdowns provided by experts at soccerwayuk, which highlight the following ten legendary marksmen.

1. Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku is the most dominant force in Belgian football history, securing a record-breaking 72 goals since his 2010 debut. His highlights include scoring four goals during the 2018 World Cup run and matching Diego Maradona's feat of netting two or more goals in consecutive World Cup matches. Despite a poor team showing at Euro 2020, his individual quality earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament. 

Romelu Lukaku is Belgium’s all time leading scorer and a powerful striker 

2. Eden Hazard

A cornerstone of Belgium’s "Golden Generation," Eden Hazard is the nation's second-highest all-time scorer with 33 goals. After making his debut as a teenager in 2008, the Chelsea icon developed into a world-class leader, captaining the Red Devils to a historic third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. His exceptional performances during that tournament earned him the Silver Ball, marking the peak of a career defined by creative brilliance and clinical finishing.

3. Bernard Voorhoof

Bernard Voorhoof remains a legendary figure from the pre-war era, netting 30 goals in just 61 appearances for the national team. He holds the rare distinction of appearing in all three pre-World Cup II tournaments and scored Belgium's first-ever World Cup goals against Germany in 1934. Voorhoof retired as the country's highest goalscorer, a record he held for decades until it was eventually equaled in 1972.

4. Paul Van Himst

Paul Van Himst was a defining figure for the Red Devils between 1960 and 1974, amassing 30 goals in 81 caps to tie the national record at the time. He was a key member of the squad that secured third place at Euro 1972 and is famously remembered for his hat-trick against Israel in a 1965 World Cup qualifier. His technical skill and consistency made him a mainstay in the Belgian setup for over a decade.

5. Marc Wilmots

Marc Wilmots was a prolific attacking midfielder who recorded 28 goals in 70 caps and featured in four consecutive World Cup squads between 1990 and 2002. He remains a vital part of Belgian World Cup history, holding the record for the most goals scored by a Belgian at the tournament during his era. Wilmots is also remembered for his disallowed goal against Brazil in the 2002 Round of 16 and for being named as a reserve in the 2002 World Cup All-Star Team.

Marc Wilmots was a key World Cup figure for Belgium with a record scoring impact

6. Jef Mermans

Known as "The Bomber" for his devastating shooting power, Jef Mermans scored 28 goals in only 56 appearances for his country. A star of the 1954 World Cup squad, Mermans was equally prolific at the club level, scoring 449 goals throughout a career spent mostly with Anderlecht. His enduring legacy is honored today by Merksem SC, who named their home ground the Stade Jef Mermans in his memory.

7. Michy Batshuayi

Michy Batshuayi has been a highly effective striker for Belgium since his 2015 debut, currently sitting at 27 international goals. He is known for his immediate impact, notably scoring just three minutes into his debut against Cyprus and finding the net with his first touch against Hungary at Euro 2016. Having featured in multiple World Cups and European Championships, Batshuayi has consistently provided a clinical edge for the Red Devils.

8. Robert De Veen

Robert De Veen is one of the earliest prolific scorers in Belgian history, maintaining an incredible strike rate of 26 goals in only 23 international matches. Debuting in 1906 with a brace against France, De Veen’s entire goal tally came in friendly matches as he never appeared in a major international tournament. Despite the lack of competitive fixtures, his efficiency remains one of the highest in the history of the national team.

9. Raymond Braine

Raymond Braine was a dominant force for Belgium between 1925 and 1939, scoring 26 goals in 51 appearances. A superstar for Beerschot VAC, he won six first-division titles and was so highly regarded that he famously turned down a lucrative offer to become a Czechoslovakian citizen in 1934. Braine remains celebrated as one of the finest strikers of his generation, both in Belgium and during his successful stint with Sparta Prague.

Raymond Braine was one of Belgium’s greatest early strikers and a true football icon 

10. Wesley Sonck

Rounding out the top ten is Wesley Sonck, who netted 24 goals in 55 games for the national team. He was a crucial player during the Euro 2004 and World Cup 2010 qualifying cycles, notably scoring a vital brace against Croatia. Sonck is also famously remembered for ending the 710-minute undefeated streak of Spanish goalkeepers Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina in 2008.

Top 10 best Belgian strikers of all time: 

Romelu Lukaku

Eden Hazard

Bernard Voorhoof

Paul Van Himst

Marc Wilmots

Jef Mermans

Michy Batshuayi

Robert De Veen

Raymond Braine

Wesley Sonck

Best Belgian strikers of all time remain a source of immense pride for fans who have witnessed these players reach the pinnacle of European and world football. We invite you to keep track of every upcoming match and tournament timeline through our dedicated schedule section to stay informed.