Dennis Praet is a Belgian professional footballer born in 1994 who plays as a midfielder.
Praet began his football career at the age of eight in the youth academy of K.R.C. Genk.
He transferred to R.S.C. Anderlecht in 2010, turning down offers from prestigious clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona.
Biography
Early Life
Dennis Praet was born in Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, in 1994. He began his football journey at a young age, joining the youth academy of K.R.C. Genk in 2003 when he was just eight years old. Praet quickly made a name for himself, showcasing his talent and earning a spot in Belgium's youth teams, which attracted attention from top clubs across Europe.
Career
In 2010, Praet made a significant move to R.S.C. Anderlecht, turning down offers from clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona. He started with the under-19 team and made his first-team debut in September 2011, where he impressed by providing two assists in a cup match. Over the next few years, he became a key player for Anderlecht, helping the team secure league titles and extending his contract multiple times.
In 2016, Praet transferred to U.C. Sampdoria, where he continued to develop his skills before moving to Leicester City F.C. in 2019. He also had a loan spell at Torino FC during the 2021-2022 season. As of 2024, he plays for Royal Antwerp F.C. and is set to join KV Mechelen in 2026. Praet has also been a vital part of the Belgium national team, making his senior debut in 2014 and participating in major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2020.
Legacy
Dennis Praet's journey from a promising youth player to a professional footballer highlights his dedication and talent. His ability to adapt and thrive in various leagues and his contributions to the national team underscore his status as a significant figure in Belgian football.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of match played 23 April 2024
International
As of match played 11 June 2022
As of match played 11 June 2022 Belgium score listed first, score column indicates score after each Praet goal
Praet has represented Belgium at every age group under-15 and older making an appearance in the U21 team a mere three years after first playing for the U15 team. On 6 November 2014, Praet received his first call up to the senior Belgian squad for the friendly at home to Iceland on 12 November, and the Euro 2016 Qualifier against Wales on 16 November. He made his senior international début coming on as a 76th-minute substitute for Christian Benteke after all four goals had been scored in the 3–1 friendly win over Iceland in Brussels. Praet earned his second cap for Belgium almost four years on from his debut featuring in a 1–1 draw against rivals Netherlands in October 2018. On 17 May 2021, he was named in the Belgian squad for the UEFA Euro 2020.
Youth at Genk
Praet joined the Genk youth academy in 2003 at the age of eight. He went on to spend most of his youth career at Genk, where he quickly made an impression and played for the club's youth teams until 2010. He was part of a strong generation at the club and scouts considered him one of the top talents. He became part of Belgium's youth teams and attracted the interest of clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona, Ajax and Lille.
Anderlecht
In May 2010 Praet transferred from Genk to Anderlecht turning down more lucrative offers. At Anderlecht he started out with the under-19 team, continuing to impress. In 2011, he received the prize for best player during the AEGON Future Cup in Amsterdam, a youth tournament in which teams like Ajax and Bayern Munich also competed. Praet debuted in Anderlecht's first team on 21 September 2011 starting in the Belgian Cup against Lommel United and provided two assists in a 4–0 win. In the next round of the cup, he scored his first official goal for Anderlecht, against Rupel Boom. Not long after, on 30 October, he also made his debut in the Belgian Pro League as a substitute for Fernando Canesin while playing against Lierse. In March 2012, Praet signed a new contract until 2015. During the 2012–13 season, Praet played regularly for Anderlecht as the club won their second straight league title. A two-year contract extension was agreed in early 2014 to take him through to the summer of 2017. He scored the third goal in…
- Club
- R.S.C. Anderlecht (2011–2016)
- Club
- Belgium men's national football team (2014–2023)
- Club
- Belgium national under-17 association football team (2010–2011)
- Club
- Belgium national under-18 football team (2011–2011)
- Club
- Belgium national under-19 football team (2012–2012)
- Club
- Belgium national under-21 football team (2012–2016)
- Club
- Belgium national youth football team (2009–2009)
- Club
- Belgium national youth football team (2009–2010)
- Club
- U.C. Sampdoria (2016–2019)
- Club
- KV Mechelen (2026–)
- National team
- Belgium
- Club
- Leicester City F.C. (2019–2024)
- Club
- Royal Antwerp F.C. (2024–2026)
- Club
- Torino FC (2021–2022)
Personal
Clubs
- KV Mechelen2026current
- Belgium national youth football team2009–2009
- Belgium national youth football team2009–2010
- Belgium national under-17 association football team2010–2011
- Belgium national under-18 football team2011–2011
- R.S.C. Anderlecht2011–2016
- Belgium national under-19 football team2012–2012
- Belgium national under-21 football team2012–2016
- Belgium men's national football team2014–2023
- U.C. Sampdoria2016–2019
- Leicester City F.C.2019–2024
- Torino FC2021–2022
- Royal Antwerp F.C.2024–2026
Played together with
Aaron Leya IsekaR.S.C. Anderlecht · 2014- Abdallah DeebKV Mechelen · 2009–2010
- Abdelhakim BouhnaR.S.C. Anderlecht · 2012–2014
Abdelhamid SabiriU.C. Sampdoria · 2022–2022- Abdelhamid SabiriU.C. Sampdoria · 2022
- Abderahmane SoussiRoyal Antwerp F.C. · 2021
- Abdoul Karim DanteR.S.C. Anderlecht · 2018–2019
Abdoulay DiabyR.S.C. Anderlecht · 2021–2021- Abdoulaye DiabyRoyal Antwerp F.C.
Abdoulaye SeckRoyal Antwerp F.C. · 2018–2022
Abdul Fatawu IssahakLeicester City F.C. · 2023
Abdul-Ganiyu IddiKV Mechelen · 2009–2011
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Dennis Praet is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Belgian Pro League club Mechelen.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
…