Ritchie De Laet is a Belgian former professional footballer known for playing as a defender.
He played for Manchester United from 2009 to 2012, making his first-team debut in the Premier League in 2009.
De Laet was part of the Leicester City team that won the Premier League in the 2015-16 season.
Biography
Early Life
Ritchie Ria Alfons De Laet was born in Antwerp, Belgium, where he began his journey in football. He started his career at Royal Antwerp F.C., showcasing his potential as a defender before moving to England.
Career
De Laet's professional career took off when he signed with Stoke City in 2007 for an initial fee of £100,000. After a brief loan spell at Wrexham, he joined Manchester United in January 2009. His time at United was marked by a mix of reserve team appearances and a debut in the Premier League against Hull City in May 2009. Shortly after, he earned his first cap for the Belgium national team in a match against Chile.
Following his stint at Manchester United, De Laet played for several clubs, including Leicester City, where he was part of the squad that won the Premier League in the 2015-16 season. He also had spells at clubs like Aston Villa and Royal Antwerp, where he continued to demonstrate his skills as a full-back. His career has been characterized by adaptability and resilience, transitioning through various leagues and teams while maintaining a strong presence on the field.
Legacy
De Laet's contributions to football have been recognized through various honors, including winning the Belgian Pro League with Royal Antwerp and the Premier League with Leicester City. His journey reflects the dedication and hard work of a player who has navigated the challenges of professional football, leaving a mark in both English and Belgian football.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Stoke City
Born in Antwerp, De Laet began his career at Belgian club Royal Antwerp. On 17 August 2007, he signed a three-year contract with Championship team Stoke City for an initial £100,000 fee. In July 2008, De Laet joined AFC Bournemouth on trial and played his first game in a friendly against Portsmouth, a 4–1 defeat. However, he later returned to Stoke. In October 2008, he joined Wrexham of the Conference National on a one-month loan deal, making his debut in a 2–0 victory over Lewes in the league. He made three appearances during his time at the club before his loan spell was terminated in order for him to undergo a hernia operation.
Manchester United
On 8 January 2009, De Laet was signed by Premier League champions Manchester United on a three-year contract. The fee to be paid by Manchester United depended on appearances. After joining United, De Laet played exclusively for the club's reserve team. In March 2009, De Laet was named as one of five over-age players in the Manchester United under-18 squad for the Torneo Calcio Memorial Claudio Sassi-Sassuolo; he played in three of the five matches, and scored a penalty in the 5–3 semi-final penalty shoot-out win over Modena to take the Red Devils into the final, in which they beat Ajax 1–0. De Laet made his first appearance for the Manchester United first team on 24 May 2009, when he was named at left-back for the last game of the 2008–09 Premier League season against Hull City. In the 2009–10 season,…
A few days after his Manchester United debut, De Laet was called up for Belgium's Kirin Cup matches against Chile and Japan. He made his debut in the match against Chile on 29 May 2009. De Laet was a regular for the under-21s in the 2011 European Championship qualifying.
- Club
- Royal Antwerp F.C. (2006–2007)
- Club
- Portsmouth F.C. (2011–2011)
- Club
- Preston North End F.C. (2010–2010)
- Club
- Manchester United F.C. (2009–2012)
- Club
- Wrexham A.F.C. (2008–2008)
- Club
- Leicester City F.C. (2012–2016)
- Club
- Sheffield United F.C. (2010–2010)
- Club
- Norwich City F.C. (2011–2012)
- Club
- Stoke City F.C. (2007–2009)
- Club
- Middlesbrough F.C. (2016–2016)
- Club
- Royal Antwerp F.C. (2018–2018)
- Club
- Melbourne City FC (2018–2019)
- National team
- Belgium
- League
- Premier League
- Club
- Belgium national under-21 football team (2009–2009)
- Club
- Royal Antwerp F.C. (2019–2024)
- Club
- Aston Villa F.C. (2016–2019)
- Club
- Belgium men's national football team (2009–2009)
Legacy
Leicester City
Premier League: 2015–16 Football League Championship: 2013–14 Middlesbrough
Football League Championship runner-up: 2015–16 Royal Antwerp
Belgian Pro League: 2022–23 Belgian Cup: 2019–20, 2022–23 Belgian Super Cup: 2023 Individual
Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year: 2009–10
Clubs
- Royal Antwerp F.C.2006–2007
- Stoke City F.C.2007–2009
- Wrexham A.F.C.2008–2008
- Belgium men's national football team2009–2009
- Belgium national under-21 football team2009–2009
- Manchester United F.C.2009–2012
- Preston North End F.C.2010–2010
- Sheffield United F.C.2010–2010
- Norwich City F.C.2011–2012
- Portsmouth F.C.2011–2011
- Leicester City F.C.2012–2016
- Aston Villa F.C.2016–2019
- Middlesbrough F.C.2016–2016
- Melbourne City FC2018–2019
- Royal Antwerp F.C.2018–2018
- Royal Antwerp F.C.2019–2024
Played together with
A. H. AlbutManchester United F.C.- Aaron BrownPreston North End F.C. · 2012–2012
Aaron BrownWrexham A.F.C. · 2010–2010- Aaron CookPortsmouth F.C. · 1998–1999
- Aaron FlahavanPortsmouth F.C. · 1994–2001
Aaron HughesAston Villa F.C. · 2005–2007- Aaron HughesMelbourne City FC · 2015–2016
- Aaron HulmeManchester United F.C. · 1906–1909
Aaron McCareyPortsmouth F.C. · 2015–2015
Aaron MokoenaPortsmouth F.C. · 2009–2012
Aaron MooyMelbourne City FC · 2014
Aaron RamsdaleSheffield United F.C. · 2015–2017
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Ritchie Ria Alfons De Laet is a Belgian former professional footballer who played as a defender.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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