Dries Mertens is a distinguished Belgian professional footballer known for his versatility as a forward and winger. He began his career in the youth ranks of Stade Leuven, Anderlecht, and Gent, making his professional debut on loan at Eendracht Aalst. His breakthrough came at AGOVV Apeldoorn, where he became a fan favorite, scoring 15 goals in his first full season and earning the club captaincy. Mertens’ impressive performances led to a transfer to Utrecht, where he continued to shine, netting 21 goals in 86 appearances and attracting attention from top clubs.

In June 2011, Mertens signed with PSV Eindhoven, where he quickly made an impact by scoring 21 goals in his debut season. His contributions helped PSV secure the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield. Mertens’ remarkable form continued, culminating in a transfer to Napoli in 2013 for €9.5 million. Over nearly a decade at Napoli, he became the club’s all-time top goalscorer, surpassing Marek Hamšík with 122 goals. His accolades include winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, as well as being named Belgian Footballer of the Year in 2016.

In 2022, Mertens joined Turkish club Galatasaray, where he has already made a significant impact by winning consecutive Süper Lig titles. His ability to create and score goals has made him a key player, finishing as the league’s top assist provider in his second season. Mertens continues to demonstrate his exceptional skills and leadership on the pitch, contributing to his team’s success.

On the international stage, Mertens has represented Belgium over 100 times, participating in multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships. His dynamic playing style, characterized by agility, creativity, and technical prowess, has solidified his reputation as one of Belgium’s finest footballers, making him a beloved figure in the sport.