Childhood and Family

Dries Mertens was born on 6 June 1987 in Leuven, Belgium. His interest in football at a young age led him to the youth academy of Stade Leuven. However, despite being rejected by Anderlecht due to physical disadvantages, Mertens did not give up, thanks to the support of his family, and continued to pursue his passion for football. His family not only provided him with moral support during the early years of his career but also became his most important guide.

Club Career

Early Years

• Mertens began his football journey in the youth academy of Belgium’s renowned club Anderlecht but failed to demonstrate the development he aspired to, prompting him to move to AA Gent. The young footballer took his first professional step with AGOVV Apeldoorn in the Netherlands, where his impressive performances attracted attention and marked a significant leap in his career.

Dutch Period

• In 2009, Mertens transferred to FC Utrecht, where his compelling play brought him to the radar of PSV Eindhoven, one of the Netherlands’ biggest clubs. Joining PSV in 2011, Mertens gained recognition not only in the Dutch league but also on the European stage. His goals and performances over two seasons attracted the interest of Europe’s top clubs.

Napoli

• In 2013, Mertens moved to Italy’s Napoli, where he initially served as a substitute but gradually became one of the team’s indispensable players. The role assigned to him by manager Maurizio Sarri as a central striker during the 2016-2017 season marked a turning point in Mertens’ career. Becoming Napoli’s all-time top goalscorer, Mertens earned a special place in the hearts of fans under the nickname “Ciro”.

Galatasaray Career

• Joining Galatasaray, one of Türkiye’s most historic clubs, in 2022, Mertens contributed significantly to his team on the pitch through his experience and leadership. He played a major role in Galatasaray’s Süper Lig championship win during his first season.

National Team Career

Mertens became one of the key players of the Belgium national team, making over 100 appearances and participating in Belgium’s campaigns at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 FIFA World World Cups and the 2016 and 2020 Europe European Championships. He made important contributions to Belgium’s third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup.

Achievements and Awards

Club Achievements

• PSV Eindhoven
• • Dutch Super Cup (2015)
  • Eredivisie Championship (2015-16)
  • KNVB Cup (2012-13)
• Napoli
• • Coppa Italia (2013-14, 2019-20)
  • Italian Super Cup (2014, 2020)
  • Top scorer in Serie A (2017-2018)
  • Napoli’s all-time top goalscorer (148 goals)
• Galatasaray
• • Süper Lig Championship (2022-2023)
  • Turkish Super Cup Championship (2023)
• Individual Awards
• • Serie A Player of the Month (September 2017)
  • One of Belgium’s best players at the FIFA World Cup (2018)
• National Team Achievements
• • Third place at the FIFA World Cup (2018)
  • UEFA European Championship Semi-Final (2016)
  • Member of the Belgium squad at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and the 2016 and 2020 European Championships.