Alexis Saelemaekers
World Cup campaign ends
Saelemaekers recorded no stats in Friday's 2-1 loss against Spain.
Analysis: Saelemaekers was brought onto the field for the final few minutes of Belgium's loss to Spain on Friday, getting only four minutes of play. This was likely not the World Cup the midfielder was hoping for, as he only started in one of his four appearances for 81 minutes of play. However, he still earned a goal on his four shots, at least having something to go home with.
Stoppage-time goal completes rout
Saelemaekers scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one corner in Friday's 5-1 victory against New Zealand.
Analysis: Saelemaekers came off the bench and put the finishing touch on Belgium's dominant performance, confidently converting Romelu Lukaku's assist with the final kick of the game in Tuesday's 5-1 win over New Zealand. His second-half introduction injected even more energy into an attack that was already firing on all cylinders. The late goal capped a statement victory and secured Belgium's place atop Group G heading into the Round of 32.
Provides disciplined display
Saelemaekers generated two shots (zero on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Iran.
Analysis: Saelemaekers started on the right wing in place of the absent Jeremy Doku in Sunday's goalless draw with Iran, registering two shots, one cross and one tackle across 58 minutes before being replaced by Dodi Lukebakio as coach Rudi Garcia made his triple substitution in search of a breakthrough. The winger contributed to Belgium's sustained pressure in the first half without creating any clear-cut opportunities of his own, and his defensive tracking work on Iran's counter-attacks helped maintain Belgium's shape against a side that was consistently dangerous on the transition. With Jeremy Doku's return for the New Zealand fixture uncertain, Saelemaekers has demonstrated he can be a reliable and disciplined wide option for this Belgium squad, though his replacement by the more direct Lukebakio suggested the coaching staff wanted more individual threat from the wide positions in the final third.
Scores opener
Saelemaekers scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), two crosses (two accurate) and three chances created in Sunday's 2-1 loss against Cagliari.
Analysis: Saelemaekers gave AC Milan the perfect start in Sunday's 1-2 defeat to Cagliari on the final day of the season, reacting instinctively after Fikayo Tomori's ball over the top was nodded on by Santiago Gimenez to fire home a first-time finish inside two minutes for his third Serie A goal of the campaign. The Belgian winger tried everything to help restore the lead afterward, contributing three key passes and two crosses, but his early strike ultimately proved meaningless as Cagliari's counterattacking goals condemned Milan to the UEFA Europa League. Saelemaekers ends the 2025-26 Serie A season with three goals, three assists and 52 key passes across 35 appearances, and he is expected to play an important impact role off the bench for Belgium national football team at the FIFA World Cup in June.
Eligible to face Cagliari
Saelemaekers served a one-game suspension in Sunday's 2-1 win over Genoa.
Analysis: Saelemaekers will be back versus Cagliari next Sunday and compete with Zachary Athekame, who scored in relief. Saelemaekers has taken one shot in five consecutive outings (three on target), registering seven chances created, seven crosses (two accurate) and three interceptions during that stretch. Furthermore, He has recorded one or more tackles in his last 10 outings, totaling 20 (10 won).
Disqualified for Genoa meeting
Saelemaekers had one shot (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created and was booked for the fifth time in Sunday's 3-2 loss versus Atalanta.
Analysis: Saelemakers had a pedestrian outing for the most part, but took one shot for the fifth game in a row (three on target) and extended his streak of matches with multiple tackles to six, for a total of 15 (seven won). He won't be available for the Genoa match due to yellow-card accumulation. Zachary Athekame will likely fill in.
Fairly lively in Juventus meeting
Saelemaekers won three of three tackles and had one shot (zero on goal), three interceptions and two chances created in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Juventus.
Analysis: Saelemakers was pretty sprightly on the wing and tracked back a lot, posting a new season high in interceptions. He hit the crossbar from inside the box in the best scoring opportunity of the contest. He has registered at least one tackle in eight straight fixtures, piling up 15 (eight won), adding 16 key passes, 13 crosses (six accurate) and seven interceptions over that span. Furthermore, this marked his third game in a row with one shot (two on target).
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