Zeno Debast
A ball-playing centre-back who can step into midfield — Anderlecht-made, a Portuguese champion with Sporting.
Playing Style Summary
Debast is a 1.91m centre-back who can also play as a defensive midfielder, a combination that shapes his game: he is comfortable receiving under pressure, passing through lines and stepping out of the back line with the ball. An Anderlecht academy product, he made 78 league appearances before Sporting CP signed him in July 2024 for a fee of €15.5 million plus add-ons. In his first season he won the Portuguese league and cup double. He is capable of striking from distance, scoring from outside the box against Lille in the Champions League.
Defining Traits
Midfielder's Comfort
Experience as a defensive midfielder shows in his body shape when receiving and his willingness to play forward.
Line-Breaking Passing
Looks to find midfielders between the lines rather than playing safe sideways passes.
Long-Range Shooting
Has scored from outside the box for Sporting and found the net for Belgium against the United States.
Composure for His Age
A regular starter for Anderlecht as a teenager, he has years of senior experience before turning 23.
Strengths
- Comfortable on the ball under pressure
- Can play centre-back or defensive midfield
- Progressive passing through the lines
- Threat from distance when stepping into midfield
Limitations
- Ambition in possession can lead to costly errors — two mistakes contributed to Porto goals on his Sporting debut
- Still competing for a regular starting place with Sporting
More Belgium players
See the full squad →
Arthur Theate
“A left-footed, front-foot defender who can play left centre-back, left-back or in a back three — aggressive in the duel and brave in stepping out.”
Brandon Mechele
“Club Brugge's one-club centre-back — a reader of the game whose positioning, composure and consistency made him the only Belgian to play all six of Belgium's World Cup matches.”
Nathan Ngoy
“A composed young centre-back who moved from Standard Liège to Lille and broke into Belgium's World Cup squad in 2026.”
Maxim De Cuyper
“An attacking left-back with a winger's past — dangerous left-foot delivery, goals from deep and constant running down the flank.”
Joaquin Seys
“Club Brugge's homegrown left-back — strong on the ball, eager to attack, and already experienced in the Champions League.”
Kevin De Bruyne
“The most complete midfielder of his generation — half-space controller, vision machine, the engine of Guardiola's Manchester City and now Napoli's creative reference.”
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