Axel Witsel

Axel Laurent Angel Lambert Witsel was born on January 12, 1989, in Liège, Belgium. He grew up in a family deeply passionate about football, which greatly influenced his later career. His parents were instrumental in nurturing his talent from a young age. Witsel's journey to becoming a professional footballer was marked by his technical skills and work ethic, all of which were honed in his local hometown of Liège.

Axel Witsel made his professional debut for Standard Liège in a match against FC Brussels on September 17, 2006. He was only 17 years old at the time and quickly established himself as a key player in the team's midfield. His debut marked the beginning of a successful career in football. Witsel's performances for Standard Liège soon garnered attention from top European clubs.

On September 24, 2008, Axel Witsel won the Belgian Golden Shoe award, which is presented annually to the best player in the Belgian Pro League. At the time, Witsel was playing for Standard Liège and was pivotal in his team's success. The award highlighted Witsel's outstanding performances during the season and his potential as a world-class midfielder.

On September 3, 2012, Axel Witsel was transferred from S.L. Benfica to Zenit St. Petersburg for a transfer fee of 40 million euros. This move made him one of the most expensive Belgian players at the time. Witsel's decision to join Zenit was influenced by several factors, including the competitive nature of the Russian league and the opportunity to further develop his career.

Axel Witsel made an impactful debut for Tianjin Quanjian on June 1, 2013, quickly establishing himself as a vital part of the team's midfield. During his time at the club, Witsel was noted for his leadership on and off the pitch, significantly contributing to the team's successes. His performances in China proved his adaptability and skill across different leagues.

Axel Witsel completed a move to Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian on January 3, 2017, after turning down a transfer to Juventus. The transfer fee was reported to be around 20 million euros per year. His move to the Chinese Super League was influenced by both financial incentives and the desire to try a new experience in his football career.

Axel Witsel was a part of the Belgian national team that achieved a third-place finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, held in Russia. The team reached the semi-finals but lost to France. They then defeated England in the third-place play-off match. Witsel's performances throughout the tournament were instrumental in Belgium's successful run, showcasing his abilities on the world stage.

On August 6, 2018, Axel Witsel joined German club Borussia Dortmund from Tianjin Quanjian. This move marked Witsel's return to European club football after an 18-month stint in China. His experience and skills were highly valued by Dortmund, and his signing was seen as a significant boost to the team's midfield strength.

In June 2021, Axel Witsel endured a significant Achilles tendon injury during a match. This injury was a major setback for the player, threatening his participation in the UEFA Euro 2020. However, Witsel worked tirelessly on his recovery and managed to return to fitness in time for the tournament, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

Axel Witsel signed with Atlético Madrid on July 6, 2022, after his contract with Borussia Dortmund expired. The move to the Spanish club introduced Witsel to La Liga, allowing him to bring his wealth of European experience to Diego Simeone's squad. His arrival was seen as an opportunity for Atlético to strengthen their midfield with a player of considerable international experience.