Misplaced Pages

Thomas Vermaelen: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 04:53, 15 March 2010 edit112.199.138.12 (talk)No edit summary← Previous edit Latest revision as of 22:31, 19 November 2024 edit undoSer Amantio di Nicolao (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Administrators6,284,774 editsm External links: add Category:21st-century Belgian sportsmenTag: AWB 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Belgian footballer (born 1985)}}
{{Infobox Football biography 2
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
| playername = Thomas Vermaelen
{{Use British English|date=February 2013}}
| image = ]
{{Infobox football biography
| caption = Vermaelen.
| name = Thomas Vermaelen
| dateofbirth = {{birth date and age|1985|11|14|df=y}}
| image = Thomas Vermaelen 2018.jpg
| cityofbirth = ]
| caption = Vermaelen with ] at the ]
| countryofbirth = ]
| full_name = Thomas Vermaelen<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF |title=FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: List of Players: Belgium |publisher=FIFA |page=3 |date=15 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611000407/https://www.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF |archive-date=11 June 2019}}</ref>
| height = {{convert|1.82|m|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Factfile: Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/factfile-belgian-defender-thomas-vermaelen |work=Arsenal.com |publisher=] |accessdate=2009-07-08}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|11|14|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/40543/thomas-vermaelen |title=Thomas Vermaelen: Overview |publisher=ESPN |access-date=9 April 2021}}</ref>
| position = ]
| birth_place = ], Belgium<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 August 2014 |title=Thomas Vermaelen: A Belgian leader with class |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/1121351/thomas-vermaelen-a-belgian-leader-with-class |access-date=15 August 2023 |website=]}}</ref>
| currentclub = ]
| height = 1.83 m<ref>{{Cite web |title=ヴィッセル神戸 : 選手/スタッフ |url=https://www.vissel-kobe.co.jp/profile/?mode=detail&id=223 |access-date=6 August 2023 |website=ヴィッセル神戸オフィシャルサイト |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213114316/https://www.vissel-kobe.co.jp/profile/?mode=detail&id=223 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| clubnumber = 5
| position = ]
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–1999
| currentclub =
| youthyears2 = 1999–2000
| youthyears1 = 1991–1999
| youthyears3 = 2000–2003
| youthclubs1 = ] | youthclubs1 = ]
| youthyears2 = 1999–2000
| youthclubs2 = ] | youthclubs2 = ]
| youthyears3 = 2000–2003
| youthclubs3 = ]
| youthclubs3 = ]
| years1 = 2003–2009 | years1 = 2003–2009
| years2 = 2004–2005
| years3 = 2009–
| clubs1 = ] | clubs1 = ]
| caps1 = 97
| goals1 = 7
| years2 = 2003–2005
| clubs2 = → ] (loan) | clubs2 = → ] (loan)
| caps2 = 13
| goals2 = 2
| years3 = 2009–2014
| clubs3 = ] | clubs3 = ]
| caps3 = 110
| caps1 = 94 | goals1 = 8
| caps2 = 13 | goals2 = 3 | goals3 = 13
| years4 = 2014–2019
| caps3 = 30 | goals3 = 7
| clubs4 = ]
| nationalyears1 = 2006–
| caps4 = 34
| nationalteam1 = ]
| goals4 = 1
| nationalcaps1 = 23 | nationalgoals1 = 1
| years5 = 2016–2017
| pcupdate = 15:51, 6 March 2010 (UTC)
| ntupdate = 15:51, 6 March 2010 (UTC) | clubs5 = ] (loan)
| caps5 = 9
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2019–2021
| clubs6 = ]
| caps6 = 45
| goals6 = 1
| totalcaps = 308
| totalgoals = 24
| nationalyears1 = 2002–2003
| nationalteam1 = ]
| nationalcaps1 = 5
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2003–2004
| nationalteam2 = ]
| nationalcaps2 = 7
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2004–2007
| nationalteam3 = ]
| nationalcaps3 = 12
| nationalgoals3 = 1
| nationalyears4 = 2006–2021
| nationalteam4 = ]
| nationalcaps4 = 85
| nationalgoals4 = 2
| manageryears1 = 2022
| managerclubs1 = ] (assistant)
| medaltemplates =
{{Medal|Sport|Men's ]}}
{{Medal|Country|{{fb|BEL}}}}
{{Medal|Comp|]}}
{{Medal|3rd|]|}}
}} }}
'''Thomas Vermaelen''' ({{IPA|nl|ˈtoːmɑs fərˈmaːlə(n)}};<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2023 |title=Visiting Thomas Vermaelen in London 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 {{!}} 'I felt at home in Amsterdam 🏠' |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqbsMH9Cj_0 |access-date=15 August 2023 |website=] |publisher=] |language=Dutch}}</ref> born 14 November 1985) is a Belgian former professional ] who played as a ]. Being left-footed, he usually played as a left-sided centre-back and could play at ] as well.<ref name="nickname"/> His key attributes included aerial ability, leadership skills, and his quickness with the ball at his feet. He was also known for his goalscoring ability as a defender.


Vermaelen joined the ] youth academy in 2000 and won the ] title in his first season with the club. He had a loan spell with ] before rejoining Ajax and winning the ] and ]. After ]'s departure in 2009, he served as club captain for the remainder of the season. He joined Arsenal in 2009 and was included in the ] for that season. Following ]'s transfer to ] in August 2012, he was named club captain but found first team opportunities limited due to the success of Arsenal's new first-choice defensive partnership of ] and ]. In August 2014, he completed a £15 million transfer to ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28728256|title=Thomas Vermaelen: Barcelona to sign Arsenal defender on Sunday|date=9 August 2014|access-date=10 August 2014|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> In 2019, he joined ] before retiring in 2021.
'''Thomas Vermaelen''' (born 14 November 1985) is a ] ], who currently plays for ] as a ]. He started playing professionally for ] before moving to Arsenal in June 2009. Despite being only six feet tall, a relatively unimposing height for a centre-half, Vermaelen is known for his aerial ability; Vermaelen also possesses an eye for goal in spite of his naturally defensive position.

Vermaelen made his international debut for Belgium in 2006, and took part at the ], where Belgium came fourth, as well as the ] in ] and ] (where Belgium came third), and the ] in ] and ].


==Club career== ==Club career==
]

===Early career=== ===Early career===
Vermaelen started his career in his home country at ], which later changed its name to Germinal Beerschot after a merge. Born in ], ], Vermaelen started his youth career in his home country with ], which later became Germinal Beerschot after a merger.


===Ajax=== ===Ajax===
Vermaelen joined the academy of Dutch club ]. He made his professional debut on 15 February 2004 in a 0–2 away win over ].


His breakthrough came when he returned to Ajax and won the ]. Performances that season resulted in a call-up to the ]. Ajax won the ] and another KNVB Cup the following season and in 2007, they won the Johan Cruyff Shield for the second consecutive time.<ref>{{cite web |title=VZ: De transferobjecten van de Eredivisie |url=http://www.voetbalzone.nl/doc.asp?uid=80130 |date=8 June 2009 |work=Voetbalzone.nl |publisher=Voetbalzone |access-date=8 July 2009}}</ref> He forged a partnership with fellow academy graduate ] and later ] when Heitinga left for ] in Spain. Following the departure of ] in mid-season, Vermaelen served as captain of Ajax for the remainder of the ], where he mostly played as a left-back.
]
In 2000 he joined the academy of ] club ]. He made his professional debut on 15 February ] in a 2–0 away win over ]. It was however the only match he played during the season in which Ajax won the ] championship. He was sent on loan to ] for the 2004–05 season. At RKC he was not a first team regular, but made thirteen appearances in which he scored two goals.

His breakthrough came when he returned to Ajax and won the ]. Performances that season resulted in a call-up to the ]. Ajax won the ] and another KNVB Cup the following season and in 2007, they won the ] for the second consecutive time.<ref>{{cite web |title=VZ: De transferobjecten van de Eredivisie |url=http://www.voetbalzone.nl/doc.asp?uid=80130 |date=2009-06-08 |work=Voetbalzone.nl |publisher=Voetbalzone |accessdate=2009-07-08}}</ref> He forged a partnership with fellow academy graduate ] and later ] when Heitinga left for Spain. Following the departure of ] in mid-season, Vermaelen served as captain of Ajax for the remainder of the 2008–09 season.


===Arsenal=== ===Arsenal===
====2009–10 season====
Vermaelen joined ] from ] for an initial fee of €10 million, rising to €12 million on 19 June 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas Vermaelen joins Arsenal |url=http://english.ajax.nl/News/Archive/Article/Thomas-Vermaelen-joins-Arsenal.htm |date=2009-06-19 |work=Ajax.nl |publisher=] |accessdate=2009-06-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas Vermaelen completes move to Arsenal |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/thomas-vermaelen-completes-move-to-arsenal |date=2009-06-19 |work=Arsenal.com |publisher=] |accessdate=2009-06-19}}</ref> as first choice partner to ] in central defence, with ] later joining ].<ref>{{citenews|title=Thomas Vermaelen's seamless transition augurs well for Arsenal's defence|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/aug/20/thomas-vermaelen-arsenal-defender|publisher=]|date=20 August 2009|accessdate=31 October 2009}}</ref>
]
Vermaelen joined ] from Ajax for an initial fee of €10&nbsp;million (rising to €12&nbsp;million) on 19 June 2009, signing a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas Vermaelen joins Arsenal |url=http://english.ajax.nl/News/Archive/Article/Thomas-Vermaelen-joins-Arsenal.htm |date=19 June 2009 |work=Ajax.nl |publisher=] |access-date=19 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803130416/http://english.ajax.nl/News/Archive/Article/Thomas-Vermaelen-joins-Arsenal.htm |archive-date=3 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas Vermaelen completes move to Arsenal |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/thomas-vermaelen-completes-move-to-arsenal |date=19 June 2009 |work=Arsenal.com |publisher=] |access-date=19 June 2009}}</ref> After ] surrendered the number 5 jersey to him upon joining ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Thomas Vermaelen's seamless transition augurs well for Arsenal's defence|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/20/thomas-vermaelen-arsenal-defender|work=The Guardian|date=20 August 2009|access-date=31 October 2009 | location=London | first=David | last=Hytner}}</ref> Vermaelen, with ], formed Arsenal's central defence pairing. Vermaelen made his ] debut on 15 August 2009 in a 1–6 away win against ], and scored in the 37th minute.<ref>{{cite news |title=Everton 1–6 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8199120.stm |date=15 August 2009 |work=BBC News |author=Dawkes, Phil |access-date=16 August 2009}}</ref> He became the 84th Arsenal player to score in their debut.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/usa/sh/news/news-archive/debut-scorers |title=Thomas Vermaelen is 84th debut goalscorer |work=Arsenal.com |publisher=] |date=17 August 2009 |access-date=25 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014082455/http://www.arsenal.com/usa/sh/news/news-archive/debut-scorers |archive-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> He then scored a brace against ] in a 4–0 victory.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8256624.stm |work=BBC News | first=Phil | last=Dawkes | title=Arsenal 4–0 Wigan | date=19 September 2009}}</ref>

Arsenal fans voted him as their Player of the Month twice in a row on Arsenal.com,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/vermaelen-is-ea-sports-player-of-the-month- |title=Vermaelen is EA SPORTS Player of the Month! |work=Arsenal.com |publisher=] |date=10 September 2009 |access-date=25 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913082828/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/vermaelen-is-ea-sports-player-of-the-month- |archive-date=13 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/30011/vermaelen-is-ea-sports-player-of-the-month- |title=Vermaelen is EA SPORTS Player of the Month! |work=Arsenal.com |publisher=] |date=14 October 2009 |access-date=25 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016221636/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/30011/vermaelen-is-ea-sports-player-of-the-month- |archive-date=16 October 2009}}</ref> and affectionately nicknamed him the "Verminator".<ref name="nickname">{{cite news |title=Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen earns himself 'Verminator' nickname |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/arsenal/6424578/Arsenals-Thomas-Vermaelen-earns-himself-Verminator-nickname.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028050455/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/arsenal/6424578/Arsenals-Thomas-Vermaelen-earns-himself-Verminator-nickname.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 October 2009 |date=24 October 2009 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=28 May 2010 | location=London | first=Duncan | last=White}}</ref> However, he scored an own goal in a home match against ] when a cross came in from ]. The match finished 0–3 to Chelsea at the ].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8377195.stm |work=BBC News | title=Arsenal 0–3 Chelsea | date=29 November 2009}}</ref>

Vermaelen became notable for being a goal-scoring defender during the first half of Arsenal's ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tongue |first1=Steve |title=Thomas Vermaelen: Wenger pulls another rabbit out of the hat |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/thomas-vermaelen-wenger-pulls-another-rabbit-out-of-the-hat-1804821.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/thomas-vermaelen-wenger-pulls-another-rabbit-out-of-the-hat-1804821.html |archive-date=7 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=2 September 2020 |work=The Independent |date=18 October 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Collings |first1=Tim |title=Arsenal Special: Thomas Vermaelen Stakes Claim As Buy Of The Year |url=https://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2638/english-angle/2009/11/12/1620673/arsenal-special-thomas-vermaelen-stakes-claim-as-buy-of-the |website=goal.com |access-date=2 September 2020 |date=12 November 2009}}</ref> In recognition of his contributions, he was nominated for the ] award<ref>{{cite news|title=65 nominés pour les 4 plus prestigieux prix du sport|url=http://www.lalibre.be/sports/omnisports/article/541723/65-nomines-pour-les-4-plus-prestigieux-prix-du-sport.html|publisher=]|date=9 November 2009|language=fr}}</ref> and was also included in the ] Team of the Season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rooney is PFA player of the year |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8643305.stm |access-date=2 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=25 April 2010}}</ref> Vermaelen finished the season with 45 games and eight goals in all competitions under his belt.
] scores]]

====2010–11 season====
In the pre-season of the ], Vermaelen captained Arsenal in an ] match against ] with regular captain ] and vice-captains ] and ] not in the squad.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/07/31/2050518/arsenal-defender-thomas-vermaelen-impressed-with-new |title=Arsenal Defender Thomas Vermaelen Impressed With New Defensive Partner Laurent Koscielny |author=Grant Wilson |date=31 July 2010 |website=Goal.com |access-date=31 July 2010}}</ref> Vermaelen started all of the first three Arsenal matches of the season before suffering an Achilles tendon injury on international duty with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/diaby-and-vermaelen-out-for-braga-clash|title=Diaby and Vermaelen out for Braga clash|author=Rippleffect Ltd.|work=arsenal.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917033104/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/diaby-and-vermaelen-out-for-braga-clash|archive-date=17 September 2010}}</ref>

He had a new injury setback when manager ] reported that the Achilles tendon problem would keep him out of action for an unforeseeable time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/nov/09/thomas-vermaelen-arsenal-injury|title=Arsenal manager frustrated as Thomas Vermaelen suffers injury setback|first=David|last=Hytner|date=9 November 2010|via=www.theguardian.com}}</ref> On 17 March 2011, Wenger confirmed that Vermaelen would miss the remainder of the season with a new injury setback,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6818468,00.html | location=internet | work=news | title=Vermaelen out for the season | date= 17 March 2011}}</ref> but on 26 April, Vermaelen played 90 minutes in his first competitive game after eight months in a reserves game against ] at ] on 28 April. On 8 May, he was included in Arsenal's 18-man squad travelling to ] at the ]. However, Vermaelen was an unused substitute, but on 15 May, he finally returned in Arsenal's 2–1 defeat to ] and played the full 90 minutes.

====2011–12 season====
Following Cesc Fàbregas' transfer to ] in August 2011, Vermaelen was named vice-captain of Arsenal, with Robin van Persie named captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/van-persie-appointed-as-arsenal-captain |title=van Persie appointed as Arsenal captain |author=Arsenal F.C. |date=16 August 2011 |publisher=Arsenal.com |access-date=16 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430032938/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/van-persie-appointed-as-arsenal-captain |archive-date=30 April 2012}}</ref> On 6 September 2011, Vermaelen had treatment on his ] which ruled him out for six weeks. On 18 October 2011, he signed a contract extension to keep him at the club for an additional four years. He made his long-awaited return against ] in the fourth round of the ], where he captained the side to a 2–1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. He suffered a suspected calf injury in the 84th minute, but to Arsenal's relief, he stated in the post-match interview it was just a cramp. On 1 November, Vermaelen started his first ] game in three months against ] and played a key role in helping keep a clean sheet for ''the Gunners'' in which the game ended 0–0.

Vermaelen scored Arsenal's second goal in their 3–0 win over ] on 5 November. He also featured in the 1–1 draw with ] on 26 November, when he scored a 65th minute own-goal but salvaged a point with an 82nd-minute equaliser for Arsenal. On 3 December, Vermaelen scored the second goal against Wigan to win the match 4–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/318114?cc=5739|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717041923/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/318114?cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2012|title=Vermaelen scores at both ends in draw|date=26 November 2011|work=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=28 November 2011}}</ref>
On 12 March 2012, Vermaelen scored the winner in the 95th minute against ]. He had run the entire length of the pitch to score a half-volley from ]'s cross. In the following game, he converted a Robin van Persie corner, heading home Arsenal's only goal in a 0–1 victory over Everton at ]. On 16 April 2012, he headed home a ] cross against Wigan to reduce the deficit to 1–2, with Wigan having taken a two-goal lead at the Emirates. However, the scoreline finished the same. Manager Arsène Wenger has called him a defensive rock and his partnership with ] is strong, enabling Arsenal to build from the back.

====2012–13 season====
In August 2012, Vermaelen was announced as Arsenal's new captain, replacing Robin van Persie upon his departure to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/vermaelen-i-m-so-proud-to-be-captain|title=Vermaelen – I'm so proud to be captain|date=17 August 2012|work=arsenal.com|access-date=17 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819022155/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/vermaelen-i-m-so-proud-to-be-captain|archive-date=19 August 2012}}</ref>

On 11 December 2012, Vermaelen missed the deciding ] in Arsenal's ] defeat against ] side ] in the ], his shot striking the post. Vermaelen had scored Arsenal's equalising goal within normal time of the same match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20590500|title=Bradford 1–1 Arsenal (3–2 pens)|date=11 December 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=13 December 2012}}</ref> However, consistently poor performances followed for Vermaelen, most notably against Manchester City and ].

Vermaelen's performances forced Arsène Wenger to drop him for the pivotal ] game against ] at the ]. Arsenal won 0–2, although it was not enough to progress to the next round through aggregate, but they were the first team to prevent Bayern from scoring that season, thanks to an assured performance from the defence and reserve goalkeeper ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21681052|title=Bayern Munich 0–2 Arsenal|date=13 March 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=13 March 2013}}</ref> ] and Laurent Koscielny continued to partner each other at centre-back for the following games, until the former's red card against West Brom at ] on 6 April 2013 gave Vermaelen a chance to reestablish himself in the team. Arsenal held on for a 1–2 win. Due to Mertesacker's suspension, Vermaelen partnered Koscielny for the game against ] on 13 April, with Arsenal winning 3–1.

====2013–14 season====
On 17 May 2014, Vermaelen won his only trophy with Arsenal as an unused substitute in the team's 3–2 win over ] in the ].

===Barcelona===
]

On 9 August 2014, Arsenal accepted a £15&nbsp;million offer from Barcelona for Vermaelen.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thomas Vermaelen: Arsenal agree £15m fee with Barcelona |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28705483|publisher=]|date=10 August 2014|access-date=10 August 2014}}</ref> The next day, he completed his move after signing a five-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=Agreement for Thomas Vermaelen to join FC Barcelona|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/agreement-for-thomas-vermaelen-to-join-fc-barcelona|work=]|date=10 August 2014|access-date=10 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Thomas Vermaelen: Barcelona seal move for Arsenal defender|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28728256|publisher=]|date=10 August 2014|access-date=10 August 2014}}</ref> Vermaelen was plagued with injuries since his transfer; he was thought to be ready for Barcelona's game against ] in the ], but was taken out of the squad. He underwent surgery on 2 December 2014 for a recurring hamstring injury, and was expected back in four-to-six months.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2158802-thomas-vermaelen-injury-updates-on-barcelona-stars-hamstring-and-return|title = Thomas Vermaelen Injury: Updates on Barcelona Star's Hamstring and Return|website = Bleacher Report}}</ref> After being an unused substitute in a 2–0 win over ] two weeks earlier, Vermaelen started on his debut for Barcelona on 23 May 2015 in the final ] match of ] against ] in which he played for 63 minutes before being substituted for ] in a 2–2 draw at the ].

In the second game of ] on 29 August 2015, Vermaelen scored his first goal for Barcelona, finishing from a cross to win a home match against ]. He was praised by manager ] afterwards.<ref>{{cite news|title=Barcelona's Thomas Vermaelen praised by Luis Enrique after winning goal|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/30/barcelona-thomas-vermaelen-winning-goal-malaga|access-date=17 March 2016|work=The Guardian|date=30 August 2015}}</ref> Vermaelen was an 81st-minute substitute for ] on 20 December as Barcelona won the ] against ] in Japan.

====Loan to Roma====
On 8 August 2016, ] loaned Vermaelen from Barcelona on a one-year deal with an option to purchase.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thomas Vermaelen loaned to AS Roma|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/news/2016-2017/thomas-vermaelen-loaned-to-as-roma|work=]|date=8 August 2016|access-date=8 August 2016}}</ref> On 18 August 2016, Vermaelen made his debut for the Rome club in a ] qualification play-off against ] and was sent off for two yellow card offences after only 41 minutes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.com.au/as-roma/story/2932255/thomas-vermaelen-criticised-by-roma-boss-luciano-spalletti-for-red-card-on-debut|title=Thomas Vermaelen criticised by Roma boss Spalletti for red card on debut|date=18 August 2016|work=ESPN}}</ref>

During his time at the club, Vermaelen played only 607 minutes due to injury and returned to Barcelona at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20170629/423753325872/vermaelen-barca-roma-invisible.html|title=Vermaelen, más invisible en la Roma que en el Barça|date=29 June 2017|work=Mundo Deportivo|language=es}}</ref>

====Return to Barcelona====
On 26 November 2017, Vermaelen was selected to start in Barcelona's 1–1 draw with ] at the ], covering for the suspended ]. He retained his place in central defence for seven of the next eight fixtures, before picking up an injury, including Barça's 3–0 win at the ] against rivals ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/news/2017-2018/thomas-the-talisman-barca-unbeaten-with-vermaelen-in-starting-xi|title=Thomas the talisman: Barça unbeaten with Vermaelen in starting XI|date=27 December 2017|work=FC Barcelona}}</ref>

===Vissel Kobe===
On 27 July 2019, Vermaelen signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with ] side ]. At the club, he rejoined former Barcelona teammates ] and ], and former Arsenal teammate ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49124193|title=Thomas Vermaelen: Vissel Kobe sign ex-Barcelona and Arsenal defender|website=BBC Sport|date=27 July 2019}}</ref> On 1 January 2020, Vermaelen won his first trophy in Japan, starting in Vissel Kobe's 2–0 victory over ] in the final of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.as.com/en/2020/01/01/football/1577885627_719505.html|title=Andrés Iniesta skippers Vissel Kobe to first trophy in David Villa's final match|website=AS|date=1 January 2020|access-date=3 January 2020|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160431/https://en.as.com/en/2020/01/01/football/1577885627_719505.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


On 8 February 2020, Vermaelen was one of nine consecutive players to miss their spot-kick in the penalty-shootout of the ]; his teammate ] eventually won the match for the cup winners with a successful penalty.<ref name="JapaneseSuperCup">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/japanese-j1-league/story/4049174/andres-iniesta-lifts-japan-super-cup-after-nine-straight-pen-misses|title=Andres Iniesta lifts Japan Super Cup after nine straight pen misses|website=ESPN|date=8 February 2020|access-date=8 February 2020}}</ref> On 15 May, he scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/20200981/|title=「壮大でパワフル」 ベルギー代表DF、後半ATの劇的弾に海外反応「神戸を救う」|language=ja|publisher=Liverdoor|access-date=25 January 2022}}</ref>
] in pre-season training]]
On 15 August against ], Vermaelen scored on his Premier League debut, heading an inswinging ] free-kick past ] in the 37th minute<ref>{{cite web |title=Everton 1–6 Arsenal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8199120.stm |date=2009-08-15 |work=BBC.co.uk | publisher=] |accessdate=2009-08-16}}</ref> and then scored the equalizer in the 16 September Champions League clash against ] that ended in a 3-2 win. Although having only signed for the Gunners in July, his solid performances earned plaudits, especially from Arsène Wenger who admitted that he was "surprised" at how quickly the Belgian has settled in the Arsenal defence.<ref>{{citenews|title=Arsène Wenger admits surprise over Thomas Vermaelen impact for Arsenal|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/aug/19/arsenal-celtic-arsene-wenger-vermaelen|publisher=]|date=19 August 2009|accessdate=31 October 2009}}</ref> On 19 September 2009, Vermaelen scored the first two goals in Arsenal's 4–0 win over ] at ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Arsenal 4–0 Wigan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8256624.stm |date=2009-09-19 |work=BBC.co.uk | publisher=] |accessdate=2009-09-19}}</ref> On 4 October 2009, he scored again, during a 6–2 win over ] at ], his fifth of the season.<ref></ref><ref>{{citenews|title=Premier League: Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn Rovers|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/oct/04/premier-league-arsenal-blackburn-rovers|publisher=]|date=4 October 2009|accessdate=31 October 2009}}</ref> Fans on arsenal.com voted him as their player of the month twice in a row. In recognition for his contributions, he was named as a nominee for the ] award.<ref>{{citenews|title=65 nominés pour les 4 plus prestigieux prix du sport|url=http://www.lalibre.be/sports/omnisports/article/541723/65-nomines-pour-les-4-plus-prestigieux-prix-du-sport.html|publisher=]|date=9 November 2009|language=French}}</ref>


On 21 January 2022, the ] announced Vermaelen's retirement as a player, adding that he would be joining the Belgium national team as an assistant coach ahead of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbfa.be/en/news/thomas-vermaelen-becomes-staff-member-our-devils |title=Thomas Vermaelen becomes staff member of our Devils |date=21 January 2022 |publisher=] |accessdate=21 January 2022}}</ref>
Vermaelen scored in Arsenal's 3-1 loss to ] in January 2010, which was his seventh goal for the club in all competitions in just half a season. He was also able to score his eighth goal of the season in Arsenal's crucial 3–1 victory against Stoke on 27th February 2010.


==International career== ==International career==
A former youth international, Vermaelen had participated in the ] and the ]. He made his senior debut for ] at age 20 against ] in March 2006. On 8 October 2009, he was named Belgium captain<ref>{{citenews|title=Vermaelen is de nieuwe kapitein van de Rode Duivels|url=http://www.demorgen.be/dm/nl/998/Voetbal/article/detail/1012973/2009/10/08/Vermaelen-is-de-nieuwe-kapitein-van-de-Rode-Duivels.dhtml|publisher=]|date=8 October 2009|language=Dutch}}</ref> prior to the games against Turkey and Estonia in the ] but could not prevent the Belgians from finishing fourth in their group. He was recalled to squad for the 14 November friendly against ] and scored his first goal for his country by tapping in a ] cross.<ref>{{citenews|title=Diables Rouges - Quelle équipe samedi contre la Hongrie?|url=http://www.lalibre.be/sports/football/article/542531/diables-rouges-quelle-equipe-samedi-contre-la-hongrie.html|publisher=]|date=13 November 2009|language=French}}</ref> A former youth international, Vermaelen had participated in the ] and the ]. He made his senior debut for ] at age 20 against ] in March 2006. On 8 October 2009, he was named Belgium captain<ref>{{cite news|title=Vermaelen is de nieuwe kapitein van de Rode Duivels|url=http://www.demorgen.be/dm/nl/998/Voetbal/article/detail/1012973/2009/10/08/Vermaelen-is-de-nieuwe-kapitein-van-de-Rode-Duivels.dhtml|work=]|date=8 October 2009|language=nl}}</ref> prior to the games against ] and ] in the ], but could not prevent the Belgians from finishing fourth in their group. He was recalled to squad for 14 November friendly against ] and scored his first goal for his country by tapping in an ] cross.


On 13 May 2014, Vermaelen was named in ] for the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Adnan Januzaj included in Belgium's World Cup squad|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27395150|access-date=15 May 2014|newspaper=]|date=13 May 2014}}</ref> After spending Belgium's first match of the tournament, a 2–1 win against ], on the substitutes' bench,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chowdhury|first1=Saj|title=Belgium 2–1 Algeria|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25285127|access-date=17 June 2014|publisher=]|date=17 June 2014}}</ref> Vermaelen was chosen to start in the second match against ], replacing former Ajax teammate Jan Vertonghen at left-back.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285242|title=Brazil v Russia|date=22 June 2014|access-date=22 June 2014|work=BBC}}</ref> However, after 31 minutes, Vermaelen was taken off with an injury and replaced by Vertonghen.<ref name=bbc/>
==Club career statistics==
:''(correct as of 6 March 2010)''


He also made the squads for ], the ] and ].{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align: center;"

==Personal life==
In 2012, Vermaelen began dating English ] and TV presenter ]. The couple have two sons, Raff and Ace. The couple married in June 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/PollyParsonsx/status/874280628648202240|title=Mr and Mrs Vermaelen @catherinemead https://www.instagram.com/p/BVPmqT5hGWN/|first=Polly|last=Parsons|date=12 June 2017}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{cite web|title=Thomas Vermaelen|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=39608|work=Soccerbase|access-date=26 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="sw">{{Soccerway|thomas-vermaelen/2181|access-date=12 February 2015}}</ref>
|- |-
!rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League !colspan="3"|League
!colspan="3"|Cup<ref>Includes ], ] and ].</ref> !colspan="2"|National Cup<ref group="lower-alpha">Includes ], ], ], ]</ref>
!colspan="2"|League Cup<ref group="lower-alpha">Includes ], ]</ref>
!colspan="3"|]
!colspan="3"|Total !colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|- |-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Assists
!Apps
!Goals
!Assists
!Apps
!Goals
!Assists
!Apps
!Goals
!Assists
|- |-
|rowspan="1" align="left" valign="top"|{{flagicon|NED}} ] |rowspan="6"|]
|] |]
|]
|1||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||1||0||0
|1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|- |-
|]
|rowspan="1" valign="top"|{{flagicon|NED}} ] (loan)
|] |Eredivisie
|24||3||4||1||colspan="2"|—||5<ref name="UCL" group="lower-alpha">Appearances in ]</ref>||0||0||0||33||4
|13||3||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||13||3||0
|- |-
|]
|rowspan="4" align="left" valign="center"|{{flagicon|NED}} ]
|] |Eredivisie
|23||0||5||0||colspan="2"|—||7<ref group="lower-alpha">Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, five appearances in ]</ref>||0||1<ref group="lower-alpha" name="JCS">Appearance in ]</ref>||0||36||0
|29||2||0||0||0||0||5||0||0||34||2||0
|- |-
|]
|]
|Eredivisie
|24||0||0||3||0||0||7||0||0||34||0||0
|18||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||3<ref group="lower-alpha">Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, one appearance in ]</ref>||0||1<ref name="JCS" group="lower-alpha"/>||0||21||0
|- |-
|]
|]
|Eredivisie
|20||1||0||0||0||0||2||0||0||22||1||0
|31||4||2||0||colspan="2"|—||8<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearances in UEFA Cup</ref>||1||colspan="2"|—||42||5
|- |-
!colspan="2"|Total
|]
|31||4||0||0||0||0||9||1||0||40||5||0 !97||7||11||1||colspan="2"|||23||1||2||0||133||9
|- |-
|] (loan)
! colspan="2" | Total
|]
!118!!10!!0!!3!!0!!0!!23!!1!!0!!144!!11!!0
|Eredivisie
|13||2||1||0||colspan="6"|—||14||2
|- |-
|rowspan="1" align="left" valign="top"|{{flagicon|ENG}} ] |rowspan="6"|]
|] |]
|]
|30||7||1||1||0||0||9||1||1||40||8||2
|33||7||1||0||0||0||11<ref name="UCL" group="lower-alpha"/>||1||colspan="2"|—||45||8
|-
|]
|Premier League
|5||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||5||0
|-
|]
|Premier League
|29||6||2||0||2||0||7<ref name="UCL" group="lower-alpha"/>||0||colspan="2"|—||40||6
|-
|]
|Premier League
|29||0||2||0||1||1||7<ref name="UCL" group="lower-alpha"/>||0||colspan="2"|—||39||1
|-
|]
|Premier League
|14||0||3||0||2||0||2<ref name="UCL" group="lower-alpha"/>||0||colspan="2"|—||21||0
|- |-
!colspan="2"|Total !colspan="2"|Total
!110||13||8||0||5||1||27||1||colspan="2"|—||150||15
!30!!7!!1!!1!!0!!0!!9!!1!!1!!40!!8!!2
|-
|rowspan="5"|]
|]
|]
|1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|-
|]
|La Liga
|10||1|||5||0||colspan="2"|—||3<ref name="UCL" group="lower-alpha"/>||0||2<ref group="lower-alpha">One appearance in ], one appearance in ]</ref>||0||20||1
|-
|]
|La Liga
|14||0|||5||0||colspan="2"|—|||1<ref name="UCL" group="lower-alpha"/>||0||0||0||20||0
|-
|]
|La Liga
|9||0|||1||0||colspan="2"|—|||2<ref name="UCL" group="lower-alpha"/>||0||0||0||12||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!34||1||10||0||colspan="2"|—||6||0||3||0||53||1
|-
|] (loan)
|]
|]
|9||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||3<ref group="lower-alpha">One appearance in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in ]</ref>||0||colspan="2"|—||12||0
|-
|rowspan="4"|]
|]
|]
|8||0||4||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||0
|-
|]
|J1 League
|14||0||0||0||0||0||7<ref name="ACL" group="lower-alpha">Appearances in ]</ref>||0||1<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearance in ]</ref>||0||22||0
|-
|]
|J1 League
|23||1||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||24||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!45||1||5||0||0||0||7||0||1||0||58||1
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!308||24||36||1||5||1||66||2||5||0||420||28
|}

{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{NFT player|id=13299|name=Thomas Vermaelen|access-date=}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="16"|]
|2006||6||0
|-
|2007||5||0
|-
|2008||5||0
|-
|2009||11||1
|-
|2010||4||0
|-
|2011||2||0
|-
|2012||7||0
|-
|2013||6||0
|-
|2014||3||0
|-
|2015||2||0
|-
|2016||8||0
|-
|2017||6||0
|-
|2018||6||0
|-
|2019||7||1
|-
|2020||0||0
|-
|2021||7||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total||85||2
|}

:''Belgium score listed first, score column indicates score after each Vermaelen goal''<ref name="sw"/>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Thomas Vermaelen
|-
! No. !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|-
| align="center" | 1 || 14 November 2009 || ], Ghent, Belgium || {{fb|HUN}} || align="center" | 2–0 || {{center|3–0}} || ]
|- |-
| align="center" | 2 || 9 September 2019 || ], Glasgow, Scotland || {{fb|SCO}} || align="center" | 2–0 || align="center" | 4–0 || ]
! colspan="2" | Career total
!148!!17!!1!!4!!0!!0!!32!!2!!1!!184!!19!!2
|} |}


==Honours== ==Honours==
] at Ajax]]
====Ajax====

*] (2): ], ]
'''Ajax'''<ref name="sw"/>
*] (2): ], ]
*]: ]
*]: ], ]
*]: ], ]

'''Arsenal'''
*]: ]<ref name="sw"/>

'''Barcelona'''<ref>; Barcelona's official website</ref>
*]: ], ], ], ]
*]: ], ]
*]: ]

'''Vissel Kobe'''
*]: ]<ref name="EmperorsCup">{{cite web|url=https://en.as.com/en/2020/01/01/football/1577885627_719505.html|title=Andrés Iniesta skippers Vissel Kobe to first trophy in David Villa's final match|website=AS|date=1 January 2020|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102160431/https://en.as.com/en/2020/01/01/football/1577885627_719505.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*]: ]<ref name="JapaneseSuperCup"/>

'''Belgium'''
*] third place: ]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/match/300331536/#match-lineups |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712022702/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/match/300331536/#match-lineups |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 July 2018 |title=Belgium 2–0 England: Line-ups |publisher=FIFA |access-date=11 June 2019}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
*]: ]<ref name="Profile">{{cite web|title=Vermaelen verkozen tot Talent van het Jaar|date=28 April 2006 |url=https://www.voetbalkrant.com/nieuws/2006-04-28/vermaelen-verkozen-tot-talent-van-het-jaar}}</ref>
*]: 2009<ref name="Yashin Award2">{{cite web |title=Club van 100 huidige selectie |url=https://www.afc-ajax.info/nl/overzicht/club-van-100-wedstrijden-huidige-selectie}}</ref>
*]: 2009<ref name="Yashin Award22">{{cite web |title=Ook Goor en Vermaelen vallen in de prijzen op Gala |date=13 January 2010 |url=https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/ook-goor-en-vermaelen-vallen-in-de-prijzen-op-gala~bd5da2b7/}}</ref>
*]: ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8643305.stm|title=BBC Sport – Football – Rooney is PFA player of the year|work=bbc.co.uk}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{reflist|2}} {{reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}} {{commons category}}
*{{RBFA player}}
*
*{{UEFA player}}
*
*{{FIFA player}}
* {{soccerbase|id=39608|name=Thomas Vermaelen}}


{{Navboxes
{{Belgium Squad 2008 Summer Olympics}}
| title = Belgium squads
{{Arsenal F.C. squad}}
| bg = #E20E0E
| fg = #FFCE4A
| bordercolor = black
| list1 =
{{Belgium men's football squad 2008 Summer Olympics}}
{{Belgium squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Belgium squad UEFA Euro 2016}}
{{Belgium squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Belgium squad UEFA Euro 2020}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list1 =
{{AFC Ajax Talent of the Year}}
{{2009–10 Premier League Team of the Year}}
}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Vermaelen, Thomas}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Vermaelen, Thomas}}
] ]
]
] ]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]

]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 22:31, 19 November 2024

Belgian footballer (born 1985)

Thomas Vermaelen
Vermaelen with Belgium at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Personal information
Full name Thomas Vermaelen
Date of birth (1985-11-14) 14 November 1985 (age 39)
Place of birth Kapellen, Belgium
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Centre-back
Youth career
1991–1999 Germinal Ekeren
1999–2000 Germinal Beerschot
2000–2003 Ajax
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2009 Ajax 97 (7)
2003–2005RKC Waalwijk (loan) 13 (2)
2009–2014 Arsenal 110 (13)
2014–2019 Barcelona 34 (1)
2016–2017Roma (loan) 9 (0)
2019–2021 Vissel Kobe 45 (1)
Total 308 (24)
International career
2002–2003 Belgium U18 5 (0)
2003–2004 Belgium U19 7 (0)
2004–2007 Belgium U21 12 (1)
2006–2021 Belgium 85 (2)
Managerial career
2022 Belgium (assistant)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Belgium
FIFA World Cup
Third place 2018
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Thomas Vermaelen (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈtoːmɑs fərˈmaːlə(n)]; born 14 November 1985) is a Belgian former professional footballer who played as a defender. Being left-footed, he usually played as a left-sided centre-back and could play at left-back as well. His key attributes included aerial ability, leadership skills, and his quickness with the ball at his feet. He was also known for his goalscoring ability as a defender.

Vermaelen joined the Ajax youth academy in 2000 and won the 2003–04 Eredivisie title in his first season with the club. He had a loan spell with RKC Waalwijk before rejoining Ajax and winning the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield. After Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's departure in 2009, he served as club captain for the remainder of the season. He joined Arsenal in 2009 and was included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for that season. Following Robin van Persie's transfer to Manchester United in August 2012, he was named club captain but found first team opportunities limited due to the success of Arsenal's new first-choice defensive partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. In August 2014, he completed a £15 million transfer to Barcelona in La Liga. In 2019, he joined Vissel Kobe before retiring in 2021.

Vermaelen made his international debut for Belgium in 2006, and took part at the 2008 Olympics, where Belgium came fourth, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and 2018 (where Belgium came third), and the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and 2021.

Club career

Vermaelen with Ajax from 2000 to 2009

Early career

Born in Kapellen, Belgium, Vermaelen started his youth career in his home country with Germinal Ekeren, which later became Germinal Beerschot after a merger.

Ajax

Vermaelen joined the academy of Dutch club Ajax. He made his professional debut on 15 February 2004 in a 0–2 away win over FC Volendam.

His breakthrough came when he returned to Ajax and won the KNVB Cup. Performances that season resulted in a call-up to the Belgium national football team. Ajax won the Johan Cruyff Shield and another KNVB Cup the following season and in 2007, they won the Johan Cruyff Shield for the second consecutive time. He forged a partnership with fellow academy graduate John Heitinga and later Jan Vertonghen when Heitinga left for Atlético Madrid in Spain. Following the departure of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in mid-season, Vermaelen served as captain of Ajax for the remainder of the 2008–09 season, where he mostly played as a left-back.

Arsenal

2009–10 season

Vermaelen (left) with Arsenal in 2010

Vermaelen joined Arsenal from Ajax for an initial fee of €10 million (rising to €12 million) on 19 June 2009, signing a four-year contract. After Kolo Touré surrendered the number 5 jersey to him upon joining Manchester City, Vermaelen, with William Gallas, formed Arsenal's central defence pairing. Vermaelen made his Premier League debut on 15 August 2009 in a 1–6 away win against Everton, and scored in the 37th minute. He became the 84th Arsenal player to score in their debut. He then scored a brace against Wigan Athletic in a 4–0 victory.

Arsenal fans voted him as their Player of the Month twice in a row on Arsenal.com, and affectionately nicknamed him the "Verminator". However, he scored an own goal in a home match against Chelsea when a cross came in from Ashley Cole. The match finished 0–3 to Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

Vermaelen became notable for being a goal-scoring defender during the first half of Arsenal's 2009–10 season. In recognition of his contributions, he was nominated for the Belgian Sportsman of the year award and was also included in the PFA Team of the Season. Vermaelen finished the season with 45 games and eight goals in all competitions under his belt.

Vermaelen and teammates after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scores

2010–11 season

In the pre-season of the 2010–11 season, Vermaelen captained Arsenal in an Emirates Cup match against Milan with regular captain Cesc Fàbregas and vice-captains Manuel Almunia and Robin van Persie not in the squad. Vermaelen started all of the first three Arsenal matches of the season before suffering an Achilles tendon injury on international duty with Belgium.

He had a new injury setback when manager Arsène Wenger reported that the Achilles tendon problem would keep him out of action for an unforeseeable time. On 17 March 2011, Wenger confirmed that Vermaelen would miss the remainder of the season with a new injury setback, but on 26 April, Vermaelen played 90 minutes in his first competitive game after eight months in a reserves game against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 28 April. On 8 May, he was included in Arsenal's 18-man squad travelling to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. However, Vermaelen was an unused substitute, but on 15 May, he finally returned in Arsenal's 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa and played the full 90 minutes.

2011–12 season

Following Cesc Fàbregas' transfer to Barcelona in August 2011, Vermaelen was named vice-captain of Arsenal, with Robin van Persie named captain. On 6 September 2011, Vermaelen had treatment on his Achilles tendon which ruled him out for six weeks. On 18 October 2011, he signed a contract extension to keep him at the club for an additional four years. He made his long-awaited return against Bolton Wanderers in the fourth round of the League Cup, where he captained the side to a 2–1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. He suffered a suspected calf injury in the 84th minute, but to Arsenal's relief, he stated in the post-match interview it was just a cramp. On 1 November, Vermaelen started his first UEFA Champions League game in three months against Marseille and played a key role in helping keep a clean sheet for the Gunners in which the game ended 0–0.

Vermaelen scored Arsenal's second goal in their 3–0 win over West Bromwich Albion on 5 November. He also featured in the 1–1 draw with Fulham on 26 November, when he scored a 65th minute own-goal but salvaged a point with an 82nd-minute equaliser for Arsenal. On 3 December, Vermaelen scored the second goal against Wigan to win the match 4–0. On 12 March 2012, Vermaelen scored the winner in the 95th minute against Newcastle United. He had run the entire length of the pitch to score a half-volley from Theo Walcott's cross. In the following game, he converted a Robin van Persie corner, heading home Arsenal's only goal in a 0–1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. On 16 April 2012, he headed home a Tomáš Rosický cross against Wigan to reduce the deficit to 1–2, with Wigan having taken a two-goal lead at the Emirates. However, the scoreline finished the same. Manager Arsène Wenger has called him a defensive rock and his partnership with Laurent Koscielny is strong, enabling Arsenal to build from the back.

2012–13 season

In August 2012, Vermaelen was announced as Arsenal's new captain, replacing Robin van Persie upon his departure to Manchester United.

On 11 December 2012, Vermaelen missed the deciding penalty kick in Arsenal's shoot-out defeat against League Two side Bradford City in the League Cup, his shot striking the post. Vermaelen had scored Arsenal's equalising goal within normal time of the same match. However, consistently poor performances followed for Vermaelen, most notably against Manchester City and Liverpool.

Vermaelen's performances forced Arsène Wenger to drop him for the pivotal Champions League game against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Arsenal won 0–2, although it was not enough to progress to the next round through aggregate, but they were the first team to prevent Bayern from scoring that season, thanks to an assured performance from the defence and reserve goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny continued to partner each other at centre-back for the following games, until the former's red card against West Brom at The Hawthorns on 6 April 2013 gave Vermaelen a chance to reestablish himself in the team. Arsenal held on for a 1–2 win. Due to Mertesacker's suspension, Vermaelen partnered Koscielny for the game against Norwich City on 13 April, with Arsenal winning 3–1.

2013–14 season

On 17 May 2014, Vermaelen won his only trophy with Arsenal as an unused substitute in the team's 3–2 win over Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup Final.

Barcelona

Vermaelen with Barcelona in 2015

On 9 August 2014, Arsenal accepted a £15 million offer from Barcelona for Vermaelen. The next day, he completed his move after signing a five-year contract. Vermaelen was plagued with injuries since his transfer; he was thought to be ready for Barcelona's game against APOEL in the Champions League, but was taken out of the squad. He underwent surgery on 2 December 2014 for a recurring hamstring injury, and was expected back in four-to-six months. After being an unused substitute in a 2–0 win over Real Sociedad two weeks earlier, Vermaelen started on his debut for Barcelona on 23 May 2015 in the final La Liga match of the season against Deportivo de La Coruña in which he played for 63 minutes before being substituted for Douglas in a 2–2 draw at the Camp Nou.

In the second game of his second season on 29 August 2015, Vermaelen scored his first goal for Barcelona, finishing from a cross to win a home match against Málaga. He was praised by manager Luis Enrique afterwards. Vermaelen was an 81st-minute substitute for Javier Mascherano on 20 December as Barcelona won the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup Final against River Plate in Japan.

Loan to Roma

On 8 August 2016, Roma loaned Vermaelen from Barcelona on a one-year deal with an option to purchase. On 18 August 2016, Vermaelen made his debut for the Rome club in a UEFA Champions League qualification play-off against FC Porto and was sent off for two yellow card offences after only 41 minutes.

During his time at the club, Vermaelen played only 607 minutes due to injury and returned to Barcelona at the end of the season.

Return to Barcelona

On 26 November 2017, Vermaelen was selected to start in Barcelona's 1–1 draw with Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium, covering for the suspended Gerard Piqué. He retained his place in central defence for seven of the next eight fixtures, before picking up an injury, including Barça's 3–0 win at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium against rivals Real Madrid.

Vissel Kobe

On 27 July 2019, Vermaelen signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with J1 League side Vissel Kobe. At the club, he rejoined former Barcelona teammates Andrés Iniesta and Sergi Samper, and former Arsenal teammate Lukas Podolski. On 1 January 2020, Vermaelen won his first trophy in Japan, starting in Vissel Kobe's 2–0 victory over Kashima Antlers in the final of the 2019 Emperor's Cup.

On 8 February 2020, Vermaelen was one of nine consecutive players to miss their spot-kick in the penalty-shootout of the Japanese Super Cup; his teammate Hotaru Yamaguchi eventually won the match for the cup winners with a successful penalty. On 15 May, he scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against Cerezo Osaka.

On 21 January 2022, the Royal Belgian Football Association announced Vermaelen's retirement as a player, adding that he would be joining the Belgium national team as an assistant coach ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

International career

A former youth international, Vermaelen had participated in the U-19 Championships and the 2007 U-21 European Championships. He made his senior debut for Belgium at age 20 against Luxembourg in March 2006. On 8 October 2009, he was named Belgium captain prior to the games against Turkey and Estonia in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, but could not prevent the Belgians from finishing fourth in their group. He was recalled to squad for 14 November friendly against Hungary and scored his first goal for his country by tapping in an Eden Hazard cross.

On 13 May 2014, Vermaelen was named in Belgium's squad for the 2014 World Cup. After spending Belgium's first match of the tournament, a 2–1 win against Algeria, on the substitutes' bench, Vermaelen was chosen to start in the second match against Russia, replacing former Ajax teammate Jan Vertonghen at left-back. However, after 31 minutes, Vermaelen was taken off with an injury and replaced by Vertonghen.

He also made the squads for UEFA Euro 2016, the 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2021.

Personal life

In 2012, Vermaelen began dating English glamour model and TV presenter Polly Parsons. The couple have two sons, Raff and Ace. The couple married in June 2017.

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Ajax 2003–04 Eredivisie 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2005–06 Eredivisie 24 3 4 1 5 0 0 0 33 4
2006–07 Eredivisie 23 0 5 0 7 0 1 0 36 0
2007–08 Eredivisie 18 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 21 0
2008–09 Eredivisie 31 4 2 0 8 1 42 5
Total 97 7 11 1 23 1 2 0 133 9
Waalwijk (loan) 2004–05 Eredivisie 13 2 1 0 14 2
Arsenal 2009–10 Premier League 33 7 1 0 0 0 11 1 45 8
2010–11 Premier League 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
2011–12 Premier League 29 6 2 0 2 0 7 0 40 6
2012–13 Premier League 29 0 2 0 1 1 7 0 39 1
2013–14 Premier League 14 0 3 0 2 0 2 0 21 0
Total 110 13 8 0 5 1 27 1 150 15
Barcelona 2014–15 La Liga 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2015–16 La Liga 10 1 5 0 3 0 2 0 20 1
2017–18 La Liga 14 0 5 0 1 0 0 0 20 0
2018–19 La Liga 9 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 12 0
Total 34 1 10 0 6 0 3 0 53 1
Roma (loan) 2016–17 Serie A 9 0 0 0 3 0 12 0
Vissel Kobe 2019 J1 League 8 0 4 0 0 0 12 0
2020 J1 League 14 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 1 0 22 0
2021 J1 League 23 1 1 0 0 0 24 1
Total 45 1 5 0 0 0 7 0 1 0 58 1
Career total 308 24 36 1 5 1 66 2 5 0 420 28
  1. Includes KNVB Cup, FA Cup, Copa del Rey, Emperor's Cup
  2. Includes Football League Cup, J.League Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  4. Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, five appearances in UEFA Cup
  5. ^ Appearance in Johan Cruyff Shield
  6. Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, one appearance in UEFA Cup
  7. Appearances in UEFA Cup
  8. One appearance in Supercopa de España, one appearance in FIFA Club World Cup
  9. One appearance in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in UEFA Europa League
  10. Appearances in AFC Champions League
  11. Appearance in Japanese Super Cup

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Belgium 2006 6 0
2007 5 0
2008 5 0
2009 11 1
2010 4 0
2011 2 0
2012 7 0
2013 6 0
2014 3 0
2015 2 0
2016 8 0
2017 6 0
2018 6 0
2019 7 1
2020 0 0
2021 7 0
Total 85 2
Belgium score listed first, score column indicates score after each Vermaelen goal
List of international goals scored by Thomas Vermaelen
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 14 November 2009 Jules Ottenstadion, Ghent, Belgium  Hungary 2–0 3–0 Friendly
2 9 September 2019 Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland  Scotland 2–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying

Honours

Vermaelen (left) with Jan Vertonghen at Ajax

Ajax

Arsenal

Barcelona

Vissel Kobe

Belgium

Individual

References

  1. "FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: List of Players: Belgium" (PDF). FIFA. 15 July 2018. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 June 2019.
  2. "Thomas Vermaelen: Overview". ESPN. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  3. "Thomas Vermaelen: A Belgian leader with class". FC Barcelona. 8 August 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  4. "ヴィッセル神戸 : 選手/スタッフ". ヴィッセル神戸オフィシャルサイト (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  5. "Visiting Thomas Vermaelen in London 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 | 'I felt at home in Amsterdam 🏠'". YouTube (in Dutch). AFC Ajax. 9 June 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  6. ^ White, Duncan (24 October 2009). "Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen earns himself 'Verminator' nickname". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 28 October 2009. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  7. "Thomas Vermaelen: Barcelona to sign Arsenal defender on Sunday". BBC Sport. 9 August 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  8. "VZ: De transferobjecten van de Eredivisie". Voetbalzone.nl. Voetbalzone. 8 June 2009. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
  9. "Thomas Vermaelen joins Arsenal". Ajax.nl. Ajax. 19 June 2009. Archived from the original on 3 August 2009. Retrieved 19 June 2009.
  10. "Thomas Vermaelen completes move to Arsenal". Arsenal.com. Arsenal. 19 June 2009. Retrieved 19 June 2009.
  11. Hytner, David (20 August 2009). "Thomas Vermaelen's seamless transition augurs well for Arsenal's defence". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 31 October 2009.
  12. Dawkes, Phil (15 August 2009). "Everton 1–6 Arsenal". BBC News. Retrieved 16 August 2009.
  13. "Thomas Vermaelen is 84th debut goalscorer". Arsenal.com. Arsenal. 17 August 2009. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  14. Dawkes, Phil (19 September 2009). "Arsenal 4–0 Wigan". BBC News.
  15. "Vermaelen is EA SPORTS Player of the Month!". Arsenal.com. Arsenal. 10 September 2009. Archived from the original on 13 September 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  16. "Vermaelen is EA SPORTS Player of the Month!". Arsenal.com. Arsenal. 14 October 2009. Archived from the original on 16 October 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  17. "Arsenal 0–3 Chelsea". BBC News. 29 November 2009.
  18. Tongue, Steve (18 October 2009). "Thomas Vermaelen: Wenger pulls another rabbit out of the hat". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 May 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  19. Collings, Tim (12 November 2009). "Arsenal Special: Thomas Vermaelen Stakes Claim As Buy Of The Year". goal.com. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  20. "65 nominés pour les 4 plus prestigieux prix du sport" (in French). lalibre.be. 9 November 2009.
  21. "Rooney is PFA player of the year". BBC Sport. 25 April 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  22. Grant Wilson (31 July 2010). "Arsenal Defender Thomas Vermaelen Impressed With New Defensive Partner Laurent Koscielny". Goal.com. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
  23. Rippleffect Ltd. "Diaby and Vermaelen out for Braga clash". arsenal.com. Archived from the original on 17 September 2010.
  24. Hytner, David (9 November 2010). "Arsenal manager frustrated as Thomas Vermaelen suffers injury setback" – via www.theguardian.com.
  25. "Vermaelen out for the season". news. internet. 17 March 2011.
  26. Arsenal F.C. (16 August 2011). "van Persie appointed as Arsenal captain". Arsenal.com. Archived from the original on 30 April 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2011.
  27. "Vermaelen scores at both ends in draw". ESPN Soccernet. 26 November 2011. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2011.
  28. "Vermaelen – I'm so proud to be captain". arsenal.com. 17 August 2012. Archived from the original on 19 August 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  29. "Bradford 1–1 Arsenal (3–2 pens)". BBC Sport. 11 December 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
  30. "Bayern Munich 0–2 Arsenal". BBC Sport. 13 March 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  31. "Thomas Vermaelen: Arsenal agree £15m fee with Barcelona". BBC Sport. 10 August 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  32. "Agreement for Thomas Vermaelen to join FC Barcelona". FC Barcelona. 10 August 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  33. "Thomas Vermaelen: Barcelona seal move for Arsenal defender". BBC Sport. 10 August 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  34. "Thomas Vermaelen Injury: Updates on Barcelona Star's Hamstring and Return". Bleacher Report.
  35. "Barcelona's Thomas Vermaelen praised by Luis Enrique after winning goal". The Guardian. 30 August 2015. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
  36. "Thomas Vermaelen loaned to AS Roma". FC Barcelona. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  37. "Thomas Vermaelen criticised by Roma boss Spalletti for red card on debut". ESPN. 18 August 2016.
  38. "Vermaelen, más invisible en la Roma que en el Barça". Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 29 June 2017.
  39. "Thomas the talisman: Barça unbeaten with Vermaelen in starting XI". FC Barcelona. 27 December 2017.
  40. "Thomas Vermaelen: Vissel Kobe sign ex-Barcelona and Arsenal defender". BBC Sport. 27 July 2019.
  41. "Andrés Iniesta skippers Vissel Kobe to first trophy in David Villa's final match". AS. 1 January 2020. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
  42. ^ "Andres Iniesta lifts Japan Super Cup after nine straight pen misses". ESPN. 8 February 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  43. "「壮大でパワフル」 ベルギー代表DF、後半ATの劇的弾に海外反応「神戸を救う」" (in Japanese). Liverdoor. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  44. "Thomas Vermaelen becomes staff member of our Devils". Royal Belgian Football Association. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  45. "Vermaelen is de nieuwe kapitein van de Rode Duivels". De Morgen Voetbal (in Dutch). 8 October 2009.
  46. "Adnan Januzaj included in Belgium's World Cup squad". BBC Sport. 13 May 2014. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  47. Chowdhury, Saj (17 June 2014). "Belgium 2–1 Algeria". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  48. ^ "Brazil v Russia". BBC. 22 June 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  49. Parsons, Polly (12 June 2017). "Mr and Mrs Vermaelen @catherinemead https://www.instagram.com/p/BVPmqT5hGWN/". {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  50. "Thomas Vermaelen". Soccerbase. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  51. ^ Thomas Vermaelen at Soccerway. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  52. Thomas Vermaelen at National-Football-Teams.com
  53. Thomas Vermaelen; Barcelona's official website
  54. "Andrés Iniesta skippers Vissel Kobe to first trophy in David Villa's final match". AS. 1 January 2020. Archived from the original on 2 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  55. "Belgium 2–0 England: Line-ups". FIFA. Archived from the original on 12 July 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  56. "Vermaelen verkozen tot Talent van het Jaar". 28 April 2006.
  57. "Club van 100 huidige selectie".
  58. "Ook Goor en Vermaelen vallen in de prijzen op Gala". 13 January 2010.
  59. "BBC Sport – Football – Rooney is PFA player of the year". bbc.co.uk.

External links

Belgium squads
Belgium men's football squad2008 Summer Olympics – fourth place
Belgium
Belgium squad2014 FIFA World Cup
Belgium
Belgium squadUEFA Euro 2016
Belgium
Belgium squad2018 FIFA World Cup third place
Belgium
Belgium squadUEFA Euro 2020
Belgium
Kaminski replaced Mignolet after Belgium's round of 16 match.
Awards
AFC Ajax Talent of the Year (Marco van Basten Award)
2009–10 Premier League PFA Team of the Year
Categories: