Louis Verstraete

Louis Verstraete (; born 4 May 1999) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Challenger Pro League club Patro Eisden.

Club career

Gent In 2016, Verstraete signed a contract until 2018 with K.A.A. Gent's first team. On 22 December 2016, he made his senior team debut in the Belgian First Division A against Anderlecht, replacing Jérémy Perbet in the 83rd minute. On 16 March 2017, he scored his first senior goal for Gent in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 return game at Genk, making him the youngest goal scorer of that season's competition.

Loan to Waasland-Beveren In December 2018, Verstraete moved to Belgium side Waasland-Beveren, on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Royal Antwerp In January 2020, Verstraete signed a contract for 3.5 years with Jupiler Pro League club Royal Antwerp, and was loaned to KV Oostende for the first six months.

Loan to Waasland-Beveren (second stint) In January 2021, Verstraete moved again on loan to Waasland-Beveren, until the end of the season. The loan deal includes a purchase option.

Auckland FC On 17 September 2024, Verstraete joined Auckland FC for their inaugural A-League Men's season, alongside two other international visa players, Luis Felipe Gallegos and Guillermo May. On 1 February 2025, Verstraete scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 win over Macarthur FC. On 9 March, in a 1–1 draw with the Newcastle Jets, Verstraete received his first red card for the club, becoming only the second player in Auckland FC's history to be sent off, after Adama Coulibaly.

Verstraete made 25 appearances during the 2024–25 season, scoring two goals and providing three assists as Auckland secured the Premiership. His performances earned him a place in the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) A-League Team of the Season, alongside teammates Hiroki Sakai, Francis de Vries, and Alex Paulsen.

Verstraete scored his first goal of the 2025–26 season in a 2–1 win over Adelaide United. Verstraete was awarded Auckland FC's A-League Men Most Valuable Player for the season. Verstraete missed just two matches across the campaign and finished the regular season with two goals and three assists in 24 regular season matches.

On 21 July 2026, the club announced that Verstraete had departed the club. Auckland FC stated that Verstraete would return to Belgium for personal and family reasons, with the club receiving an undisclosed transfer fee as part of the transfer.

Career statistics

Honours Auckland FC A-League Premiership: 2024–25 A-League Men Championship: 2026