Nathan De Cat

Nathan De Cat (; born 19 July 2008) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for German club TSG Hoffenheim and the Belgium national team.

Club career

Anderlecht De Cat is a youth product of Anderlecht having joined them at age 10, and he signed his first professional contract with them in October 2023, valid until June 2025. He made his professional debut on 22 February 2024, in a 0–1 Challenger Pro League away win against SL16 FC. On 27 August 2024, De Cat extended his contract with Anderlecht until 2027, and was promoted to the senior squad.

On 20 February 2025, he made his first team debut for Anderlecht in UEFA Europa League knockout game against Fenerbahçe, coming on as a substitute. He is one of the youngest debutants for Anderlecht at 16 years, 7 months and 1 day.

He made his professional league debut as a 1-minute substitute vs Racing Genk on 6 April in a Jupiler Pro League Champions’ Playoffs match, coming on in the 90th minute.

On 1 May 2025, he scored his first goal for RSC Anderlecht against Royal Antwerp FC in a Jupiler Pro League Champions’ playoffs match, after coming on as a substitute for Majeed Ashimeru.

TSG Hoffenheim On 10 July 2026, De Cat moved to Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim, signing a long-term contract until 2031. His transfer fee was reportedly €20 million, with €4 million in potential bonuses, and a future sale percentage retained by Anderlecht.

International career De Cat is a youth international for Belgium. He was part of the Belgian U17 team who reached the semi-finals of the 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament.

On 28 March 2026, he made his senior debut for Belgium as a substitute in a 5–2 friendly victory over the United States.

Style of play De Cat was included in The Guardian's "Next Generation 2025: 60 of the best young talents in world football", where he was described as a "towering midfielder", and further "He is a fighter, but loves dribbling too".

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Individual UEFA European Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2025 Belgian Promise of the Year: 2025