Julie Vanloo

Julie Anita Vanloo is a Belgian professional basketball player who currently plays for Athinaikos in the Greek Basketball League. A skilled guard known for her playmaking and leadership, she has become a central figure in European women's basketball. Her career reached new heights when she was selected in the 2025 WNBA Expansion Draft by the Golden State Valkyries, marking a significant step into the North American professional scene.

On the international stage, Vanloo serves as a cornerstone for the Belgian national team. She led her country to historic victories at EuroBasket Women in both 2023 and 2025, securing back-to-back gold medals and cementing her legacy as one of the most successful players in Belgian sports history. [edit]

Born on February 10, 1993, in Ostend, a coastal city in West Flanders, Julie Vanloo grew up surrounded by maritime culture before turning her focus entirely to athletics. Her journey into competitive basketball began within the Belgian club system during her youth, where she quickly displayed an aptitude for the game that set her apart from her peers.

To further develop her skills and expose herself to high-level competition, she made the pivotal decision to move to the United States for college. She enrolled at Iowa State University, joining the Cyclones women's basketball team. During her time in Ames, Iowa, she refined her point guard abilities and adapted to the fast-paced American style of play. This period was crucial in transforming her from a promising local talent into a polished collegiate athlete ready for the global stage.

After graduating, she did not immediately sign with a major professional club but instead spent several years honing her craft across various European leagues. These early professional stints allowed her to build a reputation as a reliable and versatile guard, eventually leading to her selection by top-tier teams like Spirou Charleroi and setting the foundation for her later success with the Belgian national squad. [edit]

Vanloo's breakthrough moment arrived in 2023 when she captained the Belgian national team to their first-ever EuroBasket Women title. Her performance throughout the tournament showcased her ability to control the tempo and lead under pressure, earning her widespread recognition as a premier player in Europe. She successfully defended this championship in 2025, becoming a two-time winner and solidifying her status as a national icon.

Her transition to the WNBA marked another major chapter in her career. In 2024, she signed with the New York Liberty. Her tenure there became the subject of intense media attention after a dramatic sequence of events involving roster moves. Following a waiver, she returned to the court in a highly publicized debut where she recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists against the odds.

In 2025, the Golden State Valkyries selected her 11th overall in the WNBA Expansion Draft, recognizing her experience and potential to contribute to the league's newest franchise. As of 2026, she balances her WNBA commitments with her role as a key player for Athinaikos in Greece, continuing to demonstrate why she is considered one of the best guards in the world. [edit]

Vanloo projects an image of a resilient leader and a hard-working professional. Media narratives often highlight her emotional journey, particularly the whirlwind week of being waived and then returning to dominate the court. She is viewed as a pioneer for Belgian women's basketball, breaking barriers in both European and American leagues.

Her style is defined by a clean, professional aesthetic typical of elite athletes, often featuring Puma branding. On the court, she is known for her unselfish playmaking rather than flashy scoring, which has earned her respect from coaches and teammates alike. Fans appreciate her humility and dedication to the sport. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Julie Vanloo. While she is a celebrated figure in Belgium and among WNBA followers, she does not currently hold a published ranking in the Global Fame Rankings.

Her fanbase consists primarily of supporters of the Belgian national team, often referred to collectively as "The Belle" fans, and dedicated followers of the WNBA. There is no official fandom name specifically for her, but her Instagram following exceeds 152,000 users who engage with her content regularly. Fans celebrate her resilience story and her historic achievements with the national team, often sharing highlights of her double-doubles and championship moments. [edit]

Julie Vanloo is a dedicated Puma athlete, often seen wearing the brand's gear during games and promotional events. Her jersey number, 35, is prominently featured on her social media handle @julie35vanloo. She represented Belgium in both the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, showcasing her consistency at the highest level of international play.

A viral story emerged during her 2024 season when she expressed a willingness to return to Belgium if she failed to secure a spot with the New York Liberty. Instead of leaving, she delivered a stellar performance upon her return, creating a narrative of resilience that fans still discuss today. She remains one of the few Europeans selected in the 2025 WNBA Expansion Draft. [edit]

Details about Julie Vanloo's immediate family remain largely private. While she was born in Ostend to parents who likely supported her early athletic pursuits, no specific names or professions have been widely documented in public records. She does not have any publicly confirmed children and keeps her personal life out of the spotlight. Her focus remains firmly on her basketball career and representing her country. [edit]

Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty coaching staff, Belgian National Team management. [edit]

Public information regarding Julie Vanloo's romantic life is extremely limited. Unlike many celebrities who maintain active relationship timelines, Vanloo appears to prioritize her privacy above all else. There are no widely reported or confirmed details regarding past marriages, engagements, or specific dating partners in credible news sources.

As of 2026, she is generally reported as single. No official statements confirm a current partner, and she keeps her personal relationships away from the media spotlight. Her focus remains squarely on her basketball career and her role as a leader for the Belgian national team. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Julie Vanloo's net worth at approximately $250,000. This figure reflects her earnings from professional basketball contracts in both the WNBA and European leagues, along with endorsement deals such as her sponsorship with Puma.

Her income sources include her salary with the New York Liberty during the 2024 season and her subsequent selection by the Golden State Valkyries. Additionally, her contract with Athinaikos in Greece contributes significantly to her annual earnings. Unlike NBA superstars, WNBA fringe players and European stars typically operate with more modest financial profiles, though her consistent success and international presence keep her financially stable. [edit]

Julie Vanloo has won two EuroBasket Women championships with Belgium in 2023 and 2025. She was also selected 11th overall in the 2025 WNBA Expansion Draft. [edit]