Thomas Vermaelen

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Records

Thomas Vermaelen's career is decorated with team honours across Europe's top leagues. He won the Eredivisie with Ajax, the Premier League's PFA Team of the Year honour, and multiple La Liga titles with Barcelona. His leadership was recognised with captaincies at both Ajax and Arsenal. On the international stage, he was a cornerstone of Belgium's golden generation, helping them to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. His ability to score from defence, combined with his aerial presence, made him a unique asset.

AwardsThroughout his career, Vermaelen won multiple major trophies. With Ajax, he claimed the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and Johan Cruyff Shield. At Barcelona, he added several La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey. Individually, he was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the 2009–10 season. Internationally, he helped Belgium finish third at the 2018 World Cup.

Records & Feats

581-day gap between Barcelona appearances

Career Milestone·2015

Due to persistent injuries, Vermaelen went 581 days between two appearances for Barcelona, an unusually long absence for a top-club defender.