Arthur Denis Vermeeren (; born 7 February 2005) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Belgian Pro League club Royal Antwerp, on loan from club RB Leipzig, and the Belgium national team.
Club career Antwerp 2022–23 season Vermeeren made his professional debut for Royal Antwerp as a second-half substitute in the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League at home in Antwerp at the Bosuilstadion on the 59th minute in a 2–0 second leg win against Lillestrøm SK on 11 August 2022. He told the media after his debut that he could not imagine a better debut. He received praise from coach Mark Van Bommel who was quoted as saying “Arthur is a smart footballer, a fun guy to work with. He is eager to learn and show he can play. So he will get some playing time. He enjoyed it, I think. It's nice to see."
In April 2023, Vermeeren was a starter in the 2023 Belgian Cup Final as Antwerp defeated KV Mechelen 2–0. On 14 May, he scored his first goal for Antwerp in a 3–2 win over Club Brugge during the Champions' play-off.
2023–24 season On 23 July 2023, Vermeeren was a starter in the Belgian Super Cup as Antwerp defeated KV Mechelen on penalty kicks. On 19 September, he made his Champions League debut in a 5–0 defeat against Barcelona. On 13 December, he scored his first Champions League goal in a 3–2 victory in the return leg against the same opponent. Vermeeren was awarded Man of the Match for his performance and told reporters in the post-match interview: "Today, a dream came true. I am very happy and I hope I have made my family proud." Vermeeren ended his season at Antwerp with 8 G/A in 32 games in all competitions. Prior to his departure from the club, he made 64 consecutive starts across all competitions for the club, playing 99.4% of the available minutes during that run.
Atlético Madrid On 26 January 2024, Vermeeren joined La Liga club Atlético Madrid on a six-and-a-half-year contract. The deal reportedly included a €18 million transfer fee, with up to €5 million in add-ons, and Royal Antwerp keeping a 10% sell-on clause.
RB Leipzig On 26 August 2024, Vermeeren joined Bundesliga club RB Leipzig on a season-long loan, with an obligation to buy once certain conditions were met. On 17 January 2025, Leipzig confirmed that the conditions had been met, and Vermeeren had joined the club permanently on a deal until 2029.
Loan to Marseille On 31 August 2025, Vermeeren was loaned to Marseille in France for the season.
Loan to Antwerp On 3 September 2026, Vermeeren returned to Antwerp on loan from Leipzig for the 2026–27 season.
International career Vermeeren played for the Belgian youth teams, featuring for the Belgium U17 in the 2022 European Under-17 Championship. He debuted for the Belgian senior squad on 13 October 2023, coming off the bench in the 87th minute to replace Johan Bakayoko, in a 3–2 away victory over Austria during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying. On 28 May 2024, Vermeeren was named in the 25-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2024.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupEuropeOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsRoyal Antwerp II2022–23Belgian National Division 161———61Royal Antwerp2022–23Belgian Pro League2616020—3412023–24Belgian Pro League211207010311Total472809010652Atlético Madrid2023–24La Liga500000—50RB Leipzig (loan)2024–25Bundesliga1502050—220RB Leipzig2024–25Bundesliga1302020—1702026–27Bundesliga1010——20Leipzig total2905070—410Marseille (loan)2025–26Ligue 1200105000260Royal Antwerp (loan)2026–27Belgian Pro League0000——00Career total1073140210101433
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsBelgium202320202440Total60
Honours Royal Antwerp Belgian Pro League: 2022–23 Belgian Cup: 2022–23 Belgian Super Cup: 2023
Individual Belgian Young Professional Footballer of the Year: 2022–23 Belgian Youngster of the Year: 2023 : 2023
References
External links
Profile at the Olympique de Marseille website Profile at the Royal Belgian Football Association website