Dries Mertens (b. 1987)
Birthplace:
Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
Born:
May 6, 1987
Dries Mertens was born on May 6, 1987, in Leuven, Belgium. Showing an early interest in football, Mertens was part of the youth academies of established Belgian clubs Anderlecht and Gent, but was released from both due to being deemed physically insufficient. This proved to be a turning point in his career, leading him to decide to play football in the Netherlands. He began his professional career in the Dutch lower leagues with AGOVV Apeldoorn, where his performances attracted attention, leading to a transfer to FC Utrecht in 2009. After two successful seasons at Utrecht, he signed for prominent Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. With PSV, the technical forward celebrated KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield (Super Cup) victories, maintaining his effective performance over two seasons there. In the summer of 2013, Dries Mertens transferred to Italian Serie A side Napoli, marking the beginning of the most brilliant and prolonged period of his career. While initially often deployed on the wing, Mertens reached the peak of his career when manager Maurizio Sarri began utilizing him as a "false nine" in the center of the attack. Exhibiting an extraordinary goal-scoring performance in this role, the Belgian star earned the title of Napoli's all-time leading goalscorer in the club's history. During his nine seasons in Naples, Mertens won the Coppa Italia twice and the Supercoppa Italiana once, becoming affectionately known as "Ciro" by the Napoli fans and a figure synonymous with the city. Internationally, Mertens was a key part of Belgium's "Golden Generation," representing his country in numerous World Cups and European Championships. He delivered impactful performances and scored significant goals for the national team as well. Following his legendary career at Napoli, Dries Mertens transferred to Turkish Süper Lig club Galatasaray in the summer of 2022, where he continued his success by winning the league championship in his first season with the yellow-reds. Dries Mertens is known as a versatile attacking player characterized by his pace, agility, superb technical skill, ability to use both feet effectively, accurate long-range shots, and expertise in free kicks. His capability to play in various positions on the field and his footballing intelligence make him a complete offensive player. He is considered among the most talented forwards produced by Napoli and Belgium.