AlexisSaelemaekers

Alexis Saelemaekers was born in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe (Belgium) on June 27, 1999. He grew up in the Anderlecht youth setup: with the Mauves he made his debut in February 2018, collecting 64 appearances in almost two years, with 2 goals and 11 assists. He joined AC Milan at the very end of the January 2019/20 transfer window, gradually earning more space in Coach Pioli's midfield rotation, to the point that in Serie A 2021/22 he was - together with Tonali - the Rossonero with the most appearances (36).

After a strong 2022/23 (highlighted by his stunning goal in the 4-0 league win in Naples) and a total of 141 appearances and 10 goals in Rossonero colours, he spent 2023/24 and 2024/25 on loan, respectively, at Bologna and Roma, performing well with both: he was a key figure in Bologna's historic Champions League qualification and scored 7 goals in 31 total appearances with Roma. After these two experiences he returned to the Rossoneri permanently from the 2025/26 season, showing his individual progress in a season ended with 39 total appearances and 3 goals.

His performances, especially with AC Milan, also earned him his first call-ups to the senior Belgium national team. His absolute debut came on October 8, 2020, in a friendly in Brussels against Ivory Coast, while his first goal arrived on 5 September 2021, again in Brussels, in a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic in Qatar 2022 qualifying. He earned more and more space on the road to the 2026 World Cup, in which he took part with the high point of a goal in the group stage against New Zealand. By June 2026 he had 26 caps and 3 goals with Belgium.