BEVEREN, Belgium – Christian Brüls, the 37-year-old attacking midfielder currently leading SK Beveren in Belgium’s Challenger Pro League, isn’t shying away from a brutally honest assessment of his career and lifestyle. In a recent interview with RTBF, Brüls revealed a history of questionable habits, from a near-constant diet of fast food to a long-term smoking habit, even admitting to occasionally playing hungover. It’s a confession that flies in the face of the modern, hyper-optimized athlete, but one Brüls delivers with a disarming candor.
Brüls’ career has spanned two decades and several countries, including stints in France with Rennes and Nice, and returns to his native Belgium with clubs like Gent and Sint-Truiden. He currently plays for Beveren, where, as of January 21, 2026, he has scored 30 goals in 30 appearances, according to available data. But his path wasn’t paved with the rigorous discipline often associated with professional footballers. “Outside of the field, I am clearly not a pro model,” Brüls told RTBF. “Between the ages of 18 and 26, I went to a friterie or McDonald’s at least 300 times a year.”
A Different Kind of Preparation
The revelation about his dietary habits is striking, especially in an era where sports nutrition is a multi-billion dollar industry. Brüls’ admission, equating to roughly daily fast food consumption during his younger years, challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding peak athletic performance. He acknowledges this, but frames it as simply part of his personality. “I don’t have any stress in my life: I’m just a footballer, right?” he said, seemingly dismissing the pressures that might lead other athletes to seek healthier coping mechanisms.
Perhaps even more surprising is Brüls’ admission of a decades-long smoking habit. He readily admits to smoking throughout his professional career, a practice almost unheard of in modern elite sports. Yet, despite this, he’s managed to forge a respectable career, accumulating over 500 appearances for various clubs. He maintains that he always put in the work on the training ground, stating, “Despite my nonchalant image, I always worked and never missed a training session.”
The RTBF interview also touched on Brüls’ social life, revealing that he and his teammates often spent nights out in Ghent until 4 or 5 a.m. During his younger days. Remarkably, he claims this didn’t impact his performance the following day. “When I was 20, we went out all week in Ghent, until 4-5 in the morning. But the next day, we were on the field and we trained properly,” he stated. The comparison to Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, known for his own relaxed lifestyle, is inevitable.
Zidane as Inspiration, and a Justification for Smoking
Brüls doesn’t shy away from acknowledging his limitations, comparing himself to one of the greats even as simultaneously downplaying his own achievements. “I have always been inspired by a player like Zinédine Zidane […] They also always said that I was an elegant player… But obviously, I am far from Zidane,” he conceded. He then offered a somewhat unconventional justification for his smoking habit: “The problem with professional football is that we have too much free time… And when we get bored, what do we do? We smoke!”
The candidness of Brüls’ interview has resonated within Belgian football circles. Radja Nainggolan, another Belgian international known for his rebellious streak, was reportedly “shocked” by the revelations, according to SoFoot.com. This highlights the increasingly rare nature of such open admissions within the highly controlled world of professional sports.
Christian Brüls’ story is a reminder that success in football, and in life, doesn’t always follow a predictable path. While his lifestyle choices might raise eyebrows, his longevity and continued success on the pitch demonstrate a resilience and talent that cannot be denied. He’s a player who has seemingly defied convention, and his willingness to speak openly about his experiences offers a unique perspective on the realities of professional football.
As of March 17, 2026, Brüls continues to be a key player for SK Beveren, who are currently enjoying a dominant season in the Challenger Pro League. The team is on the verge of securing the championship title, and Brüls’ contributions have been instrumental to their success. Their next match is scheduled for March 22nd against Lommel, a crucial fixture as they aim to officially clinch the title. Fans can follow updates and results on the official SK Beveren website: [https://www.skbeveren.be/](https://www.skbeveren.be/)
What do you think of Brüls’ candid confession? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
