Brussels, Belgium – Tessa Wullaert continues to etch her name into Belgian football history. The forward recently surpassed 100 international goals, a milestone reached during a dominant 5-0 victory over Israel in a Nations League match on March 7, 2026, as Belgium pushes for qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. But the story of Wullaert’s rise to prominence isn’t one of early, forceful encouragement, but rather a blossoming of talent that unfolded organically, a fact her parents readily acknowledge.
Wullaert’s journey began not with a push from her family, but with her own initiative. As reported by Nieuwsblad, her parents state they didn’t actively encourage her to play football; in fact, they initially didn’t. This makes her accomplishments all the more remarkable, a testament to her intrinsic drive and passion for the game. She began playing at the age of five, initially with FC Wakken, then Sporting West Harelbeke, and later DVC Zuid-West-Vlaanderen.
A Century of Goals and a Rising Tide for the Red Flames
The recent Nations League fixture against Israel wasn’t just a win for the Red Flames; it was a historic night for Wullaert. She scored four goals in the match, bringing her total to over 100 for the national team. The goals came in the 10th, 16th, 66th (penalty), and 93rd minutes, showcasing her versatility and clinical finishing. Mertens added another goal in the 19th minute, while Missipo completed the rout with a goal in added time. This victory underscores the growing strength of Belgian women’s football and their ambition to compete on the world stage.
The milestone was celebrated with a special tribute from teammates Eurlings, Cayman, and Kees, who formed the numbers “100” on the field. This visual representation of her achievement highlighted the collective pride within the team. Lowiese Seynhaeve, making her debut in goal for the Red Flames, enjoyed a relatively quiet evening, a testament to the dominance of the Belgian defense.
From Zulte Waregem to Inter Milan: A Career Trajectory
Wullaert’s club career has been equally impressive, taking her across Belgium, Germany, England, and Italy. She began her senior career with Zulte VV in 2008, where she won the Second National Division title in 2009. A move to RSC Anderlecht followed in 2012, where she scored 10 goals in the BeNe League. She then spent time at Standard Liège before a successful stint with VfL Wolfsburg in Germany, where she won the German Cup.
A brief period in the Women’s Super League with Manchester City was followed by a return to Belgium with Anderlecht and then a move to Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands. Currently, Wullaert plays for Inter Milan, with a contract extending until June 30, 2026, as per information from Wikipedia. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated her goal-scoring prowess and leadership qualities.
Beyond the Goals: Wullaert’s Impact on Belgian Football
Wullaert’s impact extends beyond her impressive goal tally. She is a key figure in the Red Flames, captaining the team and inspiring a recent generation of female footballers in Belgium. Her success has helped raise the profile of women’s football in the country, attracting more investment and attention. The Red Flames’ recent performances, including their qualification for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, are a direct result of the talent and dedication of players like Wullaert.
Her ability to consistently locate the back of the net, combined with her perform rate and tactical intelligence, makes her a formidable opponent for any team. As highlighted by sporza, her coach described her achievement of reaching 100 goals as “unique,” underscoring the significance of her contribution to Belgian football.
What’s Next for Tessa Wullaert and the Red Flames?
The Red Flames will continue their Nations League campaign, aiming to secure a favorable position for the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualification. Wullaert will undoubtedly be central to their efforts, leading the attack and providing a constant threat to opposing defenses. The team’s next challenge will be to build on their recent success and establish themselves as a consistent force in international women’s football.
Wullaert’s story is a compelling example of how passion and dedication can overcome initial lack of encouragement. Her journey from a young girl who simply loved to play football to becoming Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. The Red Flames, buoyed by Wullaert’s continued success, are poised for further achievements in the years to come.
Fans can follow Tessa Wullaert and the Red Flames’ progress through the official RBFA website (https://www.rbfa.be) for updates, schedules, and match results.
