RSC Anderlecht has declined to release Jayden Onia Seke for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.
The 17-year-old, widely regarded as one of Belgium's most promising young players, will instead stay with his club during their Europa League campaign and domestic season.
Anderlecht’s decision is not an isolated incident. The club is also withholding several other key prospects, including Joshua Nga Kana and Noa Ojea, who were expected to play for Belgium’s U17 squad. The Belgian national team, fresh off a run to the U17 European Championship final this summer, will now play without these players.
Anderlecht’s Priorities: Development vs. Experience
The Belgian football federation has expressed its displeasure with Anderlecht’s stance.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from former youth national team coach and current Wesley Sonck. Speaking in the Sporza studio, Sonck called the situation “very strange.” “It’s a real shame that these boys have to miss a World Cup,” he said.
A Scout’s Perspective: “He Can Go as Far as Doku”
Despite the controversy, Onia Seke’s status as a top talent is undeniable. His former scout at Anderlecht, Etienne Van Steenwinckel, now with Beerschot, spoke glowingly of the player’s potential. “I see him ending up at a foreign top club, just like Doku,” Van Steenwinckel said, drawing a direct comparison to Jérémy Doku.
The comparison is apt. Onia Seke, like Doku, plays as a winger and wears the No. 49 shirt at RSCA. However, Van Steenwinckel was quick to note their differences. “Jeremy is more explosive, Jayden is more goal-oriented,” he explained. “Jeremy is of course much further along and a real top player. But I think Jayden has the potential to go just as far.”
Etienne Van Steenwinckel recalled discovering Onia Seke and highlighted the player’s unique athletic background, which includes tennis. “Jayden, like his sister, also played tennis—they inherited that talent from their dad,” he said. “But I’m very happy he chose football, especially as you see him play now.”
He credited the player’s dedication, noting how Onia Seke worked on his strength in the gym after falling out of favor with the first team earlier this season, a period he has since overcome.
Anderlecht Retains Onia Seke Following Heavy Transfer Spending
Anderlecht’s decision to hold Onia Seke comes after the club spent heavily in the transfer market. Van Steenwinckel understands the club’s choice, even if he finds it regrettable from the player’s perspective. “It’s a shame that the club is taking that experience away from these kids,” he stated. “Especially in Jayden’s case, while they—so to speak—have bought twenty new players.”
Onia Seke’s importance to Anderlecht is clear. He made history in August 2024 by becoming the youngest player ever to debut in Belgian professional football at just 15 years, 3 months, and 8 days. He signed a new contract with the club, tying him to Anderlecht until 2029. His recent return to form has seen him regain a place in the first team squad, particularly in European competition.
The club's upcoming schedule includes a Europa League match against RB Salzburg.
Belgium’s U17 Squad Adjusts to Absence
Despite the loss of several Anderlecht players, Belgium's U17 squad, coached by Sven Vermant, still possesses talent. Other clubs like Antwerp, Racing Genk, and Club Brugge have fully supported their players’ participation. Antwerp, for example, has granted permission to Xander Dierckx, a regular in the Jupiler Pro League, who will bring valuable experience to the squad.
Interestingly, one Anderlecht player will be joining the trip to Qatar. Mattis Seghers, a young goalkeeper who trains regularly with the first team but does not play for the RSCA Futures, was included in the final squad.
The Belgian U17s will begin their World Cup campaign on November 20 against Vietnam, followed by matches against Mali on November 23 and New Zealand on November 26. All matches will be broadcast live on Sporza, providing a platform for the remaining talents to shine in the absence of their more high-profile teammates.
What Lies Ahead for Onia Seke
With the World Cup out of the picture, all eyes will be on Onia Seke’s continued development at Anderlecht. “Hopefully he will stay in the squad and can confirm his potential,” he told Het Nieuwsblad. He also revealed a personal connection to the player’s family, saying, “Soon his family will come with me to a game, I’m already looking forward to it.”
For now, Anderlecht has made its choice, and Onia Seke’s path will continue in the purple and white of his club, with the global stage of a World Cup deferred.
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