Kyriani Sabbe has played zero minutes across four international appearances for the Belgian national team, despite being a regular starter for Club Brugge, VoetbalNieuws.be reported.
The 21-year-old defender was called up to the Red Devils squad for the first time on September 18 following the absence of Thomas Meunier. While Sabbe has seen consistent action at the club level, he remained an unused substitute or a spectator during recent international fixtures in Rome, Brussels, and Sclessin.
In Paris, Sabbe was included on the substitutes’ bench but did not enter the match. During the fixture against Turkey, he remained on the bench even as Belgium held a 3-0 lead. Le Soir reported that Mark van Bommel viewed Sabbe and several other players as having “very limited importance” during that period.
Club Brugge performance contrast
The lack of international minutes stands in stark contrast to Sabbe’s recent form in domestic and European competition. Following a period of development noted by Club Brugge manager Ivan Leko, the defender secured a contract extension through 2030.
Leko previously described Sabbe’s progression from a “follower” to a “top performer” and a “key pioneer” in the team’s tactical setup. This development was evidenced during a 4-3 victory against Inter Milan at San Siro, where Sabbe started the match and played 72 minutes.
Het Nieuwsblad awarded Sabbe a 7/10 rating for his performance at San Siro, noting that his ability to compete at the Champions League level makes his lack of Belgian national team minutes appear unusual. Het Laatste Nieuws provided a more conservative 6/10 rating, noting a lapse in marking Dimarco during the second half.
National team selection decisions
Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel addressed the exclusion of veteran players, stating in Het Laatste Nieuws that while he did not tell Thomas Meunier his time was over, he is currently choosing other players. Johan Boskamp told Het Belang van Limburg that it is difficult to block a 21-year-old player in favor of a 35-year-old.
Current selection trends show Timothy Castagne receiving significant playing time, totaling 360 minutes across recent matches. This has led to scrutiny regarding the hierarchy of the right-back position.
De Zondag questioned whether Castagne remains a superior option to Joaquin Seys or Sabbe prior to the match in Paris. Following a 4-1 loss to France, Castagne told Het Laatste Nieuws that the team lacked aggressiveness and mental fortitude to maintain a lead.
The selection of Josué Kongolo has also sparked discussion regarding tactical shifts. L’Avenir reported that Kongolo’s inclusion could allow Seys to move to the right-back position if Castagne faces availability issues.
Discontent within the squad
The exclusion of young players has created tension within the Belgian setup. Koni De Winter, a 24-year-old international, recently withdrew from selection after failing to receive playing time.
Van Bommel responded to De Winter’s decision in Het Laatste Nieuws, stating that deciding not to be selected at age 24 is “very early” and could have long-term consequences. RTBF previously suggested in October that the handling of players like Theate, Debast, De Winter, and Sabbe could potentially create resentment within the squad.
Despite the lack of official minutes, Sabbe remains eligible to represent other nations, including France or Guadeloupe, through his heritage. He has not yet made an official appearance for Belgium, meaning his international status remains formally uncommitted.
Sabbe’s domestic impact
At the club level, Sabbe has been described as a stabilizing force. During a 2-1 victory over PSV, Het Laatste Nieuws characterized him as an “outstanding player for composure.”
In a recent 1-1 draw against Anderlecht, Sabbe played 73 minutes. Het Nieuwsblad described his style as a “rottweiler” for Club Brugge, noting his effectiveness in both defensive and offensive transitions.
The next scheduled checkpoint for Sabbe’s international involvement will depend on the upcoming Belgian national team call-ups and his continued starting status at Club Brugge.
