Former Belgium international Radja Nainggolan is stepping into the world of podcasting with “Ongefilterd” (Unfiltered), a new show promising candid takes on the beautiful game. The podcast, launching April 6th, will feature Nainggolan alongside fellow Belgian football veterans Stijn Stijnen and Olivier Deschacht, as well as content creator Angel Redondo. The aim? To deliver a refreshingly direct perspective, particularly on Belgian football, without the constraints often found in traditional media.
Nainggolan, known for his outspoken nature during his playing career, emphasized the podcast’s core philosophy during its presentation. “We are a group that dares to say what it thinks. Not like good boys who tell people what they seek to hear,” he said, according to reporting from HLN. This commitment to unfiltered honesty is central to the project, a deliberate departure from carefully managed narratives.
The 37-year-old Nainggolan, who earned 30 caps for the Belgian national team, intends the podcast to be a platform for open discussion and critical analysis. “Just being able to say what we think, and daring to do so, is what we want in our podcast. For me, it’s usually black and white, but always with respect. My opinion can also be criticized,” he explained. This willingness to embrace debate and challenge conventional wisdom is a key differentiator for “Ongefilterd.”
The podcast’s launch comes at a time when former players are increasingly seeking new avenues to share their insights and experiences. While many transition into punditry roles with established broadcasters, Nainggolan’s venture represents a more independent and potentially disruptive approach. The direct-to-audience format allows for greater control over content and a more authentic connection with listeners.
The lineup alongside Nainggolan is noteworthy. Stijn Stijnen, a former goalkeeper with a reputation for a strong personality, and Olivier Deschacht, a seasoned defender known for his no-nonsense approach, bring a wealth of experience and a similar willingness to speak their minds. Angel Redondo, a content creator, adds a digital-first perspective and expertise in reaching a wider audience. The combination suggests a dynamic and potentially provocative on-air chemistry.
The first episode of “Ongefilterd” is scheduled for release on April 6th. Nainggolan hopes the podcast will establish him as a voice in the Belgian media landscape beyond his playing days. He’s aiming to provide a space for honest, unfiltered conversation about the sport he loves, and to connect with fans on a more personal level.
During the podcast’s presentation, the ongoing legal proceedings related to alleged money laundering were also addressed. Nainggolan, but, remained composed, expressing confidence in a positive outcome. “I have full confidence that it will all work out. I didn’t do anything with bad intentions. It was very innocent,” he stated, according to Het Laatste Nieuws. The case involves a loan of €100,000 from an individual reportedly linked to a major drug investigation, a matter Nainggolan maintains was handled without malice or wrongdoing.
The launch of “Ongefilterd” marks a new chapter for Nainggolan, a player who often courted controversy on and off the pitch. Whether the podcast will resonate with audiences remains to be seen, but its commitment to unfiltered honesty and its intriguing lineup of personalities suggest it has the potential to become a significant voice in Belgian football discourse. Fans eager for a different perspective on the game will undoubtedly be tuning in when the first episode drops next month.
The next confirmed checkpoint for “Ongefilterd” is the release of its first episode on April 6th. Listeners can expect a weekly dose of unfiltered opinions and analysis on the world of Belgian football, delivered by a quartet of outspoken and experienced personalities.
