Belgium winger Mika Godts has completed a striking rise within the national team setup, securing a prominent role under Mark van Bommel just months after missing out on World Cup selection. The 21-year-old forward, who joined Paris Saint-Germain from Ajax in a deal worth up to €55 million, earned his first international cap on March 28 but was omitted from the squad for the tournament last summer by Rudi Garcia.
From World Cup Disappointment to the No. 10 Shirt
The exclusion from the summer tournament left a lasting mark on the young attacker, who admitted the decision provided him with significant motivation. Under van Bommel, however, Godts’ international trajectory shifted rapidly during the recent international break. Handed the squad’s number ten shirt, he started consecutive matches against Italy and France.
In Rome, Godts scored his first international goal just twenty minutes into the fixture against Italy, marking a milestone in only his third appearance and second start for the Red Devils. Dodi Lukébakio subsequently secured a 2–0 victory for Belgium in that match. Days later, Godts played the full ninety minutes against France, though Belgium ultimately suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat following a late goal from Michael Olise.
Embracing Squad Competition and Club Transition
Godts’ emergence arrives in a heavily contested area of the pitch for the national team, particularly with winger Jérémy Doku absent from the recent selection. Addressing the challenge for playing time, Godts told La Dernière Heure that he welcomes the rivalry within the squad. “I am ready to take on any competition,” Godts said, reiterating that his disappointment over missing the World Cup continues to drive his ambitions.
At club level, Godts is managing a major career transition following his high-profile transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. The French club secured his signature on a contract running until 2031 after he registered 115 official appearances and 26 goals for Ajax, where he was named the Eredivisie’s Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year last season.
While his integration in the French capital requires patience behind a squad that has captured consecutive Champions League titles, Godts remains confident in his progress. “PSG believes in me and gives me the time to work,” Godts noted, pointing to the intensity of training sessions and the tactical demands placed upon him by manager Luis Enrique as key factors in his ongoing development.
Next Steps for the Red Devils
With his recent performances against elite European opposition, Godts has firmly established himself as a serious candidate for regular minutes under van Bommel as Belgium prepares for its upcoming international fixtures.
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