Axel Witsel

• Full name: Axel Laurent Angel Lambert Witsel
• Date of birth: 12 January 1989
• Place of birth: La Louvière, Belgium
• Nationality: Belgian
• Position: Central midfielder / Defensive midfielder
• Current status (as of 2026): Active professional player (plays for Atlético Mineiro as of mid-2024 — note: club affiliations can change; verify latest club)
• Borussia Dortmund tenure:
  • Club: Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
  • Period: 2008–2011
  • Appearances (league): 84
  • Goals (league): 8
  • Notes: Witsel joined Dortmund from Standard Liège in 2008, becoming a regular starter in midfield. He left the club in 2011 to join Benfica.
• International career (Belgium):
  • Senior debut: 2008
  • Caps: 130+ (longtime Belgian international and part of several major tournaments including World Cups and European Championships)
  • Role: Key midfield presence known for passing range, tactical intelligence and defensive contribution
• Other clubs (major moves):
  • Standard Liège (youth and early pro)
  • Benfica (2011–2012)
  • Zenit Saint Petersburg (2012–2016)
  • Tianjin Quanjian (2017–2018)
  • Borussia Dortmund (already listed earlier)
  • Atlético Mineiro (joined 2022; still with club as of 2024)
• Playing style: Versatile central midfielder known for ball retention, range of passing, calmness under pressure, aerial ability and tactical discipline. Can play box-to-box or in a deeper holding role.
• Honors (selected):
  • Belgian Pro League with Standard Liège
  • Primeira Liga cup successes with Benfica
  • Russian Premier League titles with Zenit
  • Domestic trophies with Atlético Mineiro (state and national competitions)

Note: Statistics (caps, goals, clubs) are subject to change as Witsel's career continues; for the most current data consult an up-to-date sports database or official club sources.