From the U8 until his debut in the first team: Zeno Debast is a player that wears the label Made in Neerpede with pride. Zeno made his way through the RSCA Belfius Academy with flying colors, and was gradually transformed from a playmaker in midfield to a stronghold in defense. A player that suits our philosophy: technically gifted, calm on the ball and with a good pass.
After a first appearance in the first team last season, Vincent Kompany dropped him into the starting line-up for the first time in February this year against KAS Eupen. A debut that did not go unnoticed, and above all it made 18-year-old Zeno's dream come true.
"My biggest wish was to one day sit in this dressing room, train on these pitches, play my first matches in this stadium", Zeno said. "I saw guys like Youri Tielemans and Leander Dendoncker doing it in front of me. I always dreamed of being able to make my debut with the club that I love, just like them. But for young players, it’s also important to be patient until the right moment arrives. I’m so happy it worked out, but it is up to me to continue the work here and to attach my name to the beautiful history of this club."
The club rewarded Zeno with a new contract until 2025. "There are few central defenders who are as good on the ball as Zeno. Physically, he still has room for progression and we will now work on that together", says CEO Peter Verbeke. "Zeno shows that hard work and patience are crucial to achieve success. After all, there are few clubs in Europe like Anderlecht that allow so many young, home-grown players to make their debut in the first team.”
