{"id":244489,"first_name":"Zeno","last_name":"Debast","short_name":"Z. Debast","common_name":"Zeno Debast","place_of_birth":null,"gender":"male","height":188,"weight":73,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T09:34:17.873Z","updatedAt":"2025-05-04T22:26:19.027Z","locale":"en","age":21,"stb_id":"zeno-debast","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Zeno Debast","top_position":null,"introduction":"**Zeno Debast** is one of the most promising youg defenders to emerge from Belgium in recent years. Standing at 188cm, the Sporting CP center-back has already established himself as a respected figure in European footbal despite his tender age. Born in Halle, Belgium on October 24, 2003, Debast has quickly risen through the ranks to become a full international for the \"Red Devils\" while securing a high-profile move to Portugal after impressing at his boyhood club Anderlecht. His combination of physical presence and technical ability marks him as a potential cornerstone for both club and country for years to come.","early_life_and_career":"Debast kickd off his journey in the modest surroundings of KSK Halle before being snapped up by Anderlecht's famous academy in 2010 when he was just 7 years old. The Neerpede youth system at \"RSC Anderlecht\" has a reputation for churning out top talent, and Zeno was no exception. Zeno spent a whopping eleven years developing his craft in the academy. \n\nThe youngster showed promise from an early age, with coaches noting his exceptional reading of the game and composure on the ball - rare qualities for such a young defender. What set Debast apart from his peers was his mentality. The kid never seemed fazed by pressure situations, something that would serve him well later on. His progression through the youth ranks was steady but impressive, with the tall defender often playing ahead of his age group.","professional_career_and_highlights":"Debast broke into Anderlecht's first teem during the 2021/22 season when he was just 17 years old. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end! By 19, he'd already cemented himself as a starter at one of Belgium's biggest clubs. He racked up an impressive 78 league appearances for \"Anderlecht\" before making his big move. \n\nIn 2024, Sporting CP came calling with a hefty €15.5 million offer that Anderlecht couldn't refuse. The Portuguese giants clearly saw someting special in the youngster, slapping an €80 million release clause in his contract. That's not small change for a defender his age! Debast adapted quickly to life in Lisbon, becoming a regular starter and showing why \"Sporting\" were prepared to invest so heavily in his potential. \n\nOn the international scene, Debast earned his first Belgium cap in September 2022 against Wales in the Nations League. Since then, he's collected 16 international appearances, including being selected for the 2022 World Cup squad. He also played in two group matches at the European Championship, further cementing his status as a key player for Belgium's future.","playing_style_and_skills":"At 1.91 meters tall (that's 6 foot 3 in old money), Debast possesses the physicl attributes to dominate in the air, but it's his technical ability that truly sets him apart from other defenders of similar stature. His distribution from the back is top drawer, capable of playing both short passes under pressure and pinging diagonals to switch the play. \n\nDebast reads the game like a book. His positional awareness allows him to make interceptions without having to dive into tackles, though he's certainly not afraid to put his foot in when necessary. The Belgian excels in one-v-one situations, using his frame effectively to shepherd attackers away from dangerous areas. \n\nVersatility is another string to his bow, with the ability to operate as ether a center-back or defensive midfielder. This tactical flexibility makes him invaluable to coaches who appreciate players who can slot into multiple roles. His composure on the ball even in tight spaces has drawn comparisons to Belgian defensive legend Vincent Kompany - high praise indeed for such a young player! Debast's game intelligence allows him to anticpate danger and position himself accordingly, often making difficult defensive actions look routine.","notable_achievements":"Though still in the early stages of his career, Debast has already chalked up several noteworthy achievements. He captained \"Anderlecht\" when Jan Vertonghen was sidelined with injury - a massive vote of confidence for such a young player at a club of that stature. The fact that he was given the armband speaks volumes about his leadership qualities and the respect he commands from teammates and coaching staff alike. \n\nHis €15.5 million transfer to \"Sporting CP\" ranks among the highest fees ever paid for a Belgian defender of his age. The inclusion of an €80,000,000 release clause further underlines the Portugal club's belief in his potential. \n\nInternationally, being selected for the 2022 World Cup squad at just nineteen years of age was a significant milestone. He's since accumulated 16 caps for his country, playing in 2 European Championship group matches. For a player born in 2003, these achievments demonstrate an exceptional career trajectory that few defenders can match.","impact_on_sport":"Debast represents the continued excellence of Belgium's defensive talent production, following in the footsteps of Kompany, Alderweireld, and Vertonghen. His rise coincides with a period of transition for the Belgian national team, as the so-called \"Golden Generation\" gradually makes way for the next wave of talent. \n\nAt \"Anderlecht\", he was described as \"another textbook example of how a player 'Made in Neerpede' manages to gear up for what will undoubtely be a wonderful international career.\" This quote from his boyhood club highlights the pride Belgian institutions take in developing homegrown talent. \n\nHis transfer to \"Sporting CP\" signifies the growing recognition of young Belgian defenders in the European market. While attackers from the country have long been coveted by top clubs, Debast's move suggests that Belgian defenders are now equally valued. His ballplaying style embodies the modern defender that top clubs increasingly demand - someone who can both defend reliably and contribute meaningfully to buildup play. As the game continues to evolve, players like Debast who combine traditional defensive qualities with technical prowess will become even more influential in shaping how the position is played.","stb_internal_id":"019300d3-2449-730a-8ee2-dc844930b0f2","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"defender","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-back","roles":"player","has_biography":null,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Zeno Debast is one of the most promising youg defenders to emerge from Belgium in recent years. Standing at 188cm, the Sporting CP center-back has already established himself as a respected figure in European footbal despite his tender age. Born in Halle, Belgium on October 24, 2003, Debast has quickly risen through the ranks to become a full international for the \"Red Devils\" while securing a high-profile move to Portugal after impressing at his boyhood club Anderlecht. His combination of physical presence and technical ability marks him as a potential cornerstone for both club and country for years to come.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Debast kickd off his journey in the modest surroundings of KSK Halle before being snapped up by Anderlecht's famous academy in 2010 when he was just 7 years old. The Neerpede youth system at \"RSC Anderlecht\" has a reputation for churning out top talent, and Zeno was no exception. Zeno spent a whopping eleven years developing his craft in the academy.

The youngster showed promise from an early age, with coaches noting his exceptional reading of the game and composure on the ball - rare qualities for such a young defender. What set Debast apart from his peers was his mentality. The kid never seemed fazed by pressure situations, something that would serve him well later on. His progression through the youth ranks was steady but impressive, with the tall defender often playing ahead of his age group.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Debast broke into Anderlecht's first teem during the 2021/22 season when he was just 17 years old. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end! By 19, he'd already cemented himself as a starter at one of Belgium's biggest clubs. He racked up an impressive 78 league appearances for \"Anderlecht\" before making his big move.

In 2024, Sporting CP came calling with a hefty €15.5 million offer that Anderlecht couldn't refuse. The Portuguese giants clearly saw someting special in the youngster, slapping an €80 million release clause in his contract. That's not small change for a defender his age! Debast adapted quickly to life in Lisbon, becoming a regular starter and showing why \"Sporting\" were prepared to invest so heavily in his potential.

On the international scene, Debast earned his first Belgium cap in September 2022 against Wales in the Nations League. Since then, he's collected 16 international appearances, including being selected for the 2022 World Cup squad. He also played in two group matches at the European Championship, further cementing his status as a key player for Belgium's future.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

At 1.91 meters tall (that's 6 foot 3 in old money), Debast possesses the physicl attributes to dominate in the air, but it's his technical ability that truly sets him apart from other defenders of similar stature. His distribution from the back is top drawer, capable of playing both short passes under pressure and pinging diagonals to switch the play.

Debast reads the game like a book. His positional awareness allows him to make interceptions without having to dive into tackles, though he's certainly not afraid to put his foot in when necessary. The Belgian excels in one-v-one situations, using his frame effectively to shepherd attackers away from dangerous areas.

Versatility is another string to his bow, with the ability to operate as ether a center-back or defensive midfielder. This tactical flexibility makes him invaluable to coaches who appreciate players who can slot into multiple roles. His composure on the ball even in tight spaces has drawn comparisons to Belgian defensive legend Vincent Kompany - high praise indeed for such a young player! Debast's game intelligence allows him to anticpate danger and position himself accordingly, often making difficult defensive actions look routine.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Though still in the early stages of his career, Debast has already chalked up several noteworthy achievements. He captained \"Anderlecht\" when Jan Vertonghen was sidelined with injury - a massive vote of confidence for such a young player at a club of that stature. The fact that he was given the armband speaks volumes about his leadership qualities and the respect he commands from teammates and coaching staff alike.

His €15.5 million transfer to \"Sporting CP\" ranks among the highest fees ever paid for a Belgian defender of his age. The inclusion of an €80,000,000 release clause further underlines the Portugal club's belief in his potential.

Internationally, being selected for the 2022 World Cup squad at just nineteen years of age was a significant milestone. He's since accumulated 16 caps for his country, playing in 2 European Championship group matches. For a player born in 2003, these achievments demonstrate an exceptional career trajectory that few defenders can match.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Debast represents the continued excellence of Belgium's defensive talent production, following in the footsteps of Kompany, Alderweireld, and Vertonghen. His rise coincides with a period of transition for the Belgian national team, as the so-called \"Golden Generation\" gradually makes way for the next wave of talent.

At \"Anderlecht\", he was described as \"another textbook example of how a player 'Made in Neerpede' manages to gear up for what will undoubtely be a wonderful international career.\" This quote from his boyhood club highlights the pride Belgian institutions take in developing homegrown talent.

His transfer to \"Sporting CP\" signifies the growing recognition of young Belgian defenders in the European market. While attackers from the country have long been coveted by top clubs, Debast's move suggests that Belgian defenders are now equally valued. His ballplaying style embodies the modern defender that top clubs increasingly demand - someone who can both defend reliably and contribute meaningfully to buildup play. As the game continues to evolve, players like Debast who combine traditional defensive qualities with technical prowess will become even more influential in shaping how the position is played.

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Transfer	Goal	Assists
Sporting CP July 2024 - Now	1	4
Belgium September 2022 - Now	0	0

Zeno Debast: Career