When Belgian fans, football history buffs or curious googlers ask “how many trophies has Belgium won,” there’s a twist: Belgium’s national team, the Red Devils, has a modest trophy cabinet compared to their ambitions. But there is silverware, and some near-misses that ought to count in their story. In this article, StefaKick will lead you through every title, medal, honor and heartbreak — and show how Belgium’s legacy is more than just its trophy count.
What Does “Trophies” Mean for a National Team?
Before we start counting, a word of clarity: for a club, trophies usually mean domestic league titles, Cups, and continental competitions. For a national team, however, “trophies” typically refers to major international tournament wins (World Cup, Euros, Olympics) and recognized smaller competitions or cups. Sub-categories can include:
- Major international titles (e.g. World Cup, Continental Championship, Olympic gold)
- Secondary honors and friendly tournaments (e.g. invitational cups)
- Runners-up and third places — not trophies, but often cited in “honors lists”
- Medals (Olympics, etc.) sometimes treated as trophies in records
With that in mind, let’s dig in.
Belgium’s Official Trophies and Honors
Belgium’s international honors may be lean, but each holds weight in their history.
Major Titles
Olympic Games – Gold (1)
- Belgium won the Olympic football tournament in 1920, when Antwerp hosted the Games. That remains their only full international title.
Major tournament trophies – 0
- Belgium has never won the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championship as champions.
So in pure “major international trophies won” terms, the count is just one (Olympic gold) — though many would argue that a World Cup or Euro would carry far more prestige.
Other Recognized Honors
Belgium has also claimed one additional recognized non-major title:
- Kirin Cup – Champions (1)
- In 1999, Belgium won the Kirin Cup (an invitational tournament held in Japan).
Olympic bronze (1)
- In 1900, Belgium took a bronze medal in the Olympic football competition. Some records include that as an honor.
Hence, in a broader honors tally, Belgium has at least:
Category |
Count |
Major tournament wins |
1 |
Invitational/friendly cups |
1 |
Olympic medals (bronze) |
1 |
If you include the bronze, then Belgium has three recognized honors (gold + bronze + Kirin Cup). Many honor lists list two mains trophies (1920 Olympic Gold + Kirin Cup) and also bronze and runner-up finishes.
Near Misses & Close Calls: Silver and Bronze Moments
Honors lists for Belgium are padded with strong performances — not victories — that shaped their reputation but did not bring trophies.
European Championship
- Runners-up (1): 1980
- Third place (1): 1972
FIFA World Cup
- Third place (1): 2018
These are not “trophies” in the sense of winning the final, but they are milestone achievements and always noted in Belgium’s historical record.
A Walk Through Belgium’s Trophy Timeline
Let’s trace when Belgium won or almost won its honors:
- 1900 — Bronze medal at the Olympics
- 1920 — Olympic gold in Antwerp
- 1972 — Third place at Euro
- 1980 — Euro runners-up
- 1999 — Kirin Cup champions
- 2018 — World Cup third place
Between these, Belgium has had periods of international prominence, especially in recent times with the so-called “golden generation.” But silverware has remained elusive.
Why Has Belgium Won So Few?
It’s a question football fans often ask with a tinge of frustration. Belgium has national talent, great club infrastructure and smart youth development, yet their trophy haul is minimal. Several reasons help explain:
- Historical competition density — In Europe, giants like Germany, Italy, Spain, France compete for the same trophies.
- Transition eras — Belgium’s golden generations often peak just short of major success.
- Tournament variance — Knockout football is unpredictable; one bad game can end your title hopes.
- Late footballing maturity — Belgium’s major progress, in terms of infrastructure and youth development, came more recently.
However, that one Olympic gold is emblematic. And their ability to contend (3rd in 2018 WC, final appearances in Euro) shows a team that is within reach of breaking through.
Statistics That Define the Red Devils’ Legacy
Beyond trophies, Belgium’s record is full of impressive stats:
- They have never won a World Cup or Euro, despite topping FIFA rankings at times.
- In 2018, they secured their best-ever World Cup finish (third).
- In Euro 1980, they came within reach of the title, losing only narrowly in the final.
- Their Olympic gold in 1920 was achieved on home soil, a defining moment in early Belgian football.
- They have also won the Kirin Cup once, showing occasional success in invitational settings.
These statistics underscore the contrast: Belgium is often among the most consistent teams in major tournaments, yet not the one lifting the trophy.
What Others Count as Belgium’s Trophies
Not all sources count honors the same way. Some databases and football sites include:
- Olympic bronze (1900) as a medal trophy
- National awards or fair-play trophies
- Titles from youth or women’s tournaments
But for clarity, when most fans ask “how many trophies Belgium has won,” they mean senior men’s international trophies. In that frame, the definitive count is:
- 1 Olympic gold
- 1 Kirin Cup
So the answer is: Belgium has won 2 recognized trophies, with other honors (medals, runners-up, third places) enhancing their legacy but not adding to the trophy count.
Final Thoughts
How many trophies has Belgium won? Strictly speaking, the senior men’s national team has claimed two recognized trophies — the 1920 Olympic gold and 1999 Kirin Cup. That said, they have a richer history of medal finishes, runner-up slots and top-three tournament performances.
For fans craving more, Belgium’s near-misses are just as compelling as their victories. They remain a powerhouse in Europe and a team always capable of producing magic. Here at StefaKick, we invite you to explore each moment — the triumphs, the heartbreaks, the stats — and come back whenever you want a deep dive into national squads, trophies, players or match analysis.