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| Mats Rits | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mats Rits |
| Fullname | Mats Rits |
| Birth date | 6 April 1992 |
| Birth place | Antwerp, Belgium |
| Height | 1.82 m |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Currentclub | Royal Antwerp |
| Youthyears1 | 1998–2005 |
| Youthclubs1 | Beerschot AC |
| Youthyears2 | 2005–2010 |
| Youthclubs2 | Club Brugge |
| Years1 | 2010–2012 |
| Clubs1 | Club Brugge |
| Years2 | 2012–2013 |
| Clubs2 | Kortrijk |
| Caps2 | 51 |
| Years3 | 2013–2016 |
| Clubs3 | Mechelen |
| Caps3 | 90 |
| Goals3 | 20 |
| Years4 | 2016–2020 |
| Clubs4 | Gent |
| Caps4 | 106 |
| Years5 | 2020– |
| Clubs5 | Royal Antwerp |
| Caps5 | 95 |
| Nationalyears1 | 2007–2008 |
| Nationalteam1 | Belgium U16 |
| Nationalyears2 | 2008–2009 |
| Nationalteam2 | Belgium U17 |
| Nationalcaps2 | 15 |
| Nationalyears3 | 2009–2010 |
| Nationalteam3 | Belgium U18 |
| Nationalyears4 | 2010–2011 |
| Nationalteam4 | Belgium U19 |
| Nationalyears5 | 2012–2014 |
| Nationalteam5 | Belgium U21 |
| Nationalcaps5 | 11 |
Mats Rits Mats Rits is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Royal Antwerp in the Belgian Pro League. Known for his passing range and leadership, he rose through the youth systems of Beerschot AC and Club Brugge before establishing himself in first teams across Belgium. Rits has been part of clubs competing in domestic competitions and European tournaments, attracting attention from supporters, managers and media.
Born in Antwerp, Rits began playing at local club Beerschot AC and later joined the academy of Club Brugge, where he trained alongside contemporaries from the Flemish region. During his youth tenure he featured in tournaments and national youth setups, participating in Belgium youth international fixtures and development programs. He progressed through the Club Brugge reserve structure and entered senior squad preparations under managers at the time.
Rits made his first senior appearances with Club Brugge before seeking regular playing time and transferring to KV Kortrijk, where he featured in Belgian Pro League campaigns and cup ties. A subsequent move to KV Mechelen saw him become a key midfielder, contributing goals and assists in league matches and receiving attention from scouts. In 2016 he signed for KAA Gent, competing in UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League qualifying campaigns, helping the club in domestic title pursuits. In 2020 he joined Royal Antwerp, becoming part of a squad challenging for Belgian titles and participating in UEFA Europa Conference League and UEFA Europa League fixtures. Across these clubs he worked under various coaches and faced opponents from clubs such as RSC Anderlecht, Standard Liège, Club Brugge, KRC Genk and others.
Rits represented Belgium at multiple youth levels, appearing for Belgium U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 teams in UEFA youth qualifiers, friendly matches and international youth tournaments. He played alongside future senior internationals and under national youth coaches during cycles that included fixtures against other European youth sides. Despite regular involvement at youth level, his senior cap for the Belgium national team remained elusive amid competition from midfielders in domestic and foreign leagues.
Rits is noted for his technical ability, positional intelligence and passing accuracy, operating primarily as a central or deep-lying playmaker in formations used by his clubs. Analysts and commentators compared his role to established midfielders in Belgian football and beyond, citing his set-piece delivery and transitional play. Supporters praised his work rate and leadership, while managers deployed him in systems emphasizing possession and transitional counter-pressing.
Rits maintains a private personal life in Antwerp, balancing professional commitments with community and club engagements. He has been involved in club outreach initiatives and media activities related to matchdays, interviews and team events.
Club - Club Brugge: appearances in Belgian Pro League and Belgian Cup. - KV Kortrijk: appearances and goals across league campaigns. - KV Mechelen: sustained appearances with notable goal contributions. - KAA Gent: European competition appearances and domestic matches. - Royal Antwerp: ongoing appearances in league and cup competitions.
International (youth) - Belgium U16, U17, U18, U19, U21: multiple caps and goals at youth levels.
- Domestic cup and league campaigns with KAA Gent and Royal Antwerp, including involvement in title-challenging seasons and cup finals. - Youth international tournaments with Belgium youth teams. - Individual recognition from club supporters and selection as a regular starter during peak seasons.
Category:1992 births Category:Living people Category:Belgian footballers Category:Association football midfielders Category:Royal Antwerp F.C. players Category:K.A.A. Gent players Category:K.V. Mechelen players Category:K.V. Kortrijk players Category:Club Brugge KV players Category:People from Antwerp