Nathan De Cat: Who is Hoffenheim’s new Belgian talent?
A product of Anderlecht’s academy, Nathan De Cat is the latest Belgian talent to roll off the renowned conveyor belt. Get to know more about Hoffenheim’s new signing below...
Nathan De Cat
Age: 17 (Born 19 July 2008)
Club: Hoffenheim
Position: Midfield
Country: Belgium (One cap)
Key stats
Aiming to follow in the footsteps of Vincent Kompany, Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku, De Cat was awarded his Jupiler Pro League debut eight days after his 17th birthday in July 2025. A shining light in home city club Anderlecht’s academy, the teenager rewarded his peers with an assist against Westerlo on the opening day of 2025/26.
Seizing his opportunity, the towering midfielder’s rise has been exponential. Standing 6’3”, De Cat - after scoring three goals and creating another five in 46 matches across all competitions - was named both Jupiler Pro League Young Player of the Year and Anderlecht’s Player of the Year after a sensational breakout campaign.
With four goal involvements in three games between February and March 2026, De Cat’s performances caught the attention of Belgium’s Rudi Garcia, who awarded the youngster his national team debut against the USA in March. Although missing out on a 2026 FIFA World Cup place, Belgium’s rising star secured a five-year deal with Hoffenheim.
Plays a bit like: Leon Goretzka
Although starting his career as a defensive midfielder, De Cat has found himself in a more advanced role in 2026. Although not possessing the physicality of Goretzka, De Cat’s rangy frame enables him to drift past markers, helping link midfield and attack. While still raw, the 17-year-old already possesses excellent ball-carrying skills and playmaking abilities, aided by his vision, passing range and work rate.
Did you know?
De Cat’s role models are Manchester City and Spain’s Rodri, and Arsenal and England’s Declan Rice. “To reach that level, I have to work hard,” he told Nieuwsblad.
What they’re saying
“We are incredibly pleased that an internationally sought-after player like Nathan De Cat has consciously chosen to join TSG Hoffenheim. This is an outstanding confirmation of the path we have chosen.” - Hoffenheim sporting director Andreas Schicker
“I see him as a mix between [Leander] Dendoncker and [Youri] Tielemans. And I think there is even more Tielemans in him than is currently coming out. Defensively, he is incredibly strong. He chooses his position wisely, but De Cat can do much more than that.” - Former Anderlecht goalkeeper Frank Boeckx
