World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Eintracht Frankfurt's Arthur Theate
Following a second solid season in the Bundesliga, Eintracht Frankfurt's Arthur Theate has played an important role for a Belgium side looking to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
Name: Arthur Theate
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Country: Belgium
International debut: 16 November 2021
Caps: 36
Goals: 1
Stats correct as of 10 July 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
Theate was a regular for Frankfurt, making 24 Bundesliga appearances, all of which were starts. Of the 10 games he missed, the Eagles won just three, while he wore the captain's armband in the Matchday 27 defeat to Mainz. He also showed his versatility, playing numerous games at both left-back and centre-back, whilst featuring on eight occasions in the UEFA Champions League.
What he brings to the national team
Much like for his club, Theate offers Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia a reliable option at the heart or on the left of the backline. However, in recent appearances, he has been used as a central defender, with Belgium not losing since November 2024 with him in the team.
While Theate did not get onto the pitch at the last World Cup in Qatar, he played three games at UEFA Euro 2024 as Belgium were knocked out in the last 16. He featured in three out of the Red Devils' six World Cup fixtures so far as Garcia's charges topped their group and advanced past Senegal and the USA, but were halted in their tracks by Spain.
Watch: The best of Theate
What his coaches say
"He's an important player for us. We need him to be at his best." - Garcia
"For a coach, it's always a dream when a player is so versatile. Despite his young age, Arthur is someone who really likes to take the lead and lead from the front. He will be a great asset to us in terms of mentality, leadership, build-up play, and our play off the ball." - Former Frankfurt head coach Dino Toppmöller
