Axel Witsel - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

US seeks 'revenge' for thrilling World Cup loss to Belgium 12 years ago

American soccer has made major strides since the United States lost 2-1 to Belgium at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

5 DAYS AGO • Associated Press

US faces Belgium for spot in World Cup quarterfinals, hoping for first back-to-back knockout wins

The United States is aiming for back-to-back World Cup knockout wins for the first time

5 DAYS AGO • Associated Press

Belgium midfielder Witsel 'not staying at Girona' and will not return to Standard Liège

Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel says he will not return to Girona after one season with the La Liga club

JUNE 12 • Associated Press

Assists in two straight Witsel had an assist while taking an off target shot, creating two chances, making an interception and three tackles (winning two) during Sunday's 2-1 loss to Celta Vigo.

Impact Witsel set up Vladyslav Vanat in the 35th minute while leading Girona in interceptions and tackles during the defeat. The midfielder has assists in back-to-back matches while combining for three shots, three chances created and six tackles over his last three appearances.

MARCH 1 • ROTOWIRE

Assists Girona's first goal Witsel assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Monday's 2-2 draw versus Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Witsel assisted Vladyslav Vanat for Girona's first goal. This was his first assist of the season in 19 games so far this season. He has started the last two games after a spell out, then sat on the bench for two more. He has also scored one goal this season, which came in October.

FEBRUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Boyé bags brace but Alaves shares spoils with Girona in entertaining draw

Lucas Boyé has scored a brace for Alaves and Girona has fired back with two of its own in a thrilling 2-2 draw in La Liga

FEBRUARY 23 • Associated Press

Two shots in return to pitch Witsel had two shots (zero on goal) in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Oviedo.

Impact Witsel, who missed the last three matches with a calf injury, made his return to the pitch in Saturday's loss. He subbed onto the pitch in the 70th minute for Ivan Martin and tied a season-high with two shots in those final 20 minutes of the match. Now that he's back healthy there's a good chance he returns to the starting XI Saturday at Sevilla.

FEBRUARY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to bench Witsel (calf) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Oviedo.

Impact Witsel is included on the bench for Saturday's clash against Oviedo after missing the last three games with a calf injury. He had been an undisputed starter for Girona prior to his setback but returns in a substitute role as he builds match fitness. His availability still adds an important option in midfield, while Fran Beltran is starting in his place against Oviedo.

JANUARY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Available against Oviedo Witsel (calf) is back available for Saturday's clash against Oviedo, the club posted.

Impact Witsel missed the last three games due to a calf injury that he could clear this week since he is included in the match squad for Saturday's clash against Oviedo. The Belgian has been an undisputed starter prior to his setback for Girona and will likely regain a similar role moving forward if he can remain fit.

JANUARY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Still out Witsel (calf) is out for Monday's match against Getafe.

Impact Witsel was deemed an option from sources heading into the contest, but is still out, appearing to be saved for another game. That said, the club doesn't play again until the weekend, giving him more time to train and possibly return.

JANUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Option to face Witsel (calf) is an option for Monday's match against Getafe, according to Joel Sebastian of Marca.

Impact Witsel was not risked last match but is now appearing to be fit, with the midfielder also able to train further this week. This would mean the return of a regular starter, only missing out start all season when fit. That said, if he is an option, a starting spot is likely to be waiting.

JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Not risked against Espanyol Witsel (calf) won't be risked for Friday's clash against Espanyol, coach Michel Sanchez said in the press conference.

Impact Witsel is not fully fit due to the calf injury that made him miss the last game and will therefore not be risked for Friday's clash against the Catalans. Witsel will hope to be back available for the game against Getafe on Jan. 26. Arnau Martinez is expected to start in the defensive midfield in his spot until he returns to full fitness.

JANUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Out with calf injury Witsel is out for Saturday's match against Osasuna due to a calf injury, according to his club.

Impact Witsel is not making the call Saturday, as the midfielder is a late absentee due to an injury he suffered in training. Unfortunately for the club, this does mean they will lose a regular starter as they await his recovery and further assessment. That said, Arnau Martinez is moved into the midfield in his place while Hugo Rincon sees the start at right-back.

JANUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Raphinha and Yamal score as Spanish leader Barcelona beats Villarreal

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal celebrate each other’s goals with a raised arm and hands linked as Barcelona wins 2-0 at 10-man Villarreal to stay four points clear of Real Madrid at the...

DECEMBER 21, 2025 • Associated Press

Scores in loss Witsel scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-1 defeat versus Barcelona.

Impact Witsel didn't do much outside of his goal, having little involvement in the offensive third. He should have more success against Oviedo, a side which has allowed 16 goals in La Liga play this season.

OCTOBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Barcelona beats Girona in stoppage time and Flick to miss clasico after sending off

Substitute Ronald Araújo has scored in stoppage time to snatch Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Girona in La Liga

OCTOBER 18, 2025 • Associated Press

Back from suspension Witsel is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.

Impact Witsel has cleared his ban due to his straight red card against Levante, with the midfield set to return in their next contest. He has been a regular starter for the Catalans since his arrival and is expected to claim his spot back against Espanyol on Friday.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Sees red Saturday Witsel was shown a pair of yellow cards and sent off during Saturday's clash against Levante.

Impact Witsel saw an early pair of yellow cards and was handed his marching orders in the opening 30 minutes. The Belgian will be suspended for one match at least, which will likely give Jhon Solis or Donny van de Beek increased playing time in the next fixture.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Signs with Girona Witsel signed with Girona as a free agent, the club announced.

Impact Witsel left Atletico at the end of his contract but has decided to remain in Spain. He completed a transfer to Girona, where he should provide depth in holding midfield and at center-back. At this point in his career Witsel isn't likely to compete for a consistent starting job, but he can still play a solid role if required.

AUGUST 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Spanish league kicks off with Barcelona wanting to keep its momentum and Madrid aiming to reset

The Spanish league season kicks off with top teams having different expectations

AUGUST 12, 2025 • Associated Press

Atletico Madrid adds playmaker Álex Baena from Villarreal

Atletico Madrid has boosted its squad by signing midfielder Álex Baena from Villarreal

JULY 2, 2025 • Associated Press

Atletico Madrid signs young Italian left back Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta

Atletico Madrid has signed 22-year-old Italian left back Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta on a five-year contract

JULY 1, 2025 • Associated Press

Barrios scores twice, Atlético Madrid beats Seattle Sounders 3-1 in Club World Cup

Pablo Barrios scored twice and Atlético Madrid beat the Seattle Sounders 3-1 in the Club World Cup

JUNE 20, 2025 • Associated Press

Returns to starting XI Witsel had one tackle (one won), three clearances and three interceptions in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Villarreal.

Impact Witsel was selected as a member of the Atletico Madrid starting XI Saturday for the first time since November as they played to a 1-1 draw versus Villarreal. The central defender equipped himself admirably in his return, leading the team with three clearances and three interceptions while making one block. With Clement Lenglet due to return from his one match ban and Javi Galan targeting the Madrid derby in early Feb. for his return, Witsel will have to continue to put forth high caliber performances to maintain his place in Atleti's lineup.

JANUARY 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Sets up equalizer Sunday Witsel assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 3-1 victory against Leganes.

Impact Witsel registered the assist that led to Atletico's equalizer in the second half, as the Belgian defender prevented a ball from leaving the field with a pass to the middle of the six-yard box without knowing that Alexander Sorloth would slot it home with a magnificent backheel. Witsel's move to a center-back role has limited his fantasy upside even more, and he should earn most of his value via stats such as tackles, clearances and interceptions going forward.

OCTOBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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