Jan Vertonghen special Q&A | Part 1 | Super Jan returns!
Fri 13 February 2026, 12:30|
Tottenham Hotspur
One of our great players of the modern era, Jan was back in N17 for a weekend of nostalgia with his family that included a trip up the Dare Skywalk, speaking to his adoring fans at half-time and watching us come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Manchester City - and an exclusive interview for us with presenter and Spurs fan, Ben Haines.
One of only 17 players to reach 200-plus appearances for us in the Premier League and one of only 10 to make over 50 appearances for us in Europe, Jan is also Belgium's record appearance maker with 157 caps between 2007-2024, including winning bronze at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Forming a formidable central defensive partnership with compatriot Toby Alderweireld, Jan made 120 appearances of a possible 152 as we finished third, runners-up, third and fourth in the Premier League between 2015/16 and 2018/19. He also started 10 of 13 matches as we reached the UEFA Champions League Final against Liverpool in 2019, producing one of the great performances topped with a goal as we beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in the Round of 16, first leg at Wembley.
Jan signed off with appearance 315 against Newcastle during the Premier League's return in the 2020 COVID pandemic at St James’ Park on 15 July, 2020. Sadly, there were no fans at his final matches in Lilywhite – making his appearance at half-time with Paul Coyte all the more special.
After Spurs, he had spells at Benfica - where he won the Primeira Liga title in 2022/23 - and Anderlecht, where he played for two seasons before retiring at the end of 2024/25.
Jan, it's so lovely to see you back in N17. How does it feel?
Jan: “Yes, very, very good, I’m so happy to be here, so many memories - everything that I see, every street I drive into. I've done a nostalgic tour this morning and yesterday. So, very happy I can share these moments with my wife and my kids.”
The club is such a big part of your life as well, right?
Jan: “Eight years… we had probably the best times of our lives here. I had a very good time. I made lots of friends who I still speak to, which is not very common in football. I still speak to Mousa, Eric Dier, Christian. I forget guys. Ben Davies, obviously. I made some very precious friends over the years.”
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You say it's not that common in football - was it a particularly special group, do you think?
Jan: “I don't think that - I know that. It was very special. We even had our breakfast club. We always sat with a big group of guys, just sharing life experiences and thoughts. It was a great group. Honestly, it's the best group of guys I've ever played with, without a doubt.”
Do you know at the time that it's as special as it is? Did you know then that this was something different?
Jan: “I forget Michel Vorm! He's a very close friend of mine. This is why I shouldn't drop any names! We said it loads at the time, we’re complaining about small stuff, but when we retire, we will think about these times. It is true. It's the best group of guys I've ever played with, and probably the best team I've ever been part of. We had some great, great times. Obviously, ups and downs, but I'm almost just positive about everything.”
Coming tomorrow...
Part 2 | Jan: "We felt unbeatable"
