Arthur Denis Vermeeren (born 7 February 2005) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for French Ligue 1 club Marseille on loan from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, and the Belgium national team.

Club career

Antwerp

2022–23 season

Vermeeren made his professional debut for Royal Antwerp as a second-half substitute in the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League at home in Antwerp at the Bosuilstadion on the 59th minute in a 2–0 second leg win against Lillestrøm SK on 11 August 2022. He told the media after his debut that he could not imagine a better debut. He received praise from coach Mark Van Bommel who was quoted as saying “Arthur is a smart footballer, a fun guy to work with. He is eager to learn and show he can play. So he will get some playing time. He enjoyed it, I think. It's nice to see."

In April 2023, Vermeeren was a starter in the 2023 Belgian Cup Final as Antwerp defeated KV Mechelen 2–0. On 14 May, he scored his first goal for Antwerp in a 3–2 win over Club Brugge during the Champions' play-off.

2023–24 season

On 23 July 2023, Vermeeren was a starter in the Belgian Super Cup as Antwerp defeated KV Mechelen on penalty kicks. On 19 September, he made his Champions League debut in a 5–0 defeat against Barcelona. On 13 December, he scored his first Champions League goal in a 3–2 victory in the return leg against the same opponent. Vermeeren was awarded Man of the Match for his performance and told reporters in the post-match interview: "Today, a dream came true. I am very happy and I hope I have made my family proud." Vermeeren ended his season at Antwerp with 8 G/A in 32 games in all competitions. Prior to his departure from the club, he made 64 consecutive starts across all competitions for the club, playing 99.4% of the available minutes during that run.

Atlético Madrid

On 26 January 2024, Vermeeren joined La Liga club Atlético Madrid on a six-and-a-half-year contract. The deal reportedly included a €18 million transfer fee, with up to €5 million in add-ons, and Royal Antwerp keeping a 10% sell-on clause.

RB Leipzig

On 26 August 2024, Vermeeren joined Bundesliga club RB Leipzig on a season-long loan, with an obligation to buy once certain conditions were met. On 17 January 2025, Leipzig confirmed that the conditions had been met, and Vermeeren had joined the club permanently on a deal until 2029.

Loan to Marseille

On 31 August 2025, Vermeeren was loaned to Marseille in France for the season.

International career

Vermeeren played for the Belgian youth teams, featuring for the Belgium U17 in the 2022 European Under-17 Championship. He debuted for the Belgian senior squad on 13 October 2023, coming off the bench in the 87th minute to replace Johan Bakayoko, in a 3–2 away victory over Austria during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying. On 28 May 2024, Vermeeren was named in the 25-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2024.

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 4 March 2026

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupEuropeOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Royal Antwerp II2022–23Belgian National Division 161———61
Royal Antwerp2022–23Belgian Pro League2616020—341
2023–24Belgian Pro League211207010311
Total472809010652
Atlético Madrid2023–24La Liga500000—50
RB Leipzig (loan)2024–25Bundesliga1502050—220
RB Leipzig2024–25Bundesliga1302020—170
Leipzig total2804070—390
Marseille (loan)2025–26Ligue 1130105000190
Career total993130210101343

International

As of match played 17 November 2024

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Belgium202320
202440
Total60

Honours

Royal Antwerp

Individual

External links

  • at the Royal Belgian Football Association website
  • – UEFA competition record ()