Axel Witsel, a highly valuable reinforcement for Girona FC

Girona FC has signed the Belgian international midfielder Axel Witsel, who joins as a free agent after finishing his time at Atlético de Madrid. The player signs for one season with an option for another based on objectives.

Extensive and renowned career

Born in Liège (Belgium) on January 12, 1989, Witsel is a player with an extensive and renowned career in European and international football. Trained in the youth ranks of Standard Liège, where he debuted at just seventeen years old, he won two Belgian leagues and a cup before moving to the Portuguese league with Benfica. He later played for Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Russian league, before moving to the Chinese Tianjin Quanjian and returning to European football with Borussia Dortmund.

In 2022, he joined Atlético de Madrid, where he played regularly for two seasons and contributed experience and solidity both in midfield and in the defensive line. With the Belgian national team, Witsel has been capped 132 times, participating in three World Cups (2014, 2018, and 2022) and two European Championships. Additionally, he has played 109 matches between the Champions League and Europa League.

Technical characteristics

Witsel is a versatile defensive midfielder with great game-reading ability and experience in various midfield and defensive positions. He stands out for his composure on the ball, passing accuracy, tactical vision, and ability to maintain the team's balance. His mastery of positional play and experience at the highest level make him a valuable addition to Girona.

Technical profile

Name: Axel Laurent Witsel

Place and date of birth: Liège (Belgium), January 12, 1989.

Career

2004-2011        Standard Liège

2011-2012         Benfica

2013-2016         Zenit Saint Petersburg

2016-2018         Tianjin Quanjian (China)

2019-2022         Borussia Dortmund

2022-2025         Atlético de Madrid

2025                  GIRONA FC