Tottenham Hotspur favourite Jan Vertonghen is set for a three-month internship at the Belgian Football Association.
That’s according to DH. They report that the former Tottenham defender is taking up a three-month internship through the UEFA MIP programme. That’s a training programme for former top-level professional players.
Vertonghen brought his 19-year playing career to an end in the summer, deciding to retire at Anderlecht after spells with Ajax, RAC Waalwijk, Tottenham and Benfica before that.
While he’s decided to end his career, admitting that he didn’t want to further damage his body, he’s determined to remain in the game. And it seems he’s ready to make his return as soon as possible, in January 2026 to be fair. That’s when his new internship with the Belgian FA begins.
The MIP programme is designed to offer former players “a complete immersion” in all dimensions of football. That includes management, governance and “the sporting strategy”.
With Belgium, he’s set to work alongside sporting director Vincent Mannaert. This will give the former Tottenham star a chance to learn “first-hand experience of the federation’s new sporting policy.”
Vertonghen is certainly excited about his return. He admitted his aim is to move into the other side of football after his playing career.
“After nearly twenty years in the game, I want to take the time to further my education and maintain a strong connection with the football world,” he said.
And then one day, a return to Tottenham… right?!