On Sunday evening, Nathan De Cat was named Young Player of the Year at the Golden Boot Gala. It was a fitting reward for a season in which he not only made his breakthrough, but also grew into a regular presence in the midfield of the Mauves. Relive the year of the just 17-year-old De Cat in ten moments.
1 – Debut against Fenerbahçe SK
The 16-year-old Nathan De Cat began the 2024/2025 season with the RSCA Futures, where he stood out in midfield. His performances in the Challenger Pro League did not go unnoticed. On 20 February, head coach David Hubert included the young midfielder in his squad for the match against Fenerbahçe SK.
That European night for the purple and white marked an important milestone in Nathan’s career. At just 16 years of age, he made his debut against the Turkish side coached by José Mourinho, with the eyes of all of Europe upon him. It did not faze the Neerpede product, who remained his carefree self on the pitch of the Lotto Park. Nathan was given ten minutes by the coach, the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
2 – Decisive at the Bosuil
After making his first team debut on the European stage, things move quickly for Nathan. While continuing the season with the Futures, the coach increasingly includes him in the first-team squad. David Hubert gives Nathan minutes in six of the ten Play-Off matches.
At the Bosuil, he lives out a dream. On Thursday, 1 May, the Sporting travels to Antwerp. Labour Day - a working day, even for Nathan. The 16-year-old takes that quite literally. In the half hour he is given, Nathan opens his account for RSCA’s first team in the only way he knows how: cool, composed and perfectly timed, he makes it 0-2 on the scoreboard.
3 – Player of the Season with RSCA Futures
A brief step back in time. During the 2023/2024 season, Nathan De Cat got his first taste of professional football with his debut minutes in the Challenger Pro League for RSCA Futures. It was only in the season that followed, however, that he truly grew into a mainstay in our youth side’s midfield.
That season, Nathan featured in 23 matches for the Futures. He not only proved his worth as a consistent presence, but also contributed three goals and four assists. Voted Player of the Season by the fans, Nathan crowned an outstanding campaign with individual recognition.
4 – First start against Westerlo
New season, new opportunities. On 27 July, Sporting kicks off the season at home against KVC Westerlo. Head coach Besnik Hasi opts for a youthful presence in midfield, handing Nathan De Cat a place in the starting line-up at just 17 years and 8 days old.
He impresses in the 5-2 victory, most notably by registering nine ball recoveries. In doing so, he becomes the youngest player in the last ten Jupiler Pro League seasons to achieve this feat - a performance that underlined a maturity far beyond his years.
5 – Sublime strike at Stayen
On 19 October, RSCA travels to Sint-Truiden. Nathan De Cat, who has been a regular in the team since his first start, scores his first goal of the season on Stayen’s artificial turf - a sublime strike, a goal worthy of a frame.
Nathan weaves between two STVV defenders and decides to shoot from long range. His magnificent shot finds the top-right corner, leaving the helpless goalkeeper Kokubo with no chance. The goal made the longlist for Goal of the Year, ultimately finishing in the top three.
6 – Midfield masterclass against Club
Stars rise in the biggest matches. Against Club Brugge, Nathan De Cat makes the Lotto Park roar with delight through his regal ball control and outstanding defensive contributions. At just 17 years old, Nathan sets up Thorgan Hazard for the opener, guiding the Mauves to victory.
Relive his performance in the video below.
7 – Player of the Month November
The reward for his strong midfield performances at Sporting comes in November. With his trademark style, full of flair and velvet touches, he continues to impress. In the 1-0 victory over Club Brugge, for example, he leads his team with authority.
Thanks in large part to a stellar Nathan, the Mauves finish November undefeated. Besnik Hasi’s men take 12 out of 12 points in the league, recording wins against KV Mechelen, Club Brugge, Union, and RAAL La Louvière.
8 – Dominique D’Onofrio Award
Since 2019, the Dominique D’Onofrio Award has been presented to the best debutant in the Belgian top division - a trophy named after a celebrated figure in Belgian football, awarded to the best debutant under the age of 20. Previous recipients include Yari Verschaeren, who won the inaugural edition.
Last year, alongside Nathan De Cat, Aleksandar Stankovic (Club Brugge) and Luka Vuskovic (Westerlo) were also in contention. In mid-December, Nathan was named the best debutant and received the award from Emile Mpenza - a precursor to what would follow on Sunday, 11 January 2026.
9 – Christmas gift for the fans
During December, RSCA opens a pop-up store at Brussels’ Grand Place. Various RSCA-players visit the shop in pairs, taking time for the fans - including Thorgan Hazard and Nathan Saliba.
But when Nathan De Cat and Mihajlo Cvetković arrive at the pop-up store on 24 December, the crowd goes wild. An hour before the players’ arrival, a huge line has already formed at the Grand Place. Nathan spends more time than planned signing autographs and taking selfies - a Christmas gift from our number 74.
10 - Young Player of the Year
At the renovated casino in Middelkerke, Nathan reaps the crown of his efforts. He caps off an outstanding year by winning the Young Player of the Year award, finishing ahead of Kos Karetsas (Genk) and Noah Sadiki (Union, now Sunderland).
The award rewards a year in which he showcased his presence, physical strength, and footballing ability at the very highest level. In doing so, he follows in the purple-and-white footsteps of Youri Tielemans, Henry Onyekuru, and his teammate Yari Verschaeren.
