A Star is Born in Belgium
Tessa Wullaert’s journey began far from the bright lights of major stadiums. Born in Tielt, Belgium, she quickly showed an unusual talent for the game. While other kids hesitated on the ball, Wullaert surged forward. She combined sharp dribbling with an eye for goal. Before long, she outgrew local youth teams and began catching attention across Belgium.
Her early passion wasn’t just about scoring. She studied the game, asked questions, and stayed after training. That drive helped her climb the ranks quickly. Even as a teenager, Wullaert already looked like a professional in the making.
Making Her Mark in Belgium
Wullaert’s senior career started with Zulte Waregem, where her impact was immediate. Despite her youth, she stood out with her aggressive attacking style and willingness to press defenders. Soon, she moved to Anderlecht, one of Belgium’s top clubs.
There, her scoring touch sharpened. She began dominating the BeNe League, a short-lived joint league between Belgium and the Netherlands. Wullaert didn't just compete—she led. She scored consistently and grew into a key figure for both club and country.
A Bold Move Abroad
Many players hesitate to leave home early. Tessa Wullaert wasn’t one of them. In 2015, she made a bold leap to VfL Wolfsburg in Germany. The Frauen-Bundesliga featured tougher defenders, higher speed, and intense pressure. But Wullaert didn’t flinch.
Her time at Wolfsburg was full of growth. Surrounded by elite teammates, she raised her level. Wullaert learned to play off the ball more intelligently. Her positioning improved. And importantly, her hunger for titles intensified.
With Wolfsburg, she won two league titles and two DFB-Pokal cups. She also reached the UEFA Women’s Champions League final, marking herself as a true European talent.
England Calls: A New Challenge
By 2018, Wullaert was ready for another challenge. She signed with Manchester City, joining one of England’s top teams. In the FA Women’s Super League (WSL), Wullaert found new ways to contribute. She wasn’t just a finisher. At City, she evolved into a creator too.
She provided assists, tracked back defensively, and brought leadership to a younger side. Her technique, especially in tight spaces, often unlocked stubborn defenses. She helped City lift the FA Cup and League Cup, adding more silverware to her growing resume.
However, after two strong seasons, she made a surprising decision.
Coming Home: Building a Legacy
Instead of staying abroad, Wullaert returned to Belgium in 2020 to play for RSC Anderlecht again. Many questioned the move. Why leave top European clubs? But Wullaert had a plan. She didn’t come home to slow down—she came to raise standards.
At Anderlecht, she brought her international experience to younger teammates. Her presence lifted training intensity. On matchdays, she continued scoring at an elite rate. Her return helped Anderlecht dominate the Belgian Women’s Super League once again.
Beyond the goals and assists, Wullaert became a symbol of ambition in Belgian women’s football. She inspired a new generation to aim higher.
Leadership for Club and Country
Tessa Wullaert hasn’t only shone at club level. She’s also Belgium’s all-time top scorer. With over 70 goals for the Red Flames, she leads by example. Whether in World Cup qualifiers or Euro tournaments, Wullaert remains the focal point of Belgium’s attack.
Her international goals often come at crucial moments. She doesn’t pad stats in easy games. She delivers when it matters. Even when facing stronger nations, Wullaert plays without fear. Her leadership has helped Belgium climb the FIFA rankings and earn greater respect across Europe.
Style of Play: Intelligent, Relentless, Creative
What makes Wullaert so effective? It starts with movement. She reads the game well, often finding pockets of space others miss. Once on the ball, she remains composed. Her left foot can curl shots past any keeper, while her right foot delivers driven crosses and precise finishes.
She’s also versatile. While naturally a forward, Wullaert can drop into midfield or drift wide. This flexibility makes her difficult to mark. Additionally, her relentless work rate means she contributes defensively too.
Few players combine skill and intensity the way she does.
Off the Pitch: A Voice for Progress
Wullaert doesn’t limit her impact to the pitch. She’s become a powerful advocate for equality in the game. She speaks often about improving conditions for women footballers in Belgium and across Europe. From better facilities to equal pay, she pushes for change.
In 2022, she even helped launch a player agency focused on supporting female athletes. Through this initiative, Wullaert hopes to empower others—especially young players navigating the early stages of their careers.
Her message is clear: players deserve respect, opportunity, and support.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Wullaert?
Even in her thirties, Wullaert shows no signs of slowing. Whether she stays in Belgium or takes on a new challenge abroad, she’ll remain one of Europe’s top forwards. Her focus now includes mentoring younger players, winning more trophies, and preparing for another major tournament with Belgium.
Given her fitness and mindset, she could easily remain competitive for several more seasons. And with women’s football growing rapidly, the stage is only getting bigger. Wullaert still has time to etch more history into her story.
A Role Model Worth Watching
Tessa Wullaert’s rise is about more than goals. It’s about leadership, courage, and vision. From small-town beginnings to global stages, she’s shown what belief and hard work can achieve. More importantly, she’s helped redefine what’s possible for female footballers in Belgium.
Her impact isn’t limited to fans or teammates—it extends to the structure of the sport itself. As the women's game continues to evolve, Wullaert’s voice and legacy will remain vital.
She’s not just one of Belgium’s greatest footballers. She’s one of its most important football figures—period.
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