Milan defender Koni De Winter aspires to secure a place in Belgium’s squad for the 2026 World Cup through his performances with the Rossoneri this season.
Recently, De Winter has established himself as a regular starter at Milan, featuring in seven of the last eight Serie A matches.
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The Belgium international joined AC Milan from Genoa last summer and has netted one goal in 18 appearances for the club.
“As a kid, I used to watch Milan’s Champions League games,” De Winter shared with Tuttosport (via Gianluca Di Marzio). “My dad did the same even before I was born. I admired Seedorf so much that my dad even considered naming me Clarence.”
De Winter’s Juventus Debut Under Allegri
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, watches on prior to the Serie A match against US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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De Winter is a product of the Juventus Academy, making his senior debut with the Bianconeri under Massimiliano Allegri in 2021 during a Champions League match against Chelsea.
“It was great to reunite with Allegri; I have a good relationship with him,” the defender commented. “He’s someone who pursues his goals relentlessly. When I joined Juventus, I felt a bit lost, but his attention during training helped me adapt. Once he saw that I was ready, he promoted me to the first team and gave me my debut.”
De Winter Discusses Role Models, Milan Goals, and the World Cup
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Koni De Winter of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match against AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on January 25, 2026. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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De Winter shared his thoughts on his role models and Milan’s aspirations for the season. “I have always admired Kompany and Thiago Silva. While at Juventus, I looked up to Chiellini, Bonucci, and De Ligt for learning,” he said. “I would be thrilled if we could secure a return to the Champions League this season.”
DUBLIN, IRELAND – MARCH 23: Koni De Winter of Belgium dribbles while being pressured by Evan Ferguson of the Republic of Ireland during an international friendly match at Aviva Stadium on March 23, 2024. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
“I hope to have the chance to gain such an experience,” he added. “Being at Milan will definitely help me improve and earn a call-up.”
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De Winter made his senior debut for Belgium in 2024 under coach Domenico Tedesco and has recorded five appearances for the national team. At just 23 years old, he has been consistently selected for the senior Belgium squad since June 2025.