Former Premier League star makes SHOCK career change - four years after retiring from football
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Former Premier League player Jelle van Damme has made a shock career change - the former Southampton man has switched football for professional cycling. After retiring in February 2021, having last played for Lokeren the year prior, Van Damme plans to compete in a series of cycling events in the US this year. Most notably, Unbound Gravel - the World Cup of gravel cycling.
![[The Belgian played for the likes of Southampton, Wolves and Ajax in his 22-year-long career]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/23/13/94434057-0-image-m-80_1737640419075.jpg)
In 22 years as a professional footballer, the Belgian made 542 appearances across 10 different clubs. He began his journey at Beveren's academy in his home country, and enjoyed stints at some big clubs, including Southampton, Wolves and Ajax. The 6ft 4in defender made 31 caps for Belgium and won five trophies in his career, including the Eredivisie in 2003-04.
![[He made 31 caps for the Belgian national team and 542 total club appearances in his career]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/23/13/94434075-0-image-m-84_1737640547954.jpg)
He joined the Saints in 2004 for £2.5million but made little impact during his one season in the top flight. He tallied six jut appearances for them and was part of a squad that got relegated. Van Damme spent the following season on loan at Bundesliga club Werder Bremen before joining Anderlecht permanently in 2006 for around £335,000.
Jelle van Damme is pursuing professional cycling, four years after retiring from football. The Belgian played for the likes of Southampton, Wolves and Ajax in his 22-year-long career. He made 31 caps for the Belgian national team and 542 total club appearances in his career.
