Felix Denayer announces retirement from Belgian national hockey team
Felix Denayer, the captain of Belgium’s national men’s hockey team, has announced his retirement from the Red Lions. His decision comes shortly after the Royal Belgian Hockey Association revealed he would not be part of the squad for the 2028 Olympic journey.
A day after the Royal Belgian Hockey Association (RBHA) announced during a press event in Wilrijk that Felix Denayer is no longer on the roster for the journey toward the Los Angeles Olympic Games, the captain of the Red Lions officially confirmed his retirement from the national men’s hockey team on Thursday.
"Since the Olympics, I have been considering a new challenge with the national team. At this moment I feel it's time to turn a page. I gave it my all," Denayer shared in a statement on Instagram.
Denayer competed in his fifth Olympic Games this summer, leading the Red Lions to gold in every major tournament, including the World Championship in 2018, the European Championship in 2019, and the Olympics in 2021.
Other long-time players such as Cédric Charlier, Loick Luypaert, and Florent Van Aubel also bid farewell to the Lions after the Paris Games. John-John Dohmen, who will also not be part of the 2028 Olympic squad, seems to be still making up his mind.
Denayer reflects fondly on his career with the Red Lions. “I am grateful for the amazing ride. It was all the moments in between that made the journey so special. Thank you everyone for everything. It's been a real privilege to represent the shirt and I am proud to leave it in a better place. Paris may have been the last dance but I am a Red Lion for life,” he said on Instagram.
Meanwhile, the women’s team, the Red Panthers, is at risk of losing their head coach, Raoul Ehren, who has been pivotal in their recent progress, including their near podium finish in Paris.
Red Lions' Felix Denayer during a hockey game between Belgian Red Lions and Ireland during the group stage of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM