PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicolas Thierry Yvan Raskin |
| Date of Birth | 23 February 2001 (Age: 25) |
| Place of Birth | Liège, Belgium |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Height | 1.79 m / 5 ft 10 in |
| Weight | 73–74 kg |
| Position | Midfielder (Defensive Midfield) |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #43 (Rangers), #6 (Belgium) |
| Current Club | Rangers |
| Previous Clubs | Gent, Standard Liège |
| International Caps | 19 |
| International Goals | 2 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Market Value | €12.1M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. For Nicolas Raskin, it was the culmination of a journey that had begun in the youth academies of his native Belgium. The 25-year-old midfielder, who had made his senior debut for his country just a year earlier, was now representing Belgium on football’s biggest stage.
Raskin made six appearances at the tournament, starting three matches and accumulating 280 minutes of World Cup football. He played in Belgium’s Round of 32 victory over the United States, coming on as a substitute, and started in the quarter-final defeat to Spain.
Despite Belgium’s quarter-final exit, Raskin’s performances had confirmed his emergence as a key figure for the Red Devils. He had been a vital part of Belgium’s World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring one goal in seven appearances. Now, on the biggest stage of all, the midfielder from Liège had shown he belonged.
Origins
Nicolas Thierry Yvan Raskin was born on 23 February 2001 in Liège, Belgium. Football was in his blood—his father, Thierry Raskin, was a professional footballer in Belgium.
Raskin’s football journey began at Royal Stade Waremmien FC, where he played as a child, before joining Standard Liège’s youth academy in 2008 at the age of seven. He spent seven years at Standard, learning the foundations of his game, before moving to Anderlecht’s academy in 2015.
At Anderlecht, Raskin spent two years developing. However, feeling his pathway to the first team was blocked under coach René Weiler, he made the decision to leave, signing for Gent in May 2017.
The European Forge
Gent (2017-2019):
Raskin made his professional debut for Gent on 3 February 2018 in a 3-0 Belgian Pro League victory over Sint-Truiden, coming on as a substitute. At 16 years old, he became the first player born in the 21st century to play in the Belgian Pro League.
Despite this historic achievement, Raskin made just one senior appearance for Gent. By the middle of the 2018-19 season, Gent were looking to offload a young player seeking more playing time.
Standard Liège (2019-2023):
On 23 January 2019, Raskin returned to Standard Liège, the club where his football journey had begun. He initially had to wait over a year for his first-team debut but was eventually given a start on 8 March 2020.
The 2020-21 season was Raskin’s breakthrough. He became a regular starter and a key player for Standard. That season, he made 29 league appearances, scoring one goal and providing four assists. He was part of a talented generation of young Belgian players, alongside the likes of Charles De Ketelaere, Jérémy Doku, and Yari Verschaeren.
In the 2021-22 season, he continued his key role, making 29 appearances, scoring one goal, and providing four assists. However, refusing to sign a new contract, he was sidelined by Standard at the start of the 2022-23 season.
Rangers (2023-Present):
On 31 January 2023, Raskin signed for Scottish club Rangers on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £1.5 million. He made his debut four days later against Ross County.
Raskin gradually established himself as a key player. In the 2024-25 season, he had a standout campaign, making 33 league appearances, scoring four goals and providing ten assists. His performances earned him a first call-up to the Belgium senior squad.
By the 2025-26 season, Raskin had become a pivotal figure. He made 33 league appearances, scoring six goals and providing seven assists. He also featured in the UEFA Champions League (6 appearances) and the UEFA Europa League (8 appearances). His goal involvement of 0.42 per 90 minutes placed him in the top 75 percentile of Premiership players.
The Anatomy of His Game
Raskin is a right-footed midfielder defined by his aggression, ball recovery, and composure in possession. At 1.79 metres, he is a tenacious presence in the centre of the pitch.
In Possession:
Raskin is a composed passer who contributes to build-up play. In the 2025-26 season, he had 13 goal involvements (6 goals, 7 assists) in the Premiership. His passing and creativity have earned comparisons to Spanish international Gabri.
Out of Possession:
Raskin’s defensive contributions define his game. He is aggressive in both attack and defence, taking risks to win the ball high up the pitch. His work rate, recovery of possession, and willingness to press are central to his effectiveness.
Psychological Edge:
Raskin’s mental resilience is evident in his rapid ascent. Despite a difficult spell at Gent and a period of uncertainty at Standard, he has established himself as a key player for Rangers. His performances under pressure at the World Cup and in the Champions League demonstrate his ability to perform on the biggest stage. Rangers manager Danny Rohl described him as “a key player,” noting his leadership and aggression.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: 2025/26 Season Snapshot
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiership | 33 | 31 | 2,783 | 6 | 7 | 7 YC |
| UEFA Champions League | 6 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 2 YC |
| UEFA Europa League | 8 | — | 690 | 0 | 1 | 1 YC |
| Scottish Cup | 1 | — | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| League Cup | 2 | — | — | 1 | 0 | 1 YC |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 6 | 3 | 280 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| WC Qualifying | 7 | — | — | 1 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 63 | — | 3,753+ | 8 | 10 | 11+ |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season | Club | League Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017/18 | Gent | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | Standard Liège | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020/21 | Standard Liège | 29 | 1 | 4 |
| 2021/22 | Standard Liège | 29 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022/23 | Standard Liège | 17 | 1 | 3 |
| 2022/23 | Rangers | 12 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023/24 | Rangers | 18 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | Rangers | 33 | 4 | 10 |
| 2025/26 | Rangers | 33 | 6 | 7 |
| TOTAL | — | 174 | 14 | 27 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| World Cup Qualifying | 7 | 1 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 6 | 0 |
| UEFA Nations League | 2 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 4 | 1 |
| Senior Career | 19 | 2 |
TABLE D: Major Career Achievements
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| First Player Born in 21st Century | Belgian Pro League debut (2018) |
| Scottish League Cup Winner | 2024 |
| Scottish Premiership Runner-up | 2023 |
| Scottish Cup Runner-up | 2024 |
| World Cup Participant | 2026 |
What these figures reveal is a player who has progressed rapidly over the past four seasons. His 174 domestic league appearances, 14 goals, and 27 assists reflect a career of consistent development. His 19 caps and 2 goals for Belgium in just over a year demonstrate his rapid integration into the national team.
The Present Tense
Nicolas Raskin is 25 years old and at a defining stage of his career. He is a key midfielder for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership and a regular squad member for the Belgium national team.
The Rangers Story:
Raskin joined Rangers in January 2023 and has become a pivotal figure. By the 2025-26 season, he had made 33 Premiership appearances, scoring six goals and providing seven assists. He has been described as a “key player” by Rangers managers and is valued at around £20 million. However, with Rangers making significant midfield additions and Raskin having rejected a contract extension, his future at Ibrox appears uncertain. Villarreal have been linked, but Rangers’ valuation is said to be significantly higher than the Spanish club is willing to pay.
The Belgium Story:
Raskin was called up to the senior Belgium squad for the first time on 14 March 2025. He made his debut on 20 March 2025, coming on as a substitute against Ukraine in a UEFA Nations League match. He has since earned 19 caps and scored two goals.
The World Cup Campaign:
Raskin was named in Belgium’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He made six appearances, starting three matches and accumulating 280 minutes. Belgium reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Spain.
International Record:
Raskin has earned 19 caps for Belgium since his debut in March 2025. He has scored two international goals.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Raskin’s story is one of family heritage and determination. Born in Liège to a professional footballer father, he followed in his footsteps. His journey through Belgium’s youth academies—Standard, Anderlecht, and Gent—was marked by decisions and setbacks that have shaped his career.
He cites Paul Pogba as his model as a young player. His aggressive style and ball-winning ability have drawn comparisons to other tenacious midfielders.
At Rangers, his commitment has been questioned, and his grandfather admitted Raskin was disappointed not to get a move away from Ibrox. He rejected a contract extension, and Rangers have since signed replacements in midfield, making his exit likely.
The Verdict from the Camp
Danny Rohl, Rangers Manager:
“From my side I’m very clear, he’s a key player. He gives us structure with the ball, he’s very aggressive against the ball, he can score and he’s a leader.”
Belgium National Team Staff:
Raskin has been a regular in the Belgian setup since his debut in March 2025, accumulating 19 caps and scoring two goals.
Where Next?
Nicolas Raskin is 25 years old and at a critical juncture in his career. He is a key player for Rangers and a World Cup squad member for Belgium. His performances in the Scottish Premiership and at the World Cup have attracted interest from clubs across Europe.
For Belgium, Raskin is an important part of the midfield setup. With 19 caps and two goals in just over a year, he is expected to be a key figure for the Red Devils for years to come.
His next move could define his career. With Rangers having invested heavily in midfield and Raskin’s contract situation unresolved, a transfer away from Ibrox appears increasingly likely. Villarreal have been linked, but Rangers’ valuation may prove prohibitive.
From Liège to Standard, from Gent to Rangers, and from the World Cup qualifiers to the quarter-finals, Nicolas Raskin’s journey is a story of persistence, development, and achievement. The boy who became the first 21st-century player in the Belgian Pro League is now a World Cup player and a leader for his country.
