Belgian · Leuven, Belgium · Born 6 May 1987Napoli's all-time top scorer and a beloved figure in Naples, whose goalscoring transformed him from journeyman winger to club legend.
Dries Mertens was born in Leuven, Belgium on 6 May 1987. After spells at Gent, AGOVV and PSV, he joined Napoli in 2013. Originally a winger, he was reinvented as a false nine by Maurizio Sarri and became the club's all-time top scorer with 148 goals in 397 appearances. He won the Coppa Italia in 2020 and was adored by the Neapolitan fans, who called him 'Ciro' — a traditional Neapolitan name. He earned 109 caps for Belgium, scoring 21 goals. He later played for Galatasaray and Istanbul Başakşehir.
Becoming Napoli's all-time leading scorer with 148 goals
The Neapolitan fans loved him so much they gave him the local name 'Ciro' — one of Naples' most traditional names — as a sign of their complete adoption of the Belgian as one of their own.
Did You Know?How They Played
Versatile attacking player who evolved from pacy winger to clinical finisher with excellent technical ability
Lasting Impact
Transformed from winger to prolific goalscorer and became a Napoli legend
Career Honours
- Coppa Italia 2020
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gent | 2008–2011 | 148 | 148 | #14 |
| PSV Eindhoven | 2011–2013 | 8 | 8 | #12 |
| Napoli | 2013–2022 | 370 | 228 | #12 |
| Galatasaray | 2022–2024 | 121 | 59 | #14 |
| KFCO Beerschot Wilrijk | 2006–2007 | 15 | 1 | — |
| FC Eendracht Aalst | 2007–2008 | 29 | 9 | — |
 Belgium | — | 109 | 21 | — |
Belgian Athletes