One of Belgium’s most gifted football players, Dries Mertens, is renowned for his exceptional dribbling, passing, and shooting abilities. He now plays as a striker or winger for Napoli.
This article will discuss Dries Merten’s net worth, salary, earnings, and biography.
Dries Mertens’s Biography
| Full Name | Dries Mertens |
| Nickname | Dries |
| Born | 6 May 1987 |
| Debut | 2005 |
| Height | 1.69 m |
| Weight | 61 kg |
| Age | 36 years old |
| Birthplace | Leuven, Belgium |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Net Worth | $18 million |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Father name | Herman Mertens |
| Mother name | Marijke Mertens |
| Instagram Handle | driesmertens |
Dries Mertens, a Belgian professional football player who plays as an offensive midfielder or striker for Süper Lig club Galatasaray and the Belgium national team, was born on May 6, 1987, and goes by the moniker “Ciro.”
Mertens debuted in the Belgian Third Division while on loan to Eendracht Aalst. He was still a young player for Stade Leuven, Anderlecht, and Gent.
In 2006, he transferred to Dutch Eerste Divisie club AGOVV Apeldoorn, where he stayed for three years before making a €600,000 transfer to Eredivisie team Utrecht.
Two years later, he and teammate Kevin Strootman were moved to PSV Eindhoven for a combined €13 million, and in 2012, they won the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield.
Early Life
Mertens, a Leuven native, began playing soccer as a youngster for the city’s long-gone club, Stade Leuven.
Anderlecht scouts initially discovered Mertens in this location, which led to an offer for him to join the club’s junior academy in 1998.
Before being released in 2003, he spent 5 years with Anderlecht’s youth program.
Coaches determined that he was too little and physically unfit to compete professionally.
Mertens joined neighboring Belgian Pro League team Gent after being released by Anderlecht.
Mertens spent 2 years in Gent’s development system before being loaned to Eendracht Aalst for the 2005–06 campaign.
He won Player of the Year honors for his outstanding play with the third-division team.
Career
On July 1, 2006, Mertens signed a contract with AGOVV Apeldoorn, which later went out of business in 2013, for a season-long loan with the possibility of purchase.
In 35 games, he managed a return of 2 goals. At the beginning of the 2009–10 Eredivisie season, Utrecht formally completed the signing of Mertens for a transfer price of €600,000 after reaching an agreement with AGOVV in March 2009.
Mertens scored 6 league goals in his first season with the team, finishing as runner-up.
In June 2011, as a replacement for the departed Balázs Dzsudzsák, Mertens moved to fellow Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven in a dual transfer with Utrecht teammate Kevin Strootman for a combined sum of €13 million.
Wife
The charming Belgian is happily wed to Kat Kerkhofs, his childhood sweetheart. Before saying “I do” in Naples in June 2015, the lovely couple dated for 10 years.
Kat Dance does research and hosts TV. On March 26, 2022, they welcomed a son named Ciro Romeo Mertens.
Dries Merten’s Net Worth Details
The professional Belgian footballer Dries Merten’s net worth is estimated to be $18 million as of 2025.
He made most of this money from his professional football career by playing in the International World Cup and at some clubs, such as AGOVV, Utrecht, PSV Eindhoven, and Galatasaray.
Salary
Dries Mertens makes about $8.6 million a year and $165,000 per week at Napoli.
However, Dries Mertens’ agreement with the Italian team ended on July 1, 2022, leaving him without a team.
Endorsement
As of 2024, the Belgian footballer does not possess an endorsement. Because of his skillful performance, it won’t take long for him to secure one.
It will be uploaded to the website if we learn any information about this.
Career stats
| Club | League | National cup | Europe | |||
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |
| AGOVV Apeldoorn | 38 | 15 | 0 | 0 | — | |
| 35 | 13 | 2 | 1 | — | ||
| 108 | 30 | 2 | 1 | — | ||
| Utrecht | 38 | 7 | 1 | 0 | — | |
| 31 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 3 | |
| 69 | 17 | 5 | 1 | 12 | 3 | |
| PSV Eindhoven | 33 | 21 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 3 |
| 29 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 1 | |
| 62 | 37 | 8 | 4 | 17 | 4 | |
| Napoli | 33 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 0 |
| 31 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 15 | 4 | |
| 33 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5 | |
| 35 | 28 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 5 | |
| 38 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 3 | |
| 35 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 3 | |
| 31 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 6 | |
| 29 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | |
| 30 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | |
| 295 | 113 | 21 | 7 | 79 | 28 | |
| Galatasaray | 28 | 6 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Career total | 576 | 207 | 39 | 14 | 108 | 35 |
FAQs
Who is Dries Mertens?
Dries Mertens is a Belgian professional footballer born on May 6, 1987, in Leuven. He plays as a forward or winger for Süper Lig club Galatasaray and the Belgian national team. He is nicknamed “Ciro.”
What are Dries Mertens’ biggest career achievements?
Mertens’ notable achievements include becoming Napoli’s all-time top scorer with 148 goals, winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana with Napoli, and being named in the Serie A Team of the Year for the 2016-17 season. He also helped Belgium secure a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
What clubs has Dries Mertens played for?
Mertens has played for several clubs, including AGOVV Apeldoorn, Utrecht, PSV Eindhoven, Napoli, and Galatasaray. He started his youth career at Stade Leuven, Anderlecht, and Gent.
What is Dries Mertens’ playing style?
Mertens is known for his versatility, playing as a forward, winger, or central striker. He is praised for his pace, dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to score from long range. His agility and technical skills make him a constant threat in the attacking third.
How tall is Dries Mertens?
Dries Mertens is 1.69 meters (5 feet 7 inches) tall.
What is Dries Mertens’ international career like?
Mertens debuted for the Belgium national team in 2011 and earned over 100 caps. He has represented Belgium in major tournaments, including the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups and the UEFA European Championships in 2016 and 2020.
What are some of Dries Mertens’ details?
Mertens has been married to Katrin Kerkhofs since June 26, 2015. He is known for his nickname “Ciro,” which he earned at Napoli, where he became a fan favorite.
What are Dries Mertens’ career statistics?
Mertens has an impressive goal-scoring record, particularly at Napoli, where he scored 148 goals in 397 appearances. He has also consistently performed for his national team, contributing crucial goals and assists.
What awards has Dries Mertens won?
Mertens has won several individual awards, including the Belgian Footballer of the Year in 2016 and the Golden Bull award for the most talented player in the Eerste Divisie during his time at AGOVV Apeldoorn.
What is Dries Mertens’ current contract situation?
As of 2023, Mertens is under contract with Galatasaray until June 30, 2024. He joined the Turkish club on a free transfer from Napoli in August 2022. His current market value is between €3.5 million and €5.8 million.
