Tessa Wullaert has once again cemented her place at the pinnacle of women’s football in Belgium, receiving her fifth Golden Shoe award at the ceremony held on Tuesday evening at the Silt venue in Middelkerke. With 200 points accumulated through her outstanding performances, Wullaert emerged as the undeniable leader among her peers, far surpassing her nearest competitor, Marie Detruyer, who secured 102 points, and Sari Kees, who finished third with 50.
The evening celebrated Wullaert's remarkable achievements over the past year, during which she not only made waves at Fortuna Sittard, where she was the top scorer with 26 goals, but also excelled after her transition to Inter Milan. Her move to the Italian club has seen her continue to shine, contributing significantly with five goals and four assists already this season.
“I love doing things no one has achieved before,” Wullaert said during her acceptance speech, radiantly proud of her latest accolade. She expressed her joy and surprise at reaching such heights, stating, “Never did I dare to dream I would achieve this.” Her enthusiasm for breaking records was palpable as she joked about making room for yet another trophy alongside her previous victories from 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2023.
This award not only marks Wullaert as the best Belgian female footballer but also establishes her as one of the formidable figures ever to grace the sport, echoing the legacy of male equivalent Paul Van Himst, who held the record before her. “With my fifth trophy, I’m proving to be the best among Belgian female players,” she affirmed, as her Golden Shoe accolades have surpassed the men’s record of four.”
Wullaert has showcased stellar performances throughout the year, being pivotal for both her club and the national team, the Red Flames. She played influential roles during the qualification phases for significant tournaments, thriving under the pressure. With aspirations to help Inter Milan qualify for the Champions League, Wullaert remains focused on finishing the season strongly as they aim for top-three placement, which grants access to the prestigious tournament.
Reflecting on her season, she noted, “The next highlight should be the upcoming Euro Championship in Switzerland. But first, we want to end the season on a high note here in Milan.” Her ambitions highlight her drive not only for personal success but for the advancement of her team and national pride as well.
On the broader community and cultural impact of her achievements, Wullaert remains aware of her significance. “My name will resonate for a long time within Belgian football,” she confidently stated, indicating her desire to inspire future generations of female footballers.
Despite her accolades and fame, the athlete remains humble. She recognizes the challenges of maintaining high performance levels. “It’s never easy staying on top; each season brings its own ups and downs,” she remarked. This balance of confidence and humility serves as testimony to her character both on and off the pitch.
Looking forward, Wullaert's legacy seems poised for continuous growth. With plans to assist her national team and her club with future successes, one cannot help but wonder if she will secure yet another record by possibly achieving her sixth Golden Shoe. Whatever the future holds for Tessa Wullaert, her impact on women's football is undeniable.