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Is Charles De Ketelaere the Ultimate Comeback Story in European Football?

Charles De Ketelaere is a living reminder of why it’s unwise to write off young players too soon. After a disappointing stint at AC Milan in 2022/23—registering zero goals in 40 appearances—the 23-year-old has rejuvenated his career at Atalanta, transforming into one of Europe’s standout performers under Gian Piero Gasperini.

This season alone, De Ketelaere has bagged six goals in the UEFA Champions League and boasts 15 goals and 16 assists in 2024 across all competitions. These numbers place him among an elite trio of players to record 15+ goals and assists in Europe’s top five leagues, alongside Mohamed Salah (24G, 18A) and Cole Palmer (26G, 15A).

🇧🇪 Charles De Ketelaere stats for AC Milan:

◽ 40 Games
◽ 0 Goals
◽ 1 Assist
◽ 1 G/A

🇧🇪 Charles De Ketelaere stats for Atalanta BC:

◽ 68 Games
◽ 18 Goals
◽ 20 Assist
◽ 38 G/A

Paolo Maldini knew..👀 pic.twitter.com/pW0rg8oEwZ
— Pro Future Stars (@ProFutureStars1) November 27, 2024

Ironically, De Ketelaere found the net against his former club AC Milan in a dramatic Serie A clash in Bergamo, breaking the deadlock with a towering header from a Marten de Roon free kick. Milan’s Theo Hernandez protested the goal, claiming a foul, but replays suggested the Belgian simply out-jumped his former teammate.

De Ketelaere’s remarkable turnaround has justified Atalanta’s €25m investment, with €2m in add-ons and a 10% sell-on clause. His tally now stands at 19 goals and 21 assists in 70 games for La Dea, and his contributions were pivotal in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season.

From an expensive flop at Milan to a key figure at Atalanta, Charles De Ketelaere’s resurgence underscores the value of patience and the right tactical environment for young players to flourish.