Radja Nainggolan (born 4 May 1988) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder.

Radja Nainggolan
Nainggolan with Belgium in 2017
Personal information
Full name Radja Nainggolan[1]
Date of birth (1988-05-04) 4 May 1988 (age 36)[2]
Place of birth Antwerp, Belgium
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)[3]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Youth career
2000–2005 Germinal Beerschot
2005–2007 Piacenza
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2010 Piacenza 71 (4)
2010Cagliari (loan) 7 (0)
2010–2014 Cagliari 124 (7)
2014Roma (loan) 17 (2)
2014–2018 Roma 138 (26)
2018–2021 Inter Milan 33 (6)
2019–2020Cagliari (loan) 26 (6)
2021Cagliari (loan) 22 (1)
2021–2022 Royal Antwerp 44 (3)
2023 SPAL 10 (1)
2023–2024 Bhayangkara 10 (1)
International career
2004 Belgium U16 1 (0)
2007 Belgium U19 2 (0)
2008–2009 Belgium U20 2 (0)
2007–2010 Belgium U21 13 (1)
2009–2018 Belgium 30 (6)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 01:25, 20 April 2024 (UTC)

Nicknamed Il Ninja,[4] he spent almost his entire professional career in Italy, representing Piacenza, Cagliari, Roma and Inter Milan. He made 367 appearances and scored 48 goals in Serie A, being named four consecutive times in its Team of the Year.

A Belgium international for eight years, Nainggolan played 30 times for his country (scoring six goals) and represented it at Euro 2016.

Early life

edit

Nainggolan was born in Antwerp,[5] the son of Lizy Bogaerts, a Belgian of Flemish ethnicity who raised him with his three half brothers and his twin sister,[6][7] and Marianus Nainggolan, an Indonesian of Toba Batak background and member of the Batak Christian Protestant Church.[8] He was raised in Kiel, a working-class and multicultural neighbourhood of the city.[9] His father abandoned the family when Nainggolan was still a child.[10]

Nainggolan's mother died in 2010,[11] and after her death he tattooed two large wings on his back with her dates of birth and death.[10][12] He was raised Roman Catholic and speaks Dutch, English, French and Italian fluently.[13][14][15]

Club career

edit

Piacenza

edit

Nainggolan began playing football with Tubantia Borgerhout at the age of 5.[16] Seven years later he moved to the youth team of Germinal Beerschot, where he remained until 2005,[17] when he moved to Italian Serie B club Piacenza. He made his senior debut on 28 May 2006 during a home defeat to Arezzo, being inserted permanently into the first team the following season.

In the 2008–09 campaign, Nainggolan became a starter for the Emilia-Romagna side, playing 38 of 42 games and scoring three goals, which contributed to them avoiding relegation.

Cagliari

edit

On 27 January 2010, Nainggolan was loaned to Cagliari with a buyout clause.[18] He made his Serie A debut on 7 February, playing seven minutes in a 3–0 away loss against Inter Milan.[19] After making seven appearances (including being sent off a few minutes after entering the field on 28 February against Chievo),[20] the club announced it had acquired 50% of his rights in a co-ownership deal.[21]

In the first part of 2010–11, under manager Pierpaolo Bisoli, Nainggolan started often due to the absence of Daniele Conti. On 31 October 2010 he scored his first goal in the Italian top division, from a right-footed volley in a 2–0 home win over Bologna.[22] On 31 January 2011, Cagliari redeemed the second half of his contract from Piacenza.[23]

In early October 2013, after three seasons as an undisputed first-choice,[24] Nainggolan agreed to an extension until 2016.[25] His performances with the Rossoblu made him especially popular among their fans, who named him in a top 11 list comprising the best players in the history of the Sardinian club.[26]

Roma

edit
 
Nainggolan playing for Roma in 2014

On 7 January 2014, Nainggolan was loaned to fellow top-flight team Roma until the end of the campaign for a fee of 3 million, with an option to purchase 50% of his rights in the ensuing summer for €6 million.[27][28] He made his debut two days later, starting in a 1–0 home victory over Sampdoria for the Coppa Italia which qualified for the quarter-finals.[29] In the same competition, he also helped dispose of Juventus in said stage by playing the full 90 minutes at the end of the month.[30]

On 22 February 2014, Nainggolan scored his first goal for the capital side, grabbing the 1–0 winner against Bologna.[31] His second, which arrived on 19 April against Fiorentina (same result) ensured his team automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League.[32]

Nainggolan signed a permanent deal with Roma in the 2015 off-season, for €9 million.[33] On 6 July 2016 he renewed his contract until June 2020,[34][35] extending it a further year the following summer.[36]

Inter Milan

edit

On 26 June 2018, Nainggolan signed with Inter Milan for €38 million (€24 million plus Davide Santon and Nicolò Zaniolo, valued at €14 million)[37] until June 2022.[38] He scored in his league debut on 1 September, helping the visitors defeat Bologna 3–0,[39] and just over a month later he netted the equaliser in a 2–1 comeback win at PSV in the Champions League group stage to become the first-ever Belgian to score for the club in the competition.[40][41]

In August 2019, Nainggolan returned to Cagliari on a season-long loan.[42] He was named the league's MVP for November, with two long-range goals and three assists in three matches to help his team to reach fourth place.[43]

Nainggolan returned to the Sardegna Arena on 31 December 2020, again on loan.[44]

Antwerp

edit

On 10 August 2021, Inter Milan announced that Nainggolan's contract with the club had been terminated by mutual consent;[45] four days later, the 33-year-old signed a two-year deal with Antwerp.[46] He made his debut in his country's First Division on 22 September, starting in the 4–2 home victory against Genk.[47] His first goal in the competition was the game's only away to neighbours Beerschot on 5 December, and he dedicated the goal to his late mother whose honour had been insulted by the local fans.[9]

On 17 October 2022, Nainggolan was suspended indefinitely by Antwerp after being arrested for driving with an expired driver's licence and later smoking an electronic cigarette on the bench ahead of a 3–0 loss at Standard Liége.[48] In December, he left by mutual consent.[49]

SPAL

edit

After weeks of speculation, on 30 January 2023 Nainggolan officially joined Italian second-tier club SPAL, coached by former Roma team-mate and friend Daniele De Rossi, on a free transfer, signing a five-month contract with an option for one more season in case of promotion.[50][51][52][53] Not only was this not achieved, they were relegated as second-bottom.[54]

Bhayangkara

edit

In late November 2023, Nainggolan agreed to a deal at Bhayangkara, being acquired in an effort from the side to avoid relegation from the Liga 1 by replacing several foreign players.[55] He was under contract for the remainder of the season, and was reported to be earning IDR 1 billion per month with a bonus of IDR 416 million per appearance;[56] in his first press conference, he admitted that he was not aware of an Indonesian league but would "give his best so that Bhayangkara can remain in Liga 1."[57]

After failing to appear in the previous match against PSM Makassar,[58] Nainggolan made his debut as a substitute on 17 December in a 3–0 win over Persita Tangerang, his team's first in 17 league games.[59] He scored his first goal on 16 March 2024, in a 2–3 home defeat to Dewa United.[60]

International career

edit
 
Nainggolan in action for Belgium under-21s in 2009

Due to his father's heritage, Nainggolan was eligible to represent both Indonesia and Belgium, but ultimately chose to play for the latter nation.[61] He took part at the 2007–09 International Challenge Trophy finals, a tournament which the under-23 team won.[62]

Nainggolan earned his first senior cap on 29 May 2009, against Chile in the Kirin Cup.[63] He scored his first goal for the Red Devils on 5 March 2014, in a 2–2 friendly draw with Côte d'Ivoire.[32]

On 13 May 2014, Nainggolan was selected in a standby list for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[64][65] He did not make the final cut, however.

Nainggolan was a starter for the Marc Wilmots-led side during the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.[66] He scored in an away draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina,[67] and a 4–1 win in Andorra as the team qualified for the tournament for the first time in 16 years.[68]

Nainggolan was selected to the finals in France.[69] He made his debut in the tournament on 13 June, playing 62 minutes in a 2–0 loss against Italy.[70] After featuring as a second-half substitute in the second game, a 3–0 defeat of the Republic of Ireland,[71] he returned to the starting XI against Sweden, scoring the game's only goal at the Stade de Nice after a counter-attack to send his country to the knockout stage as second;[72] in the quarter-finals, he netted from 25 metres to put his country ahead against Wales after 12 minutes, but in an eventual 3–1 loss.[73]

On 26 August 2017, aged 29, Nainggolan announced that he would be retiring from international football after not being selected for Belgium's upcoming World Cup qualifiers, and stated that he would be focusing on his club career with Roma.[74][75] However, he was selected by new manager Roberto Martínez for friendlies against Mexico and Japan in November,[76] only to pull out due to injury.[77]

On 21 May 2018, after once again not being picked for the upcoming World Cup in Russia, Nainggolan retired from the international scene.[78]

Style of play

edit

Nainggolan is a quick, dynamic, hard-working, physically strong and versatile midfielder, who is capable of playing in several midfield positions; possessing good vision, passing range, and technique, he is often used as a playmaker in front of his team's defensive line.[79][80][81][82][83][84] He is also known for his attacking drive, ability to get forward and eye for goal from midfield, courtesy of his powerful and accurate striking ability from distance, as well as his movement and ability to make late attacking runs off the ball; his talent, energy, skill, and wide range of attributes led to him being used in a more offensive role as an advanced playmaker behind the two forwards during his time with Cagliari.[80][81][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92]

Due to his pace, stamina, tenacity and aggressive tackling, as well as his willingness and ability to chase down and press opponents off the ball, Nainggolan is also a good ball-winner, and has frequently been used in a box-to-box role;[79][80][81][85][93][94] he is also capable of playing as a winger.[95] After his move to Roma, he was mainly deployed as a central or defensive midfielder in a 4–3–3 formation or in the "mezzala" role, and on occasion even as a right-back; following the arrival of Luciano Spalletti, however, he returned to playing in a more advanced role as an attacking midfielder or second striker in a 4–2–3–1 or a 3–4–2–1 formation.[80][85][93][94][96][97][98] He has also been used in a more central or attacking role on occasion,[86] or even as a false attacking midfielder.[99]

In addition to his footballing abilities, Nainggolan has also been praised for his leadership in the media,[100] although he has also drawn criticism for his difficult character and his involvement in several controversial incidents off the pitch.[101]

Outside of football

edit

Personal life

edit

Nainggolan married Claudia Lai,[102] with the couple being parents to daughters Aysha (b. 2012) and Mailey (b. 2016).[103] His twin sister, Riana, is also a footballer;[104] she is openly lesbian and he spoke out against homophobia.[105][106][107]

On 10 July 2019, Lai confirmed in an Instagram post that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would begin chemotherapy treatment.[108]

Controversy

edit

Nainggolan smoked cigarettes during his playing career.[109] On New Year's Eve 2018, he became the subject of strong controversy in Italy after he posted a video on Instagram cursing, drinking alcohol and smoking.[110]

Ambassadorship

edit

On 8 November 2023, Nainggolan was appointed as promotional ambassador for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup with fellow footballer Sabreena Dressler.[111]

Career statistics

edit

Club

edit
As of match played 20 April 2024[112][113]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] Europe Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Piacenza 2005–06 Serie B 1 0 0 0 1 0
2006–07 1 0 0 0 1 0
2007–08 10 0 1 0 11 0
2008–09 38 3 1 0 39 3
2009–10 21 1 1 0 22 1
Total 71 4 3 0 74 4
Cagliari 2009–10 Serie A 7 0 0 0 7 0
2010–11 36 2 2 0 38 2
2011–12 37 1 2 0 39 1
2012–13 34 2 1 0 35 2
2013–14 17 2 1 0 18 2
Total 131 7 6 0 137 7
Roma (loan) 2013–14 Serie A 17 2 3 0 20 2
Roma 2014–15 Serie A 35 5 2 0 9[b] 0 46 5
2015–16 35 6 0 0 7[c] 0 42 6
2016–17 37 11 4 2 12[d] 1 53 14
2017–18 31 4 0 0 11[c] 2 42 6
Total 155 28 9 2 39 3 203 33
Inter Milan 2018–19 Serie A 29 6 1 0 6[e] 1 36 7
2020–21 4 0 0 0 1[c] 0 5 0
Total 33 6 1 0 7 1 41 7
Cagliari (loan) 2019–20 Serie A 26 6 3 0 29 6
2020–21 22 1 0 0 22 1
Total 48 7 3 0 51 7
Antwerp 2021–22 Belgian Pro League 32 2 0 0 5[f] 1 37 3
2022–23 12 1 0 0 6[g] 2 18 3
Total 44 3 0 0 11 3 55 6
SPAL 2022–23 Serie B 10 1 10 1
Bhayangkara 2023–24 Liga 1 10 1 10 1
Career total 502 57 22 2 57 7 581 66
  1. ^ Includes Coppa Italia and Belgian Cup
  2. ^ Six appearances in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Europa League
  3. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  4. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, ten appearances and one goal in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ Four appearances and one goal in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in UEFA Europa League
  6. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  7. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League

International

edit
Appearances and goals by national team and year[114][115]
National team Year Apps Goals
Belgium 2009 1 0
2010 0 0
2011 1 0
2012 1 0
2013 1 0
2014 4 2
2015 9 2
2016 9 2
2017 3 0
2018 1 0
Total 30 6
Scores and results list Belgium's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Nainggolan goal.
List of international goals scored by Radja Nainggolan[114]
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 5 March 2014 King Baudouin, Brussels, Belgium 5   Ivory Coast 2–0 2–2 Friendly
2 13 October 2014 Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina 8   Bosnia and Herzegovina 1–1 1–1 UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
3 7 June 2015 Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France 11   France 3–0 4–3 Friendly
4 10 October 2015 Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella, Andorra 15   Andorra 1–0 4–1 UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
5 22 June 2016 Allianz Riviera, Nice, France 22   Sweden 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2016
6 1 July 2016 Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France 24   Wales 1–0 1–3 UEFA Euro 2016

Honours

edit

Inter Milan

Antwerp

Individual

References

edit
  1. ^ "Comunicato Ufficiale N. 173" [Official Press Release No. 173] (PDF) (in Italian). Lega Serie A. 8 March 2016. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 July 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Radja Nainggolan". Eurosport. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  3. ^ "Radja Nainggolan". A.S. Roma. Archived from the original on 2 October 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  4. ^ "Ora il Belgio rivuole il suo Ninja Nainggolan convocato in nazionale" [Now Belgium wants their Ninja Nainggolan back in national team]. L'Unione Sarda (in Italian). 5 November 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  5. ^ ""C'est une pipe!": Radja Nainggolan se paye un international français" ["He's a wanker!": Radja Nainggolan mocks French international]. L'Avenir (in French). 12 April 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  6. ^ "Tottenham incar Radja Nainggolan" [Tottenham want Radja Nainggolan] (in Indonesian). Tempo. 12 June 2013. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  7. ^ Adriansah, Oleh (16 June 2013). "Radja Nainggolan diincar klub besar Eropa" [Radja Nainggolan drafted by big European club] (in Indonesian). Ganlob. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  8. ^ "Radja Nainggolan bangga bermarga Batak" (in Indonesian). Mahasiswa Batak. June 2013. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  9. ^ a b "Nainggolan zwaar in de clinch met Beerschot-supporters" [Nainggolan has serious run-in with Beerschot supporters] (in Dutch). Voetbal 24. 5 December 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  10. ^ a b Barbon, Luca (29 December 2013). "La GdS racconta Nainggolan: cresciuto senza padre, salvato dalla madre" [GdS tells of Nainggolan: grown up without a father, rescued by mother] (in Italian). Il Vero Milanista. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  11. ^ Schirru, Niccolò (19 October 2010). "Grave lutto per Nainggolan" [Serious mourning for Nainggolan] (in Italian). Tutto Cagliari. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  12. ^ Casati, Fabio (7 January 2014). "5 cose da sapere su Radja Nainggolan" [5 things you should know about Radja Nainggolan] (in Italian). Squer. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  13. ^ "Radja Nainggolan, serramannese d'adozione" [Radja Nainggolan, serramannese by adoption] (in Italian). A Serramanna. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  14. ^ "Sorpresa Nainggolan: 'A Firenze meglio che a Lecce'" [Surprise Nainggolan: 'Better in Florence than Lecce'] (in Italian). Calcio Mercato. 3 December 2010. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  15. ^ "R Nainggolan après Andorre Belgique" [R Nainggolan after Andorra Belgium] (in French). YouTube. 11 October 2015. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  16. ^ Calabresi, M. (14 February 2014). "Anversa, a casa di Nainggolan" [Antwerp, at Nainggolan's] (in Italian). La Roma 24. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  17. ^ Frongia, Mario (5 September 2012). ""Ho sbagliato un gol fatto col Palermo ci riproverò"" [I missed a clear goal with Palermo I will regret]. La Nuova Sardegna (in Italian). Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  18. ^ "Nainggolan: "Vengo per migliorare" – "La Serie A è un sogno"" [Nainggolan: "I come to improve" – "Serie A is a dream"] (in Italian). Cagliari Calcio. 27 January 2010. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
  19. ^ "Internazionale 3–0 Cagliari". ESPN Soccernet. 7 February 2010. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  20. ^ "Serie A, Chievo-Cagliari 2–1: decidono De Paula e Granoche" [Serie A, Chievo-Cagliari 2–1: De Paula and Granoche settle it] (in Italian). Blitz Quotidiano. 28 February 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  21. ^ Airò, Valerio (21 June 2010). "Ufficiale: Il Cagliari esercita il diritto di riscatto per Nainggolan" [Official: Cagliari exercise redeeming right on Nainggolan] (in Italian). Tutto B. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  22. ^ "Cagliari amara" [Cagliari bag it] (in Italian). Bologna F.C. 31 October 2010. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  23. ^ Zorzoli, Fabrizio (31 January 2011). "UFFICIALE: il Cagliari riscatta Nainggolan dal Piacenza" [OFFICIAL: Cagliari redeem Nainggolan from Piacenza] (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  24. ^ "È Nainggolan il re dei contrasti" [Nainggolan is the king of tackles] (in Italian). Cagliari News 24. 29 May 2013. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  25. ^ Lazzerini, Pietro (5 October 2013). "Cagliari, Nainggolan: rinnovo e scaramanzia per allontanare le big" [Cagliari, Nainggolan: renewal and good luck to stave off the big] (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  26. ^ "Speciale: Top 11" [Special: Top 11] (in Italian). Cagliari Calcio. Archived from the original on 26 August 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  27. ^ "Nainggolan coming to Roma". UEFA. 7 January 2014. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  28. ^ "Roma secure Radja Nainggolan". ESPN. 8 January 2014. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  29. ^ "Coppa Italia, Roma-Sampdoria 1–0, decide Torosidis: c'è la Juventus nei quarti" [Italian Cup, Roma-Sampdoria 1–0, Torosidis decides it: it's Juventus in last-eight]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). 9 January 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  30. ^ "Roma-Juventus 1–0: Vendetta servita, Gervinho manda la Lupa in semifinale" [Roma-Juventus 1–0: Revenge served, Gervinho sends She-wolf to semifinals] (in Italian). Goal. 21 January 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  31. ^ Daley, Terry (22 February 2014). "Nainggolan's first Roma goal sinks Bologna". Reuters. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  32. ^ a b "World Cup watch: Lionel Messi, Radamel Falcao & Carlos Tevez". BBC Sport. 21 April 2014. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
  33. ^ "Operazioni di mercato – Radja Nainggolan" [Transfer market – Radja Nainggolan] (PDF) (in Italian). A.S. Roma. 24 June 2015. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
  34. ^ "Nainggolan: 'Staying at Roma'". Football Italia. 6 July 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  35. ^ Wilkinson, Jack (6 July 2016). "Chelsea target Radja Nainggolan staying at Roma". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 July 2016.
  36. ^ "Nainggolan signs new long-term contract". A.S. Roma. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
  37. ^ "Radja Nainggolan: Roma midfielder joins Inter in £33m swap deal". BBC Sport. 26 June 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  38. ^ "#WelcomeNinja: Nainggolan è nerazzurro!" (in Italian). Inter Milan. 26 June 2018. Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
  39. ^ "Nainggolan's goal on debut paves way for Inter's first win". The Washington Post. 1 September 2018. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
  40. ^ Dorman, Matt (3 October 2018). "PSV 1 Inter 2: Nainggolan, Icardi complete another comeback". Goal. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  41. ^ "PSV 1–2 Inter, all you need to know". Inter Milan. 4 October 2018. Archived from the original on 4 October 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  42. ^ Burton, Chris (5 August 2019). "Nainggolan leaves Inter on Cagliari loan as Belgian midfielder heads 'home'". Goal. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  43. ^ a b Mork, Martin (29 November 2019). "Nainggolan is November's best". Football Italia. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  44. ^ Mork, Martin (31 December 2020). "Official: Nainggolan returns to Cagliari". Football Italia. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  45. ^ "Radja Nainggolan contract terminated by mutual consent" (Press release). Inter Milan. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  46. ^ "Welkom op de Bosuil, Radja Nainggolan" [Welcome to the Bosuil, Radja Nainggolan] (Press release) (in Dutch). Royal Antwerp. 14 August 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  47. ^ Van den Broeck, David (22 September 2021). "Antwerp wervelt nog eens voor eigen publiek en wint overtuigend van Genk" [Antwerp with another bang in front of home fans to defeat Genk convincingly]. Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  48. ^ "Antwerp suspend Nainggolan indefinitely over general misconduct". CNA. 18 October 2022. Archived from the original on 17 October 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  49. ^ "La fin du Ninja: les chemins de l'Antwerp et de Radja Nainggolan se séparent" [End for the Ninja: Antwerp and Radja Nainggolan part ways] (in French). Sport Magazine. 21 December 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  50. ^ "Radja Nainggolan is biancazzurro!". S.P.A.L. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  51. ^ Conflitti, Gabriele (30 January 2023). "Nainggolan alla SPAL: arriva l'annuncio ufficiale" [Nainggolan to SPAL: here's the official announcement] (in Italian). Goal. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  52. ^ Lizin, Cédric (30 January 2023). "Radja Nainggolan va tenter de rebondir à la Spal, en Serie B italienne" [Radja Nainggolan will try to make a name for himself again at Spal, in Italian Serie B] (in French). RTBF. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  53. ^ "Officieel: Radja Nainggolan schiet boezemvriend te hulp en tekent bij Italiaanse tweedeklasser" [Official: Radja Nainggolan helps close friend and signs with Italian second-division team] (in Dutch). Sporza. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  54. ^ Scaduto, Gianluca (14 May 2023). "Benevento e Spal: i perché della retrocessione in C" [Benevento and Spal: why did they go down to C]. Tuttosport (in Italian). Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  55. ^ Rohman, Abdul (29 November 2023). "RESMI – Bhayangkara FC Konfirmasi Kedatangan Radja Nainggolan" [OFFICIAL – Bhayangkara FC confirm arrival of Radja Nainggolan]. Bola (in Indonesian). Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  56. ^ Nadzib, Abu (18 December 2023). "Debut di Bhayangkara FC, Radja Nainggolan Digaji Rp1 Miliar per Bulan" [Making debut for Bhayangkara FC, Radja Nainggolan earns IDR 1 billion per month]. Solopos (in Indonesian). Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  57. ^ "Radja Nainggolan Tak Tahu Liga 1: Yang Penting Fokus" [Radja Nainggolan does not know Liga 1: Focus is the most important thing] (in Indonesian). CNN Indonesia. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  58. ^ Ikhwanuddin, Muhammad (19 December 2023). "Untung Rugi Bhayangkara FC usai Debut Radja Nainggolan di Liga 1" [Bhayangkara FC profits and losses following Radja Nainggolan's Liga 1 debut] (in Indonesian). CNN Indonesia. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  59. ^ "Radja Nainggolan Debut di Liga 1: Cannon Ball dan Nyaris Blunder" [Radja Nainggolan debuts in Liga 1: Cannonball and almost a blunder] (in Indonesian). CNN Indonesia. 17 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  60. ^ Pangestu, Sumargo (16 March 2024). "Hasil Bhayangkara FC vs Dewa United: Gol Debut Radja Nainggolan Gagal Hindarkan The Guardians dari Kekalahan" [Radja Nainggolan's debut goal failed to prevent Guardians from losing] (in Indonesian). Skor. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  61. ^ Reza Murti, Bagas (27 November 2018). "Radja Nainggolan: Saya Tak Pernah Menyangkal Berasal dari Indonesia" [Radja Nainggolan: I have never denied coming from Indonesia]. Bola (in Indonesian). Retrieved 23 December 2018.
  62. ^ Garin, Erik. "International Challenge Trophy (U-23) 2007/09". RSSSF. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
  63. ^ "Kirin Cup: De Laet, Kitoko et Nainggolan aussi" [Kirin Cup: De Laet, also Kitoko and Nainggolan] (in French). DH. 27 May 2009. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  64. ^ "World Cup squad announcement – Belgium". Twitter. 13 May 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  65. ^ "Januzaj makes Belgium provisional World Cup squad". Goal. 13 May 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
  66. ^ "Nainggolan, Januzaj, Batshuayi and other tricky questions for Wilmots". Belgo Foot. 19 March 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  67. ^ Krvavac, Fedja (13 October 2014). "Belgium make point at Bosnia and Herzegovina". UEFA. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  68. ^ "Belgium stroll past Andorra to qualify". UEFA. 10 October 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  69. ^ "Marc Wilmots unveils Belgium squad for Euro 2016". Sky Sports. 31 May 2016. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
  70. ^ Burke, Chris (13 June 2016). "Impressive Italy leave Belgium floored". UEFA. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
  71. ^ "Romelu Lukaku scores twice as Belgium beat Rep of Ireland". ESPN. 18 June 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  72. ^ "Belgium send Sweden and Zlatan Ibrahimovic packing from Euro 2016". ESPN. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  73. ^ "Wales shock Belgium to reach semifinals at Euro 2016". ESPN. 1 July 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  74. ^ Campanale, Susy (26 August 2017). "Nainggolan: 'I quit Belgium!'". Football Italia. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  75. ^ Zucchelli, Chiara (26 August 2017). "Nainggolan lascia il Belgio con polemica: "Ora solo la Roma"" [Nainggolan leaves Belgium with controversy: "Only Roma now"]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  76. ^ "Belgium call up Adnan Januzaj, Radja Nainggolan for Mexico, Japan games". ESPN FC. 3 November 2017. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
  77. ^ "Official: Nainggolan out of Belgium squad". Football Italia. 10 November 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  78. ^ "Radja Nainggolan left out of Belgium World Cup squad". Sky Sports. 21 May 2018. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  79. ^ a b Digby, Adam (23 April 2015). "Born into poverty, established in Italy, ready for England: meet Radja Nainggolan". FourFourTwo. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  80. ^ a b c d Newman, Blair (12 April 2016). "Why Roma's Nainggolan should be Antonio Conte's Chelsea priority". FourFourTwo. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  81. ^ a b c "Radja Nainggolan: il centrocampista completo" [Radja Nainggolan: the complete midfielder] (in Italian). A.S. Roma. 26 January 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  82. ^ "Radja Nainggolan, il vice-Conti "fatto in casa"" [Radja Nainggolan, the "homegrown" vice-Conti] (in Italian). Cagliari News 24. 11 March 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  83. ^ "Calciomercato Roma, stretta per il ritocco dell'ingaggio di Nainggolan: ma attenzione a Chelsea e City" [Calciomercato Roma, close to new Nainggolan deal: but beware of Chelsea and City] (in Italian). Calcio Mercato. 20 January 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  84. ^ Zucchelli, Chiara (28 February 2017). "Roma, Spalletti: "Vorrei 10 Nainggolan". E non-nomina mai la Lazio..." [Roma, Spalletti: "I want 10 Nainggolans". And he does not mention Lazio once...]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  85. ^ a b c Minutiello, Valerio (20 January 2017). "Roma-Sampdoria, Nainggolan ora è un bomber: 7 gol, già battuto il suo record" [Roma-Sampdoria, Nainggolan is a bomber now: 7 goals, has already broken his record]. Corriere dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  86. ^ a b Polverosi, Alberto (14 October 2016). "Roma, Spalletti ha tolto un'ala e così Dzeko ha più spazio" [Roma, Spalletti has removed a wing and so Dzeko has more room]. Corriere dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  87. ^ "Florenzi, Nainggolan and Pjanic named in UEFA's Serie A team of the year". A.S. Roma. 23 May 2016. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  88. ^ Masu, Alberto (19 January 2013). "Nainggolan trequartista dietro a Sau-Ibarbo" [Nainggolan trequartista behind Sau-Ibarbo]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  89. ^ "Nainggolan: "Trequartista? Cerco sempre di impegnarmi"" [Nainggolan: "Trequartista? I always try the best I can"] (in Italian). Cagliari News 24. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  90. ^ Pinna, Nicola (14 April 2014). "Schiaffi e pugni alla moglie in strada Nainggolan finisce nei guai a Cagliari" [Slapping and punching of wife in the street Nainggolan gets in trouble in Cagliari]. La Stampa (in Italian). Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  91. ^ "Roma: Nainggolan, bolide a 100 km/h: "Juventus, arriviamo"" [Roma: Nainggolan, fireball at 60 m/h: "Juventus, here we come"]. Corriere dello Sport (in Italian). 22 February 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  92. ^ Lopopolo, Anthony (19 November 2016). "Ranking the 10 best players in Serie A". The Score. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  93. ^ a b Chapman, John (25 March 2014). "World Cup 2014: Belgium and Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan – will he stay or will he go to finals in Brazil?". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  94. ^ a b Zucchelli, Chiara (20 March 2017). "Nainggolan: "Fumo, e allora? Io in Premier? Sto bene a Roma"" [Nainggolan: "I smoke, so what? Me in the Premier? I am well at Roma"]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  95. ^ Piredda, Claudio (27 January 2010). "Le prime dichiarazioni di Nainggolan" [Nainggolan's first statements] (in Italian). Tutto Cagliari. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  96. ^ "Right-back role for Nainggolan?". Football Italia. 25 November 2014. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  97. ^ Zucchelli, Chiara (8 February 2017). "Roma, Nainggolan il guerriero dal gol facile: con Spalletti numeri da record" [Roma, Nainggolan warrior of the easy goal: record figures with Spalletti]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  98. ^ "Di Francesco: 'Called De Rossi first'". Football Italia. 14 June 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  99. ^ Silvestri, Stefano (26 July 2017). "Inter, Vidal è ormai un miraggio: su chi puntare in assenza del cileno?" [Inter, Vidal is now a mirage: on whom to bet in the Chilean's absence?] (in Italian). Eurosport. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  100. ^ Mari, Daniele (4 October 2018). "PAGELLE: Nainggolan leader totale. Skriniar umilia De Jong. Icardi stavolta la tiene eccome!" [MARKS: Nainggolan total leader. Skriniar humiliates De Jong. Icardi keeps it alright this time!] (in Italian). FC Inter 1908. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  101. ^ Parrone, Francesco (22 August 2018). "Il Giorno – Nainggolan, il carattere cozza con i Zhang. Spalletti quando lo ha voluto…" [Il Giorno – Nainggolan, character clashes with the Zhangs. Spalletti when he wanted it…] (in Italian). FC Inter 1908. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  102. ^ Carere, Barbara (8 December 2012). "... Radja Nainggolan" (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  103. ^ Valdiserri, Luca (27 February 2017). "Radja Nainggolan, il Ninja col vizio delle sigarette e il tattoo alla mamma" [Radja Nainggolan, the Ninja with a vice for cigarettes and a tattoo for mummy]. Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  104. ^ "Europe's footballing brothers and sisters". UEFA. 9 February 2017. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  105. ^ ""Allacciamoli", Nainggolan guida la campagna contro l'omofobia" ["Let's fasten up", Nainggolan leads the campaign against homophobia] (in Italian). Quotidiano.net. 23 February 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  106. ^ Cavalli, Giovanna (5 March 2016). "Riana Nainggolan: "Io e Radja a cresta alta contro l'omofobia"" [Riana Nainggolan: "Me and Radja with mohawks against homophobia"]. Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  107. ^ Grandesso, Alessandro (26 November 2019). "Nainggolan: "Macché bad boy... Mia sorella è gay, felice per lei"" [Nainggolan: "I'm not a bad boy at all... My sister is gay, I'm happy for her"]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  108. ^ "Dramma Nainggolan, l'annuncio della moglie malata: "Oggi inizio la chemioterapia"" [Nainggolan drama, announcement of sick wife: "I start chemoterapy today"] (in Italian). Forza Roma. 11 July 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  109. ^ "Nainggolan has a room with a balcony so he can smoke – Wilmots". FourFourTwo. 24 June 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  110. ^ "Nainggolan ubriaco in un video, bestemmia e fuma sigarette" [Nainggolan drunk in video, curses and smokes cigarettes]. La Stampa (in Italian). 1 January 2018. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  111. ^ Fahmi, Yusron (9 November 2023). "Mengenal Radja Nainggolan dan Sabreena Dressler, Duta Promosi Piala Dunia U-17 Pilihan Erick Thohir" [Getting to know Radja Nainggolan and Sabreena Dressler, Erick Thohir's choice for U-17 World Cup promotion ambassadors] (in Indonesian). Liputan 6. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  112. ^ "R. Nainggolan". Soccerway. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  113. ^ "Radja Nainggolan". Footballdatabase. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
  114. ^ a b "Radja Nainggolan". Royal Belgian Football Association. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  115. ^ "Radja Nainggolan". European Football. Retrieved 3 September 2015.
  116. ^ Cardia, Ivan (2 May 2021). "Inter campione. Tutti i risultati, i tabellini e i marcatori dei nerazzurri di Conte" [Inter champions. All the results, tables and scorers of Conte's nerazzurri] (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  117. ^ Torfs, Quinten (4 June 2023). "Een wervelende start, gedoe rond Nainggolan en een onwaarschijnlijke apotheose: het historische seizoen van Antwerp in tien momenten" [Rocky start, confusion regarding Nainggolan and an unlikely apotheosis: Antwerp's historic season in ten moments]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  118. ^ "Oscar del Calcio, dominio Juve. Buffon: "Donnarumma ha doti da grande"" [Serie A Oscars, Juve dominate. Buffon: "Donnarumma has the characteristics to be great"]. La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). 14 December 2015. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  119. ^ "Gran Galà del calcio, la Juventus fa incetta di premi" [Great Gala of football, Juventus pile up awards]. Corriere della Sera (in Italian). 31 January 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  120. ^ "Buffon named best player". Football Italia. 27 November 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  121. ^ Campanale, Susy (3 December 2018). "Serie A Team of 2017–18". Football Italia. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  122. ^ "Nainggolan voted Player of the Season". A.S. Roma. 15 June 2017. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  123. ^ "Radja Nainggolan MVP for November". Lega Serie A. 29 November 2019. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
edit