A familiar name appeared on the scoresheet in Belgium’s provincial leagues at the weekend as Lennert Trossard, nephew of Leandro Trossard, marked his return to football with a late equaliser for Stokkem VV B.
The 19-year-old winger scored within 10 minutes of coming off the bench in a 3-3 draw against Lindeboys Leut, producing a moment of individual quality that quickly drew comparisons with his renowned uncle.
It was his first competitive goal after two years out through injury.
“I scored after beating a few defenders on my own,” Lennert said. “I’ve been out for two seasons, but I clearly haven’t lost my feel for the ball. Maybe it runs in the family.”
Stokkem had fallen behind twice before fighting back through a free kick from Mathijs Dewael and a penalty converted by Naud Warson. Trailing 3-2 late on, Lennert was introduced on 80 minutes and immediately made his impact.
“In the 88th minute I took on two defenders with my dribble and then slipped the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs. That made it 3–3. It was a good point for us,” he said.
While his uncle scores on Premier League and the international stage, Lennert is rebuilding his career at grassroots level after a serious groin tear disrupted his development in his mid-teens.
“I played football until U15 at Stokkem and then two seasons for the defunct Bregel Sport,” he added. “After that I suffered a serious groin tear and was out for two full seasons. That was obviously very tough. This summer I put my boots back on with Stokkem again. I haven’t lost my touch. Maybe that’s a family trait.”
Asked about similarities between the two beyond the shared surname, Lennert spoke openly about his ambition.
“Yes, I want to reach the very top as well,” Lennert said. “Maybe even play for Arsenal one day. The experience at that level must be incredible. I’m also a small, quick, skilful winger. I can play on either flank and I can finish fairly well.”
He also spoke with pride about Leandro’s rise in recent seasons, while noting that regular contact between the extended family has faded.
“I turn 20 in three months, so over the coming months I really want to learn as much as I can from coach Davy Schetz and from my teammates,” he said. “I’ve also seen how much Leandro has improved in recent seasons. He has taken huge steps at Arsenal.
“Am I proud of him? Absolutely. Is he an example? Definitely. For me and for my brother Leroy, who plays for Stokkem under-15s. But we don’t really have much contact with Leandro anymore.”
For now, Lennert’s focus remains on rebuilding his career step by step after a long absence from the game.
“I am currently looking for a job. But I’m a kind and respectful boy with a green thumb, so that’s fine.”
His uncle, meanwhile, has six goals and five assists this season in 17 appearances, averaging a goal or assist every 90 minutes.