Did he import coke? Long-time Serie A star arrested

Former Belgian international football player Radja Nainggolan has been arrested as part of an investigation into international drug trafficking. He had just found a new club.

28 January 2025

From: fop/dpa

According to the Brussels public prosecutor's office, investigations are underway into the alleged import of cocaine from South America to Europe via the port of Antwerp and further distribution in Belgium. The 36-year-old was arrested in this context.

In total, there were 30 house searches in the province of Antwerp and in and around Brussels. Since the interrogations are still ongoing, no further information is currently available, it was said. Nainggolan played 30 times for the Belgian national team, and also played for AS Roma, Inter and Cagliari, among others.

New club refers to presumption of innocence

Nainggolan has been under contract with Belgian second division club KSC Lokeren-Temse since last week. The club learned about the investigation against its player from the media, it said. In view of the presumption of innocence, no further comments will be made. "We can only confirm that the player did not take part in training this morning," it said.

Radja Nainggolan was captain at Cagliari. © ANSA / Claudio Giovannini / Z22

In the past, Nainggolan has made headlines because, according to consistent media reports, he lost his driving license for driving under the influence of alcohol. His former club Royal Antwerp once suspended him because he smoked an e-cigarette while sitting on the bench.