Former Tottenham Hotspur fan favourite Toby Alderweireld has hinted that he’s one of the contestants on the current season of The Masked Singer in Belgium.
The 36-year-old called time on his playing career in the summer after an impressive 17 years at the top of European football for Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Southampton, Spurs and lastly Royal Antwerp.
He spent six seasons at Spurs after joining the club in 2015, becoming a cult hero in north London alongside centre-back partner and fellow Belgian Jan Vertonghen.
However it seems in retirement that Alderweireld could be displaying a very different set of expertise.
Back in his home country, rumours have been rife amongst Saturday night television viewers about who exactly the ‘eagle owl’ on the Belgian version of The Masked Singer is.
The contestant has impressed viewers with his singing ability and extravagant performances. On the show’s most recent episode last weekend, his rendition of The Killers’ classic tune Mr. Brightside went down a treat with the judges.
Speculation has incredibly suggested that Alderweireld is the man behind the mask and, speaking this week, the former Belgium international didn’t deny it.
During an appearance on HLN Voetbalpodcast, he said: ‘I’ve been asked that question (about the eagle owl) a few times.
‘I know of the question, but who knows? Who knows? Do I have a set answer to that question? Well, no, I don’t know myself. So maybe that’s the answer I have to give.’
Alderweireld signed for Spurs for from Atletico Madrid just over a decade ago following an impressive season-long loan at Southampton.
The defender went on to feature 236 times in all competitions for Spurs and was a key figure in the side that reached the Champions League final back in 2019.
Following six years at the club, Alderweireld eventually left for Qatar side Al-Duhail where he would only spend one season before moving back to his hometown club.
He spent three seasons at Antwerp making 134 appearances before hanging up his boots last summer.
The highlight of Alderweireld’s homecoming came at the end of the 2022-23 season, his first at the club. The defender netted a stunning last-minute goal from distance in the final game of the season to earn them their first league title in 66 years.
