In Belgium, where the population speaks primarily Dutch, French, or German, language shapes many aspects of public life from education to healthcare. However, there is one vibrant exception that sees these linguistic boundaries fade: the realm of international soccer.

The national team, known affectionately as the Red Devils, embodies a rare moment of national unity in a country often pulled apart by its linguistic differences. Half of the team are native French speakers and the other half are Dutch speakers, yet they come together under one banner, communicating effectively in English, a neutral language that ensures inclusivity and understanding.

Language politics in Belgium are complex, with each linguistic community having its own institutions and policies. This division is evident in nearly all facets of Belgian life, except in sports, particularly soccer. "It’s a sharp contrast to how the country is organized politically and culturally," explains Jeroen Scheerder, a professor of sports politics and sports sociology at KU Leuven. He refers to soccer as providing "90 minutes of nationalism," a time when Belgians can feel united under a common identity, something that is otherwise hard to come by in everyday life.

The phenomenon is further explained by Professor Jef Brouwers, a performance psychologist who worked with the Belgian team. According to Brouwers, "The team is one of the few things that cuts through the linguistic barriers. You cannot participate as a Flemish athlete or as a Walloon athlete; you participate as a Belgian."

The use of English as the team's working language has effectively removed language barriers within the squad. This arrangement is natural, given that many of the Belgian players use English in their international club careers. Thus, language has never been a major point of contention within the team, fostering a sense of unity and focus purely on the game.

However, the linguistic divide becomes conspicuous during the national anthem, where Belgium's unique situation of having four official versions of "La Brabançonne" in French, Dutch, German, and a multilingual mix, reflects the country's complex identity. During international matches, each version is displayed, and players and fans choose which to sing, often resulting in a chorus of different languages sung simultaneously.

Interestingly, some players, including star Kevin De Bruyne, opt not to sing at all. This choice is not seen as a political statement but rather a personal decision, possibly to avoid the linguistic choice altogether.

In conclusion, while Belgium may start its soccer matches with a uniquely divided anthem, once the game begins, the Red Devils speak in unison, proving that sports can indeed be a powerful unifier in a nation characterized by its divisions.