Jason Grégory Marianne Denayer (born 28 June 1995) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Emirati club Shabab Al-Ahli and the Belgium national team. He made his professional debut while on loan at Celtic, being named the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year after helping them win the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup. He then spent the following season on loan at Galatasaray, helping them win the Turkish Cup. He played several times for Belgium at Under-19 and Under-21 levels, before making his full senior debut in March 2015. He was named in Belgium's 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016 and made one appearance, playing in their quarter-final tie against Wales. He also featured at UEFA Euro 2020. Early life Denayer was born in Jette, Brussels, Belgium, to a Congolese mother and Belgian father. Club career Early career Denayer started playing football at age six, where he started out at FC Ganshoren and then Anderlecht. At the age of 13, he joined the JMG Academy in Lier. It was there he was converted from playing as a striker to becoming a defender. Denayer credits his time at JMG for honing his football technique. Youths at the academy do not play normal competition football, instead taking part in small-sided games among each other, focusing on technique and education in a private school. They trained in bare feet to improve their touch; "It helps to develop your technical skills. Once you've reached a certain level, you're allowed to put on shoes. From then on the training is focused on technique and playing in small spaces" explained Denayer. He described the regime as "tough", adding "Your day started at 7 am and ended at 10:30 pm. In between you had 90 minutes – just before bedtime – to call your friends or family. It was playing football, studying, eat, sleep". In 2013, Lierse, who are in partnership with the JMG Academy, attempted to sign Denayer. However, he rejected their offer and instead moved abroad to England to try and find a club. He had a trial at Liverpool, but club and player failed to reach an agreement. He then went for a trial at Manchester City. Manchester City In July 2013 Denayer joined the Manchester City academy. In the summer transfer window, Denayer signed his first professional contract at Manchester City after a successful trial. Denayer was