Axel Witsel says France and Belgium are not comparable

Axel Witsel used an exceptional appearance on Bartoli Time to underline what he sees as a clear difference between France and Belgium. The Belgian international’s comparison was the main sporting point of the programme appearance, with Witsel arguing that the two countries should not be placed in the same category.

Witsel, 37, is a defensive midfielder and is currently without a club. His latest listed career move took him from Girona to no club in the 2026/27 season. Before joining Girona, he moved from Atletico Madrid during the 2025/26 campaign. He had arrived at Atletico from Borussia Dortmund in 2022/23, after Dortmund signed him from Tianhai for €20 million in 2018/19.

The player profile lists Belgium and Martinique as Witsel’s nationalities. His market value is recorded at €1.2 million under Girona FC, despite his current status as a free agent. The same record includes calf and groin injuries. Those career details provide the context for a veteran midfielder now without a club, but the focus of his Bartoli Time appearance was his assessment of the relative standing of France and Belgium.