Dion Cools Biography: Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Girlfriend, Height, Awards, Parents, Siblings, Team

Dion Cools is a professional footballer known for his defensive skills and versatility.

Born in Malaysia to a Belgian father and a Malaysian mother, Cools initially played for Belgium’s youth teams before switching allegiance to the Malaysian national team in 2021.

He gained recognition through his performances in European clubs, notably with Club Brugge in Belgium and FC Midtjylland in Denmark.

His decision to represent Malaysia internationally further elevated his profile, especially in Southeast Asia.

Currently, he plays for Buriram United in the Thai League, where he has continued to make a significant impact, helping his club achieve multiple domestic victories.

Profile

• – Full name: Dion-Johan Chai Cools  
• – Date of birth: June 4, 1996  
• – Age: 28 years old
• – Gender: Male  
• – Place of birth: Kuching, Malaysia  
• – Nationality: Belgian-Malaysian  
• – Profession: Professional footballer  
• – Height: 1.85 m  
• – Parents: Hans Cools (father), Xylina Chai (mother)  
• – Siblings: N/A  
• – Spouse: Melissa Schelfhout  
• – Children: Liam-Zayn Cools  
• – Relationship status: Married  
• – Religion: N/A  
• – Ethnicity: Mixed (Belgian-Malaysian)  
• – Net worth: €800,000 (approx. $850,000)  

Early Life and Education

Dion Cools was born on June 4, 1996, in Kuching, Malaysia, and is 28 years old as of 2024. His father, Hans Cools, is Belgian, while his mother, Xylina Chai, is Malaysian of Chinese descent.

This mixed heritage allowed Dion to represent Belgium and Malaysia at different career stages. Although he spent his early childhood in Malaysia, his family later moved to Belgium, where he grew up and started his football journey.

Cools attended school in Belgium, where he joined local football academies, but there is no public record of his specific education beyond football training.

Ethnically, he is of Belgian and Malaysian Chinese descent, a background that later played a crucial role in his decision to represent Malaysia internationally.

Personal Life

Dion Cools is married to Melissa Schelfhout, a Belgian woman with whom he shares a son, Liam-Zayn Cools, born on May 6, 2022. The couple tied the knot the same day as their son’s birth, marking a significant moment.

The specifics of how the couple met have not been disclosed publicly, but their relationship has been well-documented, especially during key moments of Cools’ career. There are no reports of divorces or extramarital affairs involving Cools, and he appears to maintain a stable and happy family life.

Career

Dion Cools began his professional football career with OH Leuven in Belgium 2014. He quickly attracted attention for his performances and moved to Belgian giants Club Brugge in 2015.

During his time with Club Brugge, Cools played an important role in the team’s defence, winning multiple Belgian league titles and Supercups.

His success in Belgium led to a move to Denmark’s FC Midtjylland in 2020, where he contributed to the club’s Danish Superliga title win and participated in European competitions, including the UEFA Champions League.

After a brief loan spell with Zulte Waregem and a short stint at FK Jablonec in the Czech Republic, Cools signed with Buriram United in Thailand in 2023.

His time in Thailand has been highly successful. He helped Buriram United secure the domestic treble, winning the Thai League, Thai FA Cup, and Thai League Cup in the 2022–23 season.

Cools also plays for the Malaysian national team, having switched from representing Belgium at the youth level. He debuted for Malaysia in 2021 and has become a key player, captaining the team and helping them qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Awards

• – Belgian Pro League Champion: 2016, 2018 (Club Brugge)  
• – Belgian Super Cup: 2016, 2018 (Club Brugge)  
• – Danish Superliga Champion: 2020 (FC Midtjylland)  
• – Thai League Champion: 2023, 2024 (Buriram United)  
• – Thai FA Cup: 2023 (Buriram United)  
• – Thai League Cup: 2023 (Buriram United)  

Net Worth

Dion Cools’s estimated net worth is €800,000 (around $850,000). His wealth primarily comes from his football career, which includes contracts with top European clubs and his current team, Buriram United, in Thailand.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A  
• Twitter: N/A