Inside the Circle with Félix Denayer: Olympic Gold, Belgian Hockey and Leaving a Legacy

Few players have been as closely connected to the rise of Belgian hockey as Félix Denayer.

With more than 400 international appearances, Olympic gold and silver medals, a World Cup title and European Championship success, Félix was part of the generation that helped transform Belgium from an emerging hockey nation into one of the dominant forces in the world game.

In this edition of Inside the Circle, Félix joins Total-Hockey to reflect on that journey, the lessons behind Belgium's success, what Olympic gold really meant, his lifelong connection with Dragons, his involvement with Naked Hockey and the legacy he hopes to leave behind after stepping away from international hockey.

Watch the full Inside the Circle interview with Félix Denayer below, or keep reading for the biggest stories, lessons and insights from one of Belgium hockey’s most successful players.

Leaving the Belgium Shirt in a Better Place

For Félix, representing Belgium was always about more than simply playing matches.

He talks about the responsibility that comes with receiving the national-team shirt.

The idea is simple:

Leave the shirt in a better place than you found it.

When a player is selected for their country, they inherit something built by the generations before them.

Their responsibility is to add value before eventually handing it on.

For Félix, that means success isn't measured only by medals.

It's also about whether the next generation inherits a stronger programme, better opportunities and greater belief than the generation before.

How Belgium Became a World Hockey Power

Belgium's rise didn't happen overnight.

For more than three decades, the men's team had failed to qualify for an Olympic Games.

That began to change around the 2007 European Championship in Manchester.

Qualification for Beijing represented a major turning point.

Initially, the objective was simply to close the gap to the strongest teams in the world.

Then came another challenge:

Could Belgium keep progressing?

Each Olympic cycle became another stage in the team's development.

First, qualify.

Then compete.

Then challenge for medals.

Then win.

From the Silver Generation to Gold

Success didn't arrive immediately.

Belgium became extremely competitive but repeatedly found themselves finishing second.

The team even developed a reputation as the silver generation after losing several major finals.

Rather than allowing those defeats to define them, they used them as motivation.

Félix believes missing out on gold in Rio 2016 may even have helped.

Had Belgium won Olympic gold at that stage, perhaps the hunger to continue improving wouldn't have been quite as strong.

Instead, the disappointment drove the team forward.

They went from good to great — and eventually to gold.

World Cup, European Championship, Olympic Gold

That progression produced an extraordinary period.

Belgium won the 2018 World Cup.

Then came the 2019 European Championship, won on home soil.

And finally, Olympic gold in Tokyo.

Three of the biggest titles in international hockey.

For Félix, those achievements represented much more than a collection of trophies.

They showed that Belgian hockey had fundamentally changed.

Belgium had gone from trying to catch the best teams in the world to becoming the team everyone else wanted to beat.

Learning From the Best — Then Becoming Yourself

One of the most interesting lessons from Belgium's development is how much they studied other nations.

They looked at the physicality of Australia.

The discipline and structure of Germany.

The speed and technical skills of the Netherlands.

Each country offered something worth learning.

But eventually Belgium realised there was a limit to copying other teams.

To take the final step, they needed their own identity.

What was Belgian hockey?

What were their strengths?

What could they do better than anyone else?

That shift — from imitating the best to creating a distinct Belgian playing style — became an important part of the team's evolution.

Why Your Own Playing Identity Matters

That lesson works just as well for individual players.

Learning from elite athletes is valuable.

Copy their preparation.

Study their skills.

Look at how they move.

But eventually, you have to understand what makes your game different.

Félix describes the importance of taking strengths and turning them into "superpowers".

If every player simply tries to become a copy of someone else, they're unlikely to become exceptional.

The best players learn from others and then develop an identity of their own.

Winning Olympic Gold in an Empty Stadium

Tokyo 2020 created one of the strangest environments in Olympic history.

The stadiums were impressive.

The hockey was intense.

But the crowds weren't there.

For Belgium, however, the focus remained firmly on the goal they'd spent years chasing.

Félix remembers the final against Australia as a clash of two very different hockey cultures.

Belgium started strongly.

Australia fought back.

The match went to a shootout.

Then came a video referral, a retake and another wave of pressure.

Eventually Belgium had the moment they'd been chasing.

Olympic champions.

Why Tokyo Still Felt Special

Even without supporters inside the stadium, the significance wasn't diminished.

The team knew there were people watching and supporting from Belgium.

But during the match, the focus was almost purely on hockey.

There was less outside noise.

Less distraction.

And after years of preparation, the players knew exactly why they were there.

Félix describes the entire experience as something that still gives him goosebumps.

Olympic gold doesn't end when the medal ceremony finishes.

It stays with you for life.

"The First Day of the Rest of Your Life"

The Tokyo Olympics were originally scheduled for 2020 before being postponed.

That meant another year of training, sacrifice and uncertainty.

Rather than seeing the delay simply as a frustration, the Belgium team created another goal.

They knew the date of the Olympic final.

So they put the following day in their calendars.

They called it:

The first day of the rest of your life.

The idea captured what they were working towards.

Years of sacrifice were leading towards one defining moment.

After that, whatever happened, life would move into a new chapter.

Winning the 2018 World Cup Changed Belgian Hockey

Tokyo was huge, but the 2018 World Cup created another unforgettable moment.

When the team returned to Brussels, they weren't sure what reception to expect.

Initially, the main square appeared almost empty.

Then the players were brought outside.

The square was packed.

Belgian flags filled the crowd.

Friends, families and supporters had turned up to celebrate something the country had never experienced before — a Belgian team becoming world champions in an Olympic sport.

For Félix, that reaction was one of the clearest signs that the team's impact had gone beyond results.

Success Can Change a Sport

Belgium's hockey success helped raise the visibility of the sport across the country.

Félix recalls how, years earlier, telling someone you played hockey could lead to confusion.

After World Cup and Olympic success, hockey became much more visible.

More children picked up sticks.

Clubs grew.

You could see young players travelling around cities with hockey sticks on their bikes.

That's one of the most important forms of sporting legacy.

The medal matters.

But inspiring the next generation to start playing can matter even more.

Why Félix Denayer Stayed With Dragons

In an era where elite players regularly move between clubs and countries, Félix's club career is unusual.

He remained closely connected to KHC Dragons.

Why?

Because he never felt he had a compelling reason to leave.

The club gave him an elite environment, excellent infrastructure and opportunities to compete at the highest level.

Dragons also enjoyed a hugely successful period, winning multiple domestic titles and competing strongly in the EHL.

For Félix, development didn't necessarily require moving somewhere else.

Sometimes the right environment is already around you.

Better People Make Better Athletes

That doesn't mean Félix ignored personal development away from hockey.

He studied.

He worked on projects.

He developed relationships and interests outside the pitch.

One idea that repeatedly comes through the interview is:

Better people make better athletes.

An athlete's development shouldn't exist entirely inside training sessions.

Life experiences can improve perspective, resilience and decision-making.

For Félix, becoming a better hockey player and becoming a more rounded person were often connected.

Giving Back to the Next Generation

Now that his international career has ended, Félix's focus has shifted increasingly towards legacy.

He wants to help younger players believe that big ambitions are possible.

That might happen through coaching.

Mentoring.

Club involvement.

Social media.

Or through brands and projects connected to hockey.

His definition of legacy is particularly useful:

It's not simply what you've won.

It's what you've woven into the lives of other people.

Why Hockey Needs Strong Ambassadors

Félix also believes elite players have a wider role in growing the sport.

Hockey has an incredibly strong global community.

But compared with some larger sports, there are still opportunities to make the game more visible and accessible to a broader audience.

Players can help with that.

Through storytelling, social media, coaching and commercial partnerships, athletes can bring more attention to the game.

For Félix, growing hockey is no longer simply about making Belgium better.

It's about helping the sport as a whole.

Becoming a Red Bull Athlete

Félix's connection with Red Bull began when he was still a young player.

For him, the attraction wasn't simply sponsorship.

He was already a huge sports fan and had watched Red Bull athletes across different disciplines do extraordinary things.

The philosophy behind the brand appealed to him.

He talks about being supported throughout his career and now wanting to use his own position to help give opportunities to others.

It's another example of partnerships becoming stronger when the values behind them connect with the athlete.

How Félix Became Involved With Naked Hockey

One of the most distinctive parts of Félix's career away from international hockey is his involvement with Naked Hockey.

The initial contact was memorable.

He received a message on Instagram that essentially said:

"We think you should get Naked."

From there, the relationship developed quickly.

Félix liked the opportunity to become deeply involved with a hockey brand rather than simply use its products.

The philosophy behind Naked also aligned closely with how he thought about his own career.

What Does "Living Life Naked" Mean?

For Félix, Naked is about more than equipment.

The brand's identity reflects the idea that life contains constant ups and downs.

Those difficult moments aren't interruptions to the journey.

They're part of it.

In fact, periods of struggle often create the most growth.

That thinking mirrors Félix's international career.

Silver medals came before gold.

Disappointment created motivation.

Pressure forced improvement.

The journey wasn't a straight line.

And that's exactly why it mattered.

The Story Behind the Naked Flex OG

Félix plays with the Naked Flex OG.

The stick was designed to represent more than technical specifications.

Its graphics contain different symbols, each connected to a story or lesson from Félix's career.

The black-and-white design also has meaning.

Players can learn from someone else's blueprint.

But ultimately, they have to add colour to their own game.

It's another version of the idea that players should learn from others without becoming copies of them.

Does the Perfect Hockey Stick Exist?

Félix's answer is simple:

No.

There isn't one perfect hockey stick.

There is only the stick that works best for the individual player.

Throughout his career, Félix experimented with different:

• lengths

• weights

• balance points

• bow shapes

• grip thicknesses

The right choice depends on the type of player you are and what you're trying to achieve.

Choose a Stick That Supports Your Game

A player who throws lots of aerials may benefit from a different bow shape than someone focused on simple passing and receiving.

A player who values quick dribbling might prefer something lighter.

A midfielder who relies heavily on first touch may want more weight through the head.

For Félix, the stick should support the player's strengths.

The player shouldn't have to completely change their game to suit the stick.

Why Félix Uses a Longer Stick

Félix has experimented with several stick lengths over the years.

He has used 36.5, 37.5 and 38.5-inch sticks.

Now, as a taller midfielder, the 38.5-inch length suits him.

His preference reflects both his physical build and the role he plays.

Again, it's personal.

A length that feels ideal for one player may feel completely wrong for another.

Why First Touch Matters So Much

Félix places particular importance on first touch.

For midfielders, receiving the ball well can completely change what happens next.

The best players often gather information before they receive possession.

They know where pressure is coming from.

They know where teammates are.

They've already identified the next space.

That means their first touch isn't simply about controlling the ball.

It's already part of the next action.

The Best Players Make Difficult Things Look Simple

At the highest level, first touch and footwork can almost disappear because the best players make them look effortless.

But that simplicity is often the result of enormous skill.

A clean first touch can remove pressure.

It can eliminate an opponent.

It can create an extra second to pass.

For developing players, that means fundamentals shouldn't be overlooked in favour of flashy skills.

Sometimes the simple thing, done exceptionally well, is the most effective skill on the pitch.

Why Players Need to Keep Adding Skills

Félix also warns against relying on one standout skill for too long.

A special talent can help a young player break through.

But eventually opponents learn.

Coaches study you.

Defenders know what you want to do.

If your game never evolves, you become predictable.

That's why Félix continually tried to add different skills throughout his career.

The goal wasn't necessarily to become the best in the world at every technique.

It was to become harder to read.

Don't Change Equipment Before the Biggest Games

Experimentation is useful.

But Félix recommends choosing the timing carefully.

During normal training periods, trying different grips, weights or setups can help you understand what you like.

Before a playoff or major tournament?

That's when you go back to what you know.

Pressure should push players towards trusted habits rather than sudden changes.

Your equipment should feel like an extension of your body.

If you're thinking about the stick during the biggest moment of the match, something probably isn't right.

Why Félix Uses Mizuno Hockey Shoes

Footwear is another area Félix has experimented with throughout his career.

At one stage, he even tried trail-running shoes.

They were good in straight lines.

Less effective for the turning and movement hockey demands.

That experimentation helped him understand why hockey-specific footwear matters.

With Mizuno, he values the combination of comfort, performance and athlete feedback.

Training Shoes vs Performance Shoes

One interesting idea Félix discusses is having different priorities for different situations.

A training shoe might focus more heavily on comfort and protection.

A match-day performance shoe could be lighter and more responsive.

For Félix, even tiny performance gains matter during competition.

That's a mindset many elite athletes share.

Everything doesn't have to make you dramatically better.

Sometimes several tiny improvements combine to create an advantage.

Rituals, Pressure and Preparing to Perform

Félix had more pre-match rituals when he was younger.

Certain items had to go on in a particular order.

Tape followed a specific routine.

Over time, he became more relaxed.

But he still believes rituals can be useful.

The key is understanding the difference between a helpful routine and superstition.

Good Rituals Put You in the Right State

If you believe you must hit every green traffic light on the way to the match or your team will lose, that's probably not helpful.

But a routine that helps you relax, visualise and gradually enter competition mode can be extremely valuable.

For major games, Félix would create space to slow down.

Legs up.

Music or reading.

Visualisation.

Then, as match time approached, the intensity would gradually increase.

The routine helped prepare the body and mind for competition.

What Can Hockey Players Learn From Félix Denayer?

Félix's career contains plenty of lessons.

Learn from the best — but develop your own identity.

Treat setbacks as part of development rather than proof that you're failing.

Choose equipment that supports your strengths rather than simply buying what another player uses.

Keep learning new skills so your game doesn't become predictable.

And when pressure increases, trust the habits you've built.

But perhaps the biggest lesson is about legacy.

Winning Olympic gold, a World Cup and a European Championship is extraordinary.

Yet Félix repeatedly returns to something bigger.

What did the team leave behind?

Did they inspire more children?

Did they strengthen Belgian hockey?

Did they make the shirt more valuable for whoever wears it next?

That's a powerful way to measure a career.

Because eventually every player has to hand the shirt over.

The goal is simply to leave it in a better place.

Watch the full Inside the Circle interview with Félix Denayer to hear more about Belgium's rise to the top of world hockey, Olympic gold, Naked Hockey, his equipment choices and the lessons he's taking into life after international hockey.