Rein Van Helden (born 24 July 2002) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Belgian Pro League club Antwerp.
Career Sint-Truiden Van Helden joined the Genk youth academy in 2011 from his childhood club Genker VV. Five years later he moved to the Sint-Truiden academy. He signed his first professional contract with the club in May 2021, after having torn the anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee a few months earlier in February 2021.
Loan to MVV On 13 August 2022, Van Helden joined Eerste Divisie club MVV on a one-season loan deal. There, he made his professional debut on 19 August 2022, replacing Mart Remans in injury time of a 3–1 league win over ADO Den Haag. After a difficult start, where he was mainly a substitute, he made his first start for MVV on 16 September in a 4–1 win over Jong Ajax as a replacement for the injured Matteo Waem. He put in a strong performance during the game, and would remain a starter in central defense from then on. On 30 September in a home game against Willem II, Van Helden scored his first professional goal, heading home the 3–2 winner for MVV in the 95th minute to complete a comeback from 2–0 down.
Return to Sint-Truiden Van Helden returned to Sint-Truiden at the end of the season, and stated that he was determined to compete for playing time in the new season.
Antwerp On 23 January 2026, Van Helden joined Antwerp on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
Personal life Van Helden is the son of Koen Van Helden, who played professional football for Patro Eisden Maasmechelen, but had to retire prematurely due to a skull fracture. He would later go on to coach Bilzerse Waltwilder VV, Eendracht Mechelen-aan-de-Maas and KFC Park Houthalen.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsSint-Truiden2021–22Belgian Pro League0000—002023–24Belgian Pro League36010—3702024–25Belgian Pro League27130503512025–26Belgian Pro League21120—231Total8426050952MVV (loan)2022–23Eerste Divisie3331020362Antwerp2025–26Belgian Pro League00000000Career total117570701315
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