Penders

Mike Louis Penders (born 31 July 2005) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Ligue 1 club Strasbourg, on loan from Premier League club Chelsea.

Penders is a youth product of Boorsem Sport and Bregel Sport, before moving to the academy of Genk in 2018.

On 30 April 2021, he signed his first contract with Genk. On 25 May 2022, he extended his contract until 2025.

In the 2022–23 season, he was promoted to their reserve team Jong Genk. He made his debut in a 4–1 victory against Lierse.

On 23 August 2023, he again extended his contract until 2028. He was made captain of Jong Genk in the 2023–24 season

Following the departure of Maarten Vandevoordt and injury to Hendrik Van Crombrugge, Penders made his senior debut with the Genk first team in a 0–0 Belgian Pro League tie with Standard Liège on 28 July 2024. At 18 years and 363 days, he was the third youngest goalkeeper to debut in the history of the league.

On 27 August 2024, it was announced that Penders would join Premier League club Chelsea in the summer of 2025.

On 28 July 2025, Penders joined Ligue 1 club Strasbourg on a season-long loan deal.

Penders is a youth international for Belgium. In 2023 he was called up to the Belgium U19s where he acted as captain.