Axel Thomas Witsel (born 12 January 1989 in Liège) is a Belgian football player who plays for Benfica. His natural position is centre midfield and can also play attacking midfielder, but he came into the first team as a right-winger. His father has roots in Martinique (French Caribbean) and is a former football player, and his mother is Belgian.

On 17 September 2006 a 17-year-old Witsel made his debut with Standard Liège during a competitive game against FC Brussels when he replaced Steven Defour in the 89th minute. Eleven days later he made his European debut as a substitute.

During the 2007–08 season, at 18 years of age, he was a key member in the squad of Standard Liège, winners of the Belgian League title that year. During this year, he formed a very young midfield together with other Belgian talents Marouane Fellaini and Steven Defour. In the following season he scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in a two-legged playoff to decide the Championship.

On 30 August 2009, Witsel sparked controversy when he broke Marcin Wasilewski's leg by stamping on his ankle during the match between Anderlecht and Standard. Following the tackle, Witsel protested the red card, claiming that it was an accident without intent, before being sent off the pitch. He soon apologised, but was the subject of criticism from several media outlets and numerous death threats from angry Anderlecht and Poland fans. The initial ban until 23 November by the Belgian Football Association, was later reduced on appeal to eight matches.

Marcin Wasilewski (Polish pronunciation: [ˈmartɕin vaɕiˈlɛvski]; born June 9, 1980 in Kraków), commonly known as Wasyl, is a Polish defender who plays for RSC Anderlecht and the Poland national football team. He is under contract with Anderlecht until 2013.

Early in his career he played for Polish clubs Hutnik Kraków, Śląsk Wrocław, and Wisła Płock. In 2005, he moved to Amica Wronki which merged with Lech Poznań in 2006. In January 2007 he was acquired by the Belgian side Anderlecht.

Wasilewski is a right back. Despite being a defensive player, Wasilewski often scores goals. During the 2008-09 season, he was Anderlecht's third most prolific goalscorer, tied with one other player at 8 goals.

On August 30, 2009, Wasilewski suffered an open leg fracture in the 24th minute of the 1–1 Jupiler League draw between Anderlecht and Standard Liège when Liège's Axel Witsel made a challenge. Witsel was red carded for the offence. Wasilewski underwent corrective surgery for open fractures to both the tibia and fibula. Witsel was suspended for 8 games by the Belgian FA over the incident, after an appeal.