During World War I Désiré Bastin lived in England and joined Chelsea FC, playing the youth series until the end of the war in 1918. In 1919 he made his début with the A-team of the Royal Antwerpen FC. From the next year he held a regular spot and was Belgian Champion in 1929 and 1931. He played in his last two games during the 1933-1934 season. In total, he played 334 matches in the Belgian First Division and scored 83 goals. In the 1934-1935 season Bastin was loaned to FC Temsica in the Third Division, where he continued to play until 1937. Bastin earned 35 caps from 1920-32 and scored seven goals. In later life he was for many years proprietor of the inn The Oude Vogelenzang in ‘s Gravenwezel.
Belgium