Radja Nainggolan

Nainggolan was born in Antwerp,{{cite news|url=https://www.lavenir.net/sports/football/2024/04/12/cest-une-pipe-radja-nainggolan-se-paye-un-international-francais-RL3N4MMLMJGKFC232NDMCN3TZU/|title="C'est une pipe!": Radja Nainggolan se paye un international français|trans-title="He's a wanker!": Radja Nainggolan mocks French international|newspaper=L'Avenir|language=fr|date=12 April 2024|access-date=3 September 2024}} the son of Lizy Bogaerts, a Belgian woman who raised him with his three half brothers and his twin sister,{{cite web|url=http://www.tempo.co/read/news/2013/06/12/099487660/Tottenham-Incar-Radja-Nainggolan|title=Tottenham incar Radja Nainggolan|trans-title=Tottenham want Radja Nainggolan|publisher=Tempo|language=id|date=12 June 2013|access-date=8 January 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://ganlob.com/2013/06/15109/radja-nainggolan-diincar-klub-besar-eropa/|title=Radja Nainggolan diincar klub besar Eropa|trans-title=Radja Nainggolan drafted by big European club|publisher=Ganlob|last=Adriansah|first=Oleh|language=id|date=16 June 2013|access-date=8 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108121319/http://ganlob.com/2013/06/15109/radja-nainggolan-diincar-klub-besar-eropa/|archive-date=8 January 2014}} and Marianus Nainggolan, an Indonesian of Toba Batak background and member of the Batak Christian Protestant Church.{{cite web|url=http://www.mahasiswabatak.com/2013/06/radja-nainggolan-bangga-bermarga-batak.html|title=Radja Nainggolan bangga bermarga Batak|publisher=Mahasiswa Batak|language=id|date=June 2013|access-date=8 January 2014|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108121411/http://www.mahasiswabatak.com/2013/06/radja-nainggolan-bangga-bermarga-batak.html|archive-date=8 January 2014}} He was raised in Kiel, a working-class and multicultural neighbourhood of the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.voetbal24.be/news/74955/nainggolan-zwaar-in-de-clinch-met-beerschot-supporters|title=Nainggolan zwaar in de clinch met Beerschot-supporters|trans-title=Nainggolan has serious run-in with Beerschot supporters|publisher=Voetbal 24|language=nl|date=5 December 2021|access-date=3 June 2022}} His father abandoned the family when Nainggolan was still a child.{{cite web|url=http://www.ilveromilanista.it/milan/29-12-2013/la-gds-racconta-nainggolan-cresciuto-senza-padre-salvato-dalla-madre.html/|title=La GdS racconta Nainggolan: cresciuto senza padre, salvato dalla madre|trans-title=GdS tells of Nainggolan: grown up without a father, rescued by mother|publisher=Il Vero Milanista|last=Barbon|first=Luca|language=it|date=29 December 2013|access-date=8 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108122702/http://www.ilveromilanista.it/milan/29-12-2013/la-gds-racconta-nainggolan-cresciuto-senza-padre-salvato-dalla-madre.html/|archive-date=8 January 2014}}

Nainggolan's mother died in 2010,{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttocagliari.net/news/grave-lutto-per-nainggolan-8916|title=Grave lutto per Nainggolan|trans-title=Serious mourning for Nainggolan|publisher=Tutto Cagliari|last=Schirru|first=Niccolò|language=it|date=19 October 2010|access-date=8 January 2014}} and after her death he tattooed two large wings on his back with her dates of birth and death.{{cite web|url=http://www.squer.it/of/nainggolan-alla-roma/|title=5 cose da sapere su Radja Nainggolan|trans-title=5 things you should know about Radja Nainggolan|publisher=Squer|last=Casati|first=Fabio|language=it|date=7 January 2014|access-date=8 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109133122/http://www.squer.it/of/nainggolan-alla-roma/|archive-date=9 January 2014}} He was raised Roman Catholic and speaks Dutch, English, French and Italian fluently.{{cite web|url=http://www.aserramanna.it/2011/05/radja-nainggolan-serramannese-d%E2%80%99adozione/|title=Radja Nainggolan, serramannese d'adozione|trans-title=Radja Nainggolan, serramannese by adoption|publisher=A Serramanna|language=it|date=11 May 2011|access-date=8 January 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/sorpresa-nainggolan-a-firenze-meglio-che-a-lecce-284288|title=Sorpresa Nainggolan: 'A Firenze meglio che a Lecce'|trans-title=Surprise Nainggolan: 'Better in Florence than Lecce'|publisher=Calcio Mercato|language=it|date=3 December 2010|access-date=8 January 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KalIZzuy724|title=R Nainggolan après Andorre Belgique|trans-title=R Nainggolan after Andorra Belgium|publisher=YouTube|language=fr|date=11 October 2015|access-date=19 September 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/KalIZzuy724|archive-date=15 December 2021}}{{cbignore}}

Nainggolan began playing football with Tubantia Borgerhout at the age of five.{{cite web|url=http://www.laroma24.it/rubriche/la-penna-degli-altri/2014/02/anversa-a-casa-di-nainggolan/|title=Anversa, a casa di Nainggolan|trans-title=Antwerp, at Nainggolan's|publisher=La Roma 24|last=Calabresi|first=M.|language=it|date=14 February 2014|access-date=27 February 2017}} Seven years later he moved to the youth team of Germinal Beerschot, where he remained until 2005,{{cite news|url=http://ricerca.gelocal.it/lanuovasardegna/archivio/lanuovasardegna/2012/09/05/NZ_41_02.html|title="Ho sbagliato un gol fatto col Palermo ci riproverò"|trans-title=I missed a clear goal with Palermo I will regret|newspaper=La Nuova Sardegna|last=Frongia|first=Mario|language=it|date=5 September 2012|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203031941/http://ricerca.gelocal.it/lanuovasardegna/archivio/lanuovasardegna/2012/09/05/NZ_41_02.html|archive-date=3 December 2013}} when he moved to Italian Serie B club Piacenza. He made his senior debut on 28 May 2006 during a home defeat to Arezzo, being inserted permanently into the first team the following season.

In the 2008–09 campaign, Nainggolan became a starter for the Emilia-Romagna side, playing 38 of 42 games and scoring three goals, which contributed to them avoiding relegation.

On 27 January 2010, Nainggolan was loaned to Cagliari with a buyout clause.{{cite web|url=http://www.cagliaricalcio.com/news/ultimissime/5492/null|title=Nainggolan: "Vengo per migliorare" – "La Serie A è un sogno"|trans-title=Nainggolan: "I come to improve" – "Serie A is a dream"|publisher=Cagliari Calcio|language=it|date=27 January 2010|access-date=25 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002432/http://www.cagliaricalcio.com/news/ultimissime/5492/null|archive-date=4 March 2016}} He made his Serie A debut on 7 February, playing seven minutes in a 3–0 away loss against Inter Milan.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/278356?cc=5739|title=Internazionale 3–0 Cagliari|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=7 February 2010|access-date=17 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717035121/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/278356?cc=5739|archive-date=17 July 2012}} After making seven appearances (including being sent off a few minutes after entering the field on 28 February against Chievo),{{cite web|url=http://www.blitzquotidiano.it/sport/serie-a-chievo-cagliari-2-1-decidono-de-paula-e-granoche-264355/|title=Serie A, Chievo-Cagliari 2–1: decidono De Paula e Granoche|trans-title=Serie A, Chievo-Cagliari 2–1: De Paula and Granoche settle it|publisher=Blitz Quotidiano|language=it|date=28 February 2010|access-date=1 June 2017}} the club announced it had acquired 50% of his rights in a co-ownership deal.{{cite web|url=https://www.tuttob.com/piacenza/ufficiale-il-cagliari-esercita-il-diritto-di-riscatto-per-nainggolan-18696|title=Ufficiale: Il Cagliari esercita il diritto di riscatto per Nainggolan|trans-title=Official: Cagliari exercise redeeming right on Nainggolan|publisher=Tutto B|last=Airò|first=Valerio|language=it|date=21 June 2010|access-date=1 June 2017}}

In the first part of 2010–11, under manager Pierpaolo Bisoli, Nainggolan started often due to the absence of Daniele Conti. On 31 October 2010 he scored his first goal in the Italian top division, from a right-footed volley in a 2–0 home win over Bologna.{{cite web|url=https://www.bolognafc.it/cagliari-amara/|title=Cagliari amara|trans-title=Cagliari bag it|publisher=Bologna F.C|language=it|date=31 October 2010|access-date=1 June 2017}} On 31 January 2011, Cagliari redeemed the second half of his contract from Piacenza.{{cite web|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/cagliari/?action=read&idtmw=251679|title=UFFICIALE: il Cagliari riscatta Nainggolan dal Piacenza|trans-title=OFFICIAL: Cagliari redeem Nainggolan from Piacenza|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|last=Zorzoli|first=Fabrizio|language=it|date=31 January 2011|access-date=1 June 2017}}

In early October 2013, after three seasons as an undisputed first-choice,{{cite web|url=http://www.cagliarinews24.com/e-nainggolan-il-re-dei-contrasti-3331.html|title=È Nainggolan il re dei contrasti|trans-title=Nainggolan is the king of tackles|publisher=Cagliari News 24|language=it|date=29 May 2013|access-date=7 January 2014}} Nainggolan agreed to an extension until 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/cagliari-nainggolan-rinnovo-e-scaramanzia-per-allontanare-le-big-490130|title=Cagliari, Nainggolan: rinnovo e scaramanzia per allontanare le big|trans-title=Cagliari, Nainggolan: renewal and good luck to stave off the big|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|last=Lazzerini|first=Pietro|language=it|date=5 October 2013|access-date=7 January 2014}} His performances with the Rossoblu made him especially popular among their fans, who named him in a top 11 list comprising the best players in the history of the Sardinian club.{{cite web|url=http://www.cagliaricalcio.com/SpecialeTop11|title=Speciale: Top 11|trans-title=Special: Top 11|publisher=Cagliari Calcio|language=it|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826031942/http://www.cagliaricalcio.com/SpecialeTop11|archive-date=26 August 2017}}

File:CSKA-Roma (5).jpg in 2014]]

On 7 January 2014, Nainggolan was loaned to fellow top-flight team Roma until the end of the campaign for a fee of €3 million, with an option to purchase 50% of his rights in the ensuing summer for €6 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0211-0f8a36217063-8f0b763a081b-1000--nainggolan-coming-to-roma/|title=Nainggolan coming to Roma|publisher=UEFA|date=7 January 2014|access-date=3 February 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/news/story/_/id/1674289/serie-roma-secure-radja-nainggolan|title=Roma secure Radja Nainggolan|publisher=ESPN|date=8 January 2014|access-date=3 February 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203114107/https://www.espn.com/soccer/news/story/_/id/1674289/serie-roma-secure-radja-nainggolan|archive-date=3 February 2023}} He made his debut two days later, starting in a 1–0 home victory over Sampdoria for the Coppa Italia which qualified for the quarter-finals.{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/09-01-2014/roma-sampdoria-1-0-decide-torosidis-c-juventus-quarti-202022482536.shtml|title=Coppa Italia, Roma-Sampdoria 1–0, decide Torosidis: c'è la Juventus nei quarti|trans-title=Italian Cup, Roma-Sampdoria 1–0, Torosidis decides it: it's Juventus in last-eight|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=9 January 2014|access-date=13 February 2014}} In the same competition, he also helped dispose of Juventus in said stage by playing the full 90 minutes at the end of the month.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/it/match/128990/roma-vs-juventus/report|title=Roma-Juventus 1–0: Vendetta servita, Gervinho manda la Lupa in semifinale|trans-title=Roma-Juventus 1–0: Revenge served, Gervinho sends She-wolf to semifinals|publisher=Goal|language=it|date=21 January 2014|access-date=13 February 2014}}

On 22 February 2014, Nainggolan scored his first goal for the capital side, grabbing the 1–0 winner against Bologna.{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-italy-idUKBREA1L14V20140222|title=Nainggolan's first Roma goal sinks Bologna|publisher=Reuters|last=Daley|first=Terry|date=22 February 2014|access-date=5 July 2021|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306133820/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-italy-idUKBREA1L14V20140222|archive-date=6 March 2016}} His second, which arrived on 19 April against Fiorentina (same result), ensured his team automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27090272|title=World Cup watch: Lionel Messi, Radamel Falcao & Carlos Tevez|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 April 2014|access-date=22 April 2014}}

Nainggolan signed a permanent deal with Roma in the 2015 off-season, for €9 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.asroma.it/pdf/2015-06-24-Nainggolan.pdf|title=Operazioni di mercato – Radja Nainggolan|trans-title=Transfer market – Radja Nainggolan|publisher=A.S. Roma|language=it|date=24 June 2015|access-date=25 June 2015}} On 6 July 2016 he renewed his contract until June 2020,{{cite web|url=https://football-italia.net/nainggolan-staying-at-roma-2/|title=Nainggolan: 'Staying at Roma'|publisher=Football Italia|date=6 July 2016|access-date=3 February 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11861/10494402/chelsea-target-radja-nainggolan-staying-at-roma|title=Chelsea target Radja Nainggolan staying at Roma|publisher=Sky Sports|last=Wilkinson|first=Jack|date=6 July 2016|access-date=7 July 2016}} extending it a further year the following summer.{{cite web|url=http://www.asroma.com/en/news/2017/7/radja-nainggolan-signs-new-long-term-contract-with-roma|title=Nainggolan signs new long-term contract|publisher=A.S. Roma|date=27 July 2017|access-date=1 August 2017}}

On 26 June 2018, Nainggolan signed with Inter Milan for €38 million (€24 million plus Davide Santon and Nicolò Zaniolo, valued at €14 million){{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44609091|title=Radja Nainggolan: Roma midfielder joins Inter in £33m swap deal|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 June 2018|access-date=19 July 2018}} until June 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.inter.it/it/news/87993/welcomeninja-nainggolan-a-nerazzurro|title=#WelcomeNinja: Nainggolan è nerazzurro!|publisher=Inter Milan|language=it|date=26 June 2018|access-date=26 June 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626163934/https://www.inter.it/it/news/87993/welcomeninja-nainggolan-a-nerazzurro|archive-date=26 June 2018}} He scored in his league debut on 1 September, helping the visitors defeat Bologna 3–0,{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/nainggolans-goal-on-debut-paves-way-for-inters-first-win/2018/09/01/d73eb052-ae12-11e8-9a7d-cd30504ff902_story.html?noredirect=on|title=Nainggolan's goal on debut paves way for Inter's first win|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=1 September 2018|access-date=1 September 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074449/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/nainggolans-goal-on-debut-paves-way-for-inters-first-win/2018/09/01/d73eb052-ae12-11e8-9a7d-cd30504ff902_story.html?noredirect=on|archive-date=1 March 2019}} and just over a month later he netted the equaliser in a 2–1 comeback win at PSV in the Champions League group stage to become the first-ever Belgian to score for the club in the competition.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/match/885412/psv-vs-fc-internazionale/report|title=PSV 1 Inter 2: Nainggolan, Icardi complete another comeback|publisher=Goal|last=Dorman|first=Matt|date=3 October 2018|access-date=4 October 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.inter.it/en/news/64413/psv-1-2-inter-all-you-need-to-know|title=PSV 1–2 Inter, all you need to know|publisher=Inter Milan|date=4 October 2018|access-date=4 October 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004145017/https://www.inter.it/en/news/64413/psv-1-2-inter-all-you-need-to-know|archive-date=4 October 2018}}

In August 2019, Nainggolan returned to Cagliari on a season-long loan.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/nainggolan-leaves-inter-on-cagliari-loan-as-belgian/upq6hbgadrqu10jou5nc90qo5|title=Nainggolan leaves Inter on Cagliari loan as Belgian midfielder heads 'home'|publisher=Goal|last=Burton|first=Chris|date=5 August 2019|access-date=6 August 2019}} He was named the league's MVP for November, with two long-range goals and three assists in three matches to help his team to reach fourth place.{{cite web|url=https://football-italia.net/nainggolan-is-novembers-best/|title=Nainggolan is November's best|publisher=Football Italia|last=Mork|first=Martin|date=29 November 2019|access-date=3 February 2023}}

Nainggolan returned to the Sardegna Arena on 31 December 2020, again on loan.{{cite web|url=https://football-italia.net/official-nainggolan-returns-to-cagliari-2/|title=Official: Nainggolan returns to Cagliari|publisher=Football Italia|last=Mork|first=Martin|date=31 December 2020|access-date=3 February 2023}}

On 10 August 2021, Inter Milan announced that Nainggolan's contract with the club had been terminated by mutual consent;{{cite press release|url=https://www.inter.it/en/news/2021/08/10/radja-nainggolan-inter-mutual-termination.html|title=Radja Nainggolan contract terminated by mutual consent|publisher=Inter Milan|date=10 August 2021|access-date=15 August 2021}} four days later, the 33-year-old signed a two-year deal with Royal Antwerp.{{cite press release|url=https://royalantwerpfc.be/nieuws/welkom-op-de-bosuil-radja-nainggolan|title=Welkom op de Bosuil, Radja Nainggolan|trans-title=Welcome to the Bosuil, Radja Nainggolan|publisher=Royal Antwerp|language=nl|date=14 August 2021|access-date=15 August 2021}} He made his debut in his country's First Division on 22 September, starting in the 4–2 home victory against Genk.{{cite news|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/sportwereld/live/voetbal/328798|title=Antwerp wervelt nog eens voor eigen publiek en wint overtuigend van Genk|trans-title=Antwerp with another bang in front of home fans to defeat Genk convincingly|newspaper=Het Nieuwsblad|last=Van den Broeck|first=David|language=nl|date=22 September 2021|access-date=1 December 2021}} His first goal in the competition was the game's only away to neighbours Beerschot on 5 December, and he dedicated the goal to his late mother whose honour had been insulted by the local fans.

On 17 October 2022, Nainggolan was suspended indefinitely by Antwerp after being arrested for driving with an expired driver's licence and later smoking an electronic cigarette on the bench ahead of a 3–0 loss at Standard Liége.{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/antwerp-suspend-nainggolan-indefinitely-over-general-misconduct-3012371|title=Antwerp suspend Nainggolan indefinitely over general misconduct|publisher=CNA|date=18 October 2022|access-date=18 October 2022|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017235134/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/antwerp-suspend-nainggolan-indefinitely-over-general-misconduct-3012371|archive-date=17 October 2022}} In December, he left by mutual consent.{{cite web|url=https://sportmagazine.levif.be/foot-national/jupiler-pro-league-1a/la-fin-du-ninja-les-chemins-de-lantwerp-et-de-radja-nainggolan-se-separent/|title=La fin du Ninja: les chemins de l'Antwerp et de Radja Nainggolan se séparent|trans-title=End for the Ninja: Antwerp and Radja Nainggolan part ways|publisher=Sport Magazine|language=fr|date=21 December 2022|access-date=2 January 2023}}

After weeks of speculation, on 30 January 2023 Nainggolan officially joined Italian second-tier club SPAL, coached by former Roma team-mate and friend Daniele De Rossi, on a free transfer, signing a five-month contract with an option for one more season in case of promotion.{{cite web|url=https://www.spalferrara.it/en/news/2023-01-30-radja-nainggolan-is-biancazzurro|title=Radja Nainggolan is biancazzurro!|publisher=S.P.A.L.|date=30 January 2023|access-date=3 February 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/it/notizie/nainggolan-spal-ufficiale/blt373e87ce313fd5f0|title=Nainggolan alla SPAL: arriva l'annuncio ufficiale|trans-title=Nainggolan to SPAL: here's the official announcement|publisher=Goal|last=Conflitti|first=Gabriele|language=it|date=30 January 2023|access-date=30 January 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rtbf.be/article/radja-nainggolan-va-tenter-de-rebondir-a-la-spal-en-serie-b-italienne-11144856|title=Radja Nainggolan va tenter de rebondir à la Spal, en Serie B italienne|trans-title=Radja Nainggolan will try to make a name for himself again at Spal, in Italian Serie B|publisher=RTBF|last=Lizin|first=Cédric|language=fr|date=30 January 2023|access-date=30 January 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://sporza.be/nl/2023/01/27/officieel-radja-nainggolan-schiet-boezemvriend-te-hulp-en-tekent-bij-italiaanse-tweedeklasser~1674853159304/|title=Officieel: Radja Nainggolan schiet boezemvriend te hulp en tekent bij Italiaanse tweedeklasser|trans-title=Official: Radja Nainggolan helps close friend and signs with Italian second-division team|publisher=Sporza|language=nl|date=30 January 2023|access-date=30 January 2023}} Not only was this not achieved, they were relegated as second-bottom.{{cite news|url=https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-b/2023/05/14-107725217/benevento_e_spal_i_perche_della_retrocessione_in_c|title=Benevento e Spal: i perché della retrocessione in C|trans-title=Benevento and Spal: why did they go down to C|newspaper=Tuttosport|last=Scaduto|first=Gianluca|language=it|date=14 May 2023|access-date=29 November 2023}}

In late November 2023, Nainggolan agreed to a deal at Bhayangkara, being acquired in an effort from the side to avoid relegation from the Liga 1 by replacing several foreign players.{{cite news|url=https://www.bolasport.com/read/313957893/resmi-bhayangkara-fc-konfirmasi-kedatangan-radja-nainggolan|title=RESMI – Bhayangkara FC Konfirmasi Kedatangan Radja Nainggolan|trans-title=OFFICIAL – Bhayangkara FC confirm arrival of Radja Nainggolan|newspaper=Bola|last=Rohman|first=Abdul|language=id|date=29 November 2023|access-date=29 November 2023}} He was under contract for the remainder of the season, and was reported to be earning IDR 1 billion per month with a bonus of IDR 416 million per appearance;{{cite news|url=https://sport.solopos.com/debut-di-bhayangkara-fc-radja-nainggolan-digaji-rp1-miliar-per-bulan-1822852|title=Debut di Bhayangkara FC, Radja Nainggolan Digaji Rp1 Miliar per Bulan|trans-title=Making debut for Bhayangkara FC, Radja Nainggolan earns IDR 1 billion per month|newspaper=Solopos|last=Nadzib|first=Abu|language=id|date=18 December 2023|access-date=8 January 2024}} in his first press conference, he admitted that he was not aware of an Indonesian league but would "give his best so that Bhayangkara can remain in Liga 1."{{cite web|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/olahraga/20231205055741-142-1032874/radja-nainggolan-tak-tahu-liga-1-yang-penting-fokus|title=Radja Nainggolan Tak Tahu Liga 1: Yang Penting Fokus|trans-title=Radja Nainggolan does not know Liga 1: Focus is the most important thing|publisher=CNN Indonesia|language=id|date=5 December 2023|access-date=8 January 2024}}

After failing to appear in the previous match against PSM Makassar,{{cite web|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/olahraga/20231219013828-142-1038944/untung-rugi-bhayangkara-fc-usai-debut-radja-nainggolan-di-liga-1|title=Untung Rugi Bhayangkara FC usai Debut Radja Nainggolan di Liga 1|trans-title=Bhayangkara FC profits and losses following Radja Nainggolan's Liga 1 debut|publisher=CNN Indonesia|last=Ikhwanuddin|first=Muhammad|language=id|date=19 December 2023|access-date=8 January 2024}} Nainggolan made his debut as a substitute on 17 December in a 3–0 win over Persita Tangerang, his team's first in 17 league games.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/olahraga/20231217203309-142-1038437/radja-nainggolan-debut-di-liga-1-cannon-ball-dan-nyaris-blunder|title=Radja Nainggolan Debut di Liga 1: Cannon Ball dan Nyaris Blunder|trans-title=Radja Nainggolan debuts in Liga 1: Cannonball and almost a blunder|publisher=CNN Indonesia|language=id|date=17 December 2023|access-date=20 December 2023}} He scored his only goal on 16 March 2024, in a 2–3 home defeat to Dewa United.{{cite web|url=https://skor.id/post/hasil-bhayangkara-fc-vs-dewa-united-gol-debut-radja-nainggolan-gagal-hindarkan-the-guardians-dari-kekalahan|title=Hasil Bhayangkara FC vs Dewa United: Gol Debut Radja Nainggolan Gagal Hindarkan The Guardians dari Kekalahan|trans-title=Radja Nainggolan's debut goal failed to prevent Guardians from losing|publisher=Skor|last=Pangestu|first=Sumargo|language=id|date=16 March 2024|access-date=7 April 2024}}

On 21 January 2025, Nainggolan signed for Challenger Pro League club Lokeren-Temse on a five-month deal.{{cite web|url=https://www.sporting.be/sporting-haalt-radja-nainggolan-naar-daknam/|title=Sporting haalt RADJA NAINGGOLAN naar Daknam!|trans-title=Sporting bring RADJA NAINGGOLAN to Daknam!|publisher=K.S.C. Lokeren-Temse|language=nl|date=21 January 2025|access-date=23 January 2025}} On his debut, he scored an Olympic goal in a 1–1 home draw against Lierse.{{cite web|url=https://sporza.be/nl/matches/voetbal/challenger-pro-league/2024-2025/regulier/19/ksc-lokeren-temse-k-lierse-sk-je-kunt-het-niet-verzinnen-debuterende-radja-nainggolan-steelt-meteen-de-show-met-olympisch-doelpunt~1718133011217/|title=Je kunt het niet verzinnen! Debuterende Radja Nainggolan steelt meteen de show met olympisch doelpunt|trans-title=You can't make this up! Debutant Radja Nainggolan immediately steals the show with Olympic goal|publisher=Sporza|language=nl|date=24 January 2025|access-date=25 January 2025}}

File:Radja Nainggolan.JPG in 2009]]

Due to his father's heritage, Nainggolan was eligible to represent both Indonesia and Belgium, but ultimately chose to play for the latter nation.{{cite news|url=https://www.bolasport.com/italia/319793-radja-nainggolan-saya-tak-pernah-menyangkal-berasal-dari-indonesia?page=all|title=Radja Nainggolan: Saya Tak Pernah Menyangkal Berasal dari Indonesia|trans-title=Radja Nainggolan: I have never denied coming from Indonesia|newspaper=Bola|last=Reza Murti|first=Bagas|language=id|date=27 November 2018|access-date=23 December 2018}} He took part at the 2007–09 International Challenge Trophy finals, a tournament which the under-23 team won.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eurochall-u23-09.html|title=International Challenge Trophy (U-23) 2007/09|publisher=RSSSF|last=Garin|first=Erik|access-date=7 December 2019}}

Nainggolan earned his first senior cap on 29 May 2009, against Chile in the Kirin Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.dhnet.be/sports/diables-rouges/article/264863/kirin-cup-de-laet-kitoko-et-nainggolan-aussi.html|title=Kirin Cup: De Laet, Kitoko et Nainggolan aussi|trans-title=Kirin Cup: De Laet, also Kitoko and Nainggolan|publisher=DH|language=fr|date=27 May 2009|access-date=17 January 2012}} He scored his first goal for the Red Devils on 5 March 2014, in a 2–2 friendly draw with Côte d'Ivoire.

On 13 May 2014, Nainggolan was selected in a standby list for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BelRedDevils/status/466187972594139136|title=World Cup squad announcement – Belgium|publisher=Twitter|date=13 May 2014|access-date=13 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-au/news/4029/europe/2014/05/13/4815376/januzaj-makes-belgium-provisional-world-cup-squad|title=Januzaj makes Belgium provisional World Cup squad|publisher=Goal|date=13 May 2014|access-date=4 June 2014}} He did not make the final cut, however.

Nainggolan was a starter for the Marc Wilmots-led side during the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.{{cite web|url=http://www.belgofoot.be/nainggolan-januzaj-batshuayi-and-other-tricky-questions-for-wilmots/|title=Nainggolan, Januzaj, Batshuayi and other tricky questions for Wilmots|publisher=Belgo Foot|date=19 March 2015|access-date=15 October 2015}} He scored in an away draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina,{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/0253-0d7f6b32e25c-88cd8e576fbe-1000--belgium-make-point-at-bosnia-and-herzegovina/|title=Belgium make point at Bosnia and Herzegovina|publisher=UEFA|last=Krvavac|first=Fedja|date=13 October 2014|access-date=15 October 2015}} and a 4–1 win in Andorra as the team qualified for the tournament for the first time in 16 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/0253-0d80c202a5be-6911d9e51b36-1000--belgium-stroll-past-andorra-to-qualify/|title=Belgium stroll past Andorra to qualify|publisher=UEFA|date=10 October 2015|access-date=15 October 2015}}

Nainggolan was selected to the finals in France.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/29908/10300579/marc-wilmots-unveils-belgium-squad-for-euro-2016|title=Marc Wilmots unveils Belgium squad for Euro 2016|publisher=Sky Sports|date=31 May 2016|access-date=13 June 2016}} He made his debut in the tournament on 13 June, playing 62 minutes in a 2–0 loss against Italy.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d81a661e0bd-75bfe9c1fdbc-1000--impressive-italy-leave-belgium-floored-in-euro-2016-group-e/|title=Impressive Italy leave Belgium floored|publisher=UEFA|last=Burke|first=Chris|date=13 June 2016|access-date=13 June 2016}} After featuring as a second-half substitute in the second game, a 3–0 defeat of the Republic of Ireland,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=438183|title=Romelu Lukaku scores twice as Belgium beat Rep of Ireland|publisher=ESPN|date=18 June 2016|access-date=13 October 2020}} he returned to the starting XI against Sweden, scoring the game's only goal at the Stade de Nice after a counter-attack to send his country to the knockout stage as second;{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=438169|title=Belgium send Sweden and Zlatan Ibrahimovic packing from Euro 2016|publisher=ESPN|date=22 June 2016|access-date=13 October 2020}} in the quarter-finals, he netted from 25 metres to put his country ahead against Wales after 12 minutes, but in an eventual 3–1 loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=438159|title=Wales shock Belgium to reach semifinals at Euro 2016|publisher=ESPN|date=1 July 2016|access-date=13 October 2020}}

On 26 August 2017, aged 29, Nainggolan announced that he would be retiring from international football after not being selected for Belgium's upcoming World Cup qualifiers, and stated that he would be focusing on his club career with Roma.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/108801/nainggolan-i-quit-belgium|title=Nainggolan: 'I quit Belgium!'|publisher=Football Italia|last=Campanale|first=Susy|date=26 August 2017|access-date=1 October 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Roma/26-08-2017/nainggolan-lascia-belgio-polemica-ora-solo-roma-22097403519.shtml|title=Nainggolan lascia il Belgio con polemica: "Ora solo la Roma"|trans-title=Nainggolan leaves Belgium with controversy: "Only Roma now"|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|last=Zucchelli|first=Chiara|language=it|date=26 August 2017|access-date=1 October 2017}} However, he was selected by new manager Roberto Martínez for friendlies against Mexico and Japan in November,{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/belgium/story/3256951/belgium-call-up-adnan-januzaj-radja-nainggolan-for-mexico-japan-games|title=Belgium call up Adnan Januzaj, Radja Nainggolan for Mexico, Japan games|publisher=ESPN FC|date=3 November 2017|access-date=14 November 2017}} only to pull out due to injury.{{cite web|url=https://football-italia.net/official-nainggolan-out-of-belgium-squad/|title=Official: Nainggolan out of Belgium squad|publisher=Football Italia|date=10 November 2017|access-date=3 February 2023}}

On 21 May 2018, after once again not being picked for the upcoming World Cup in Russia, Nainggolan retired from the international scene.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/29908/11380541/radja-nainggolan-left-out-of-belgium-world-cup-squad|title=Radja Nainggolan left out of Belgium World Cup squad|publisher=Sky Sports|date=21 May 2018|access-date=21 May 2018}}

Nainggolan is a quick, dynamic, hard-working, physically strong and versatile midfielder, who is capable of playing in several midfield positions; possessing good vision, passing range, and technique, he is often used as a playmaker in front of his team's defensive line.{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/born-poverty-established-italy-ready-england-meet-radja-nainggolan|title=Born into poverty, established in Italy, ready for England: meet Radja Nainggolan|publisher=FourFourTwo|last=Digby|first=Adam|date=23 April 2015|access-date=27 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/why-romas-nainggolan-should-be-antonio-contes-chelsea-priority|title=Why Roma's Nainggolan should be Antonio Conte's Chelsea priority|publisher=FourFourTwo|last=Newman|first=Blair|date=12 April 2016|access-date=27 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.asroma.com/it/notizie/2017/01/radja-nainggolan-un-centrocampista-completo|title=Radja Nainggolan: il centrocampista completo|trans-title=Radja Nainggolan: the complete midfielder|publisher=A.S. Roma|language=it|date=26 January 2017|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cagliarinews24.com/radja-nainggolan-il-vice-conti-fatto-in-casa-1445/|title=Radja Nainggolan, il vice-Conti "fatto in casa"|trans-title=Radja Nainggolan, the "homegrown" vice-Conti|publisher=Cagliari News 24|language=it|date=11 March 2013|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.it/news/411352/calciomercato-roma-stretta-per-nainggolan-presto-il-ritocco-dellingaggio-ma-attenzione-a-chelsea-e-city.html|title=Calciomercato Roma, stretta per il ritocco dell'ingaggio di Nainggolan: ma attenzione a Chelsea e City|trans-title=Calciomercato Roma, close to new Nainggolan deal: but beware of Chelsea and City|publisher=Calcio Mercato|language=it|date=20 January 2017|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Coppa-Italia/Roma/28-02-2017/roma-spalletti-vorrei-10-nainggolan-non-nomina-mai-lazio-1801030638372.shtml|title=Roma, Spalletti: "Vorrei 10 Nainggolan". E non-nomina mai la Lazio...|trans-title=Roma, Spalletti: "I want 10 Nainggolans". And he does not mention Lazio once...|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|last=Zucchelli|first=Chiara|language=it|date=28 February 2017|access-date=22 March 2017}} He is also known for his attacking drive, ability to get forward and eye for goal from midfield, courtesy of his powerful and accurate striking ability from distance, as well as his movement and ability to make late attacking runs off the ball; his talent, energy, skill, and wide range of attributes led to him being used in a more offensive role as an advanced playmaker behind the two forwards during his time with Cagliari.{{cite news|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/serie-a/roma/2017/01/20-20281381/roma-sampdoria_nainggolan_ora_un_bomber_7_gol_gi_battuto_il_suo_record/|title=Roma-Sampdoria, Nainggolan ora è un bomber: 7 gol, già battuto il suo record|trans-title=Roma-Sampdoria, Nainggolan is a bomber now: 7 goals, has already broken his record|newspaper=Corriere dello Sport|last=Minutiello|first=Valerio|language=it|date=20 January 2017|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/serie-a/roma/2016/10/14-16325735/roma_spalletti_ha_tolto_unala_e_cos_dzeko_ha_pi_spazio/|title=Roma, Spalletti ha tolto un'ala e così Dzeko ha più spazio|trans-title=Roma, Spalletti has removed a wing and so Dzeko has more room|newspaper=Corriere dello Sport|last=Polverosi|first=Alberto|language=it|date=14 October 2016|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.asroma.com/en/news/2016/5/florenzi-nainggolan-and-pjanic-in-the-2015-16-serie-a-team-of-the-year-on-uefa-com|title=Florenzi, Nainggolan and Pjanic named in UEFA's Serie A team of the year|publisher=A.S. Roma|date=23 May 2016|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Cagliari/notizie/19-01-2013/nainggolan-trequartista-dietro-sau-ibarbo-913891984934.shtml|title=Nainggolan trequartista dietro a Sau-Ibarbo|trans-title=Nainggolan trequartista behind Sau-Ibarbo|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|last=Masu|first=Alberto|language=it|date=19 January 2013|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cagliarinews24.com/nainggolan-trequartista-cerco-sempre-di-impegnarmi-2735/|title=Nainggolan: "Trequartista? Cerco sempre di impegnarmi"|trans-title=Nainggolan: "Trequartista? I always try the best I can"|publisher=Cagliari News 24|language=it|date=4 May 2013|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.lastampa.it/2014/04/14/sport/calcio/cagliari-il-calciatore-nainggolan-denunciato-per-maltrattamenti-qWQEjDqAMK0CAWlHgWVbYN/pagina.html|title=Schiaffi e pugni alla moglie in strada Nainggolan finisce nei guai a Cagliari|trans-title=Slapping and punching of wife in the street Nainggolan gets in trouble in Cagliari|newspaper=La Stampa|last=Pinna|first=Nicola|language=it|date=14 April 2014|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/serie-a/roma/2017/02/26-22213457/roma_nainggolan_bolide_a_100_km_h_juventus_arriviamo/?cookieAccept|title=Roma: Nainggolan, bolide a 100 km/h: "Juventus, arriviamo"|trans-title=Roma: Nainggolan, fireball at 60 m/h: "Juventus, here we come"|newspaper=Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=22 February 2017|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/news/1156996|title=Ranking the 10 best players in Serie A|publisher=The Score|last=Lopopolo|first=Anthony|date=19 November 2016|access-date=22 March 2017}}

Due to his pace, stamina, tenacity and aggressive tackling, as well as his willingness and ability to chase down and press opponents off the ball, Nainggolan is also a good ball-winner, and has frequently been used in a box-to-box role;{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/belgium/10721378/World-Cup-2014-Belgium-and-Roma-midfielder-Radja-Nainggolan-will-he-stay-or-will-he-go-to-finals-in-Brazil.html|title=World Cup 2014: Belgium and Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan – will he stay or will he go to finals in Brazil?|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|last=Chapman|first=John|date=25 March 2014|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Roma/20-03-2017/nainggolan-roma-belgio-fumo-190186908077.shtml|title=Nainggolan: "Fumo, e allora? Io in Premier? Sto bene a Roma"|trans-title=Nainggolan: "I smoke, so what? Me in the Premier? I am well at Roma"|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|last=Zucchelli|first=Chiara|language=it|date=20 March 2017|access-date=22 March 2017}} he is also capable of playing as a winger.{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttocagliari.net/primo-piano/le-prime-dichiarazioni-di-nainggolan-4557|title=Le prime dichiarazioni di Nainggolan|trans-title=Nainggolan's first statements|publisher=Tutto Cagliari|last=Piredda|first=Claudio|language=it|date=27 January 2010|access-date=22 March 2017}} After his move to Roma, he was mainly deployed as a central or defensive midfielder in a 4–3–3 formation or in the "mezzala" role, and on occasion even as a right-back; following the arrival of Luciano Spalletti, however, he returned to playing in a more advanced role as an attacking midfielder or second striker in a 4–2–3–1 or a 3–4–2–1 formation.{{cite web|url=https://football-italia.net/right-back-role-for-nainggolan/|title=Right-back role for Nainggolan?|publisher=Football Italia|date=25 November 2014|access-date=3 February 2023}}{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Roma/08-02-2017/roma-nainggolan-guerriero-gol-facile-spalletti-numeri-record-180741891669.shtml|title=Roma, Nainggolan il guerriero dal gol facile: con Spalletti numeri da record|trans-title=Roma, Nainggolan warrior of the easy goal: record figures with Spalletti|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|last=Zucchelli|first=Chiara|language=it|date=8 February 2017|access-date=22 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://football-italia.net/di-francesco-called-de-rossi-first/|title=Di Francesco: 'Called De Rossi first'|publisher=Football Italia|date=14 June 2017|access-date=3 February 2023}} He has also been used in a more central or attacking role on occasion, or even as a false attacking midfielder.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.it/calcio/serie-a/2017-2018/inter-vidal-e-ormai-un-miraggio-su-chi-puntare-in-assenza-del-cileno_sto6267965/story.shtml|title=Inter, Vidal è ormai un miraggio: su chi puntare in assenza del cileno?|trans-title=Inter, Vidal is now a mirage: on whom to bet in the Chilean's absence?|publisher=Eurosport|last=Silvestri|first=Stefano|language=it|date=26 July 2017|access-date=21 May 2020}}

In addition to his footballing abilities, Nainggolan has also been praised for his leadership in the media,{{cite web|url=http://www.fcinter1908.it/copertina/pagelle-nainggolan-leader-totale-skriniar-umilia-de-jong-icardi-stavolta-la-tiene-eccome/?refresh_rum|title=PAGELLE: Nainggolan leader totale. Skriniar umilia De Jong. Icardi stavolta la tiene eccome!|trans-title=MARKS: Nainggolan total leader. Skriniar humiliates De Jong. Icardi keeps it alright this time!|publisher=FC Inter 1908|last=Mari|first=Daniele|language=it|date=4 October 2018|access-date=20 October 2018}} although he has also drawn criticism for his difficult character and his involvement in several controversial incidents off the pitch.{{cite web|url=https://www.fcinter1908.it/ultimora/il-giorno-nainggolan-il-carattere-cozza-con-i-zhang-spalletti-quando-lo-ha-voluto/|title=Il Giorno – Nainggolan, il carattere cozza con i Zhang. Spalletti quando lo ha voluto…|trans-title=Il Giorno – Nainggolan, character clashes with the Zhangs. Spalletti when he wanted it…|publisher=FC Inter 1908|last=Parrone|first=Francesco|language=it|date=22 August 2018|access-date=21 May 2020}}

Nainggolan married Claudia Lai,{{cite web|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/cagliari/?action=read&idtmw=405120|title=... Radja Nainggolan|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|last=Carere|first=Barbara|language=it|date=8 December 2012|access-date=1 February 2019}} with the couple being parents to daughters Aysha (b. 2012) and Mailey (b. 2016).{{cite news|url=https://roma.corriere.it/sport/cards/radja-nainggolan-tutto-quello-che-non-sapete-sigarette-tattoo-dedicato-mamma/moglie-claudia-aysha-5-anni-mailey-nata-6-agosto-2016.shtml|title=Radja Nainggolan, il Ninja col vizio delle sigarette e il tattoo alla mamma|trans-title=Radja Nainggolan, the Ninja with a vice for cigarettes and a tattoo for mummy|newspaper=Corriere della Sera|last=Valdiserri|first=Luca|language=it|date=27 February 2017|access-date=1 February 2019}} His twin sister, Riana, is also a footballer;{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0236-0e1677d61ea9-e7a5ba3b7978-1000--europe-s-footballing-brothers-and-sisters/|title=Europe's footballing brothers and sisters|publisher=UEFA|date=9 February 2017|access-date=1 February 2019}} she is openly lesbian and he spoke out against homophobia.{{cite web|url=https://www.quotidiano.net/sport/allacciamoli-omofobia-sport-nainggolan-1.701493|title="Allacciamoli", Nainggolan guida la campagna contro l'omofobia|trans-title="Let's fasten up", Nainggolan leads the campaign against homophobia|publisher=Quotidiano.net|language=it|date=23 February 2015|access-date=3 June 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.corriere.it/politica/16_marzo_05/riana-nainggolan-io-radja-cresta-alta-contro-l-omofobia-2fc4a63c-e30e-11e5-a080-fdf627ee5982.shtml|title=Riana Nainggolan: "Io e Radja a cresta alta contro l'omofobia"|trans-title=Riana Nainggolan: "Me and Radja with mohawks against homophobia"|newspaper=Corriere della Sera|last=Cavalli|first=Giovanna|language=it|date=5 March 2016|access-date=3 June 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Inter/26-11-2018/nainggolan-france-football-intervista-inter-310756181958.shtml|title=Nainggolan: "Macché bad boy... Mia sorella è gay, felice per lei"|trans-title=Nainggolan: "I'm not a bad boy at all... My sister is gay, I'm happy for her"|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|last=Grandesso|first=Alessandro|language=it|date=26 November 2019|access-date=3 June 2022}}

On 10 July 2019, Lai confirmed in an Instagram post that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would begin chemotherapy treatment.{{cite web|url=https://www.forzaroma.info/news-as-roma/dramma-nainggolan-lannuncio-della-moglie-malata-oggi-inizio-la-chemioterapia/?refresh_ce-cp|title=Dramma Nainggolan, l'annuncio della moglie malata: "Oggi inizio la chemioterapia"|trans-title=Nainggolan drama, announcement of sick wife: "I start chemoterapy today"|publisher=Forza Roma|language=it|date=11 July 2019|access-date=11 July 2019}}

Nainggolan smoked cigarettes during his playing career.{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/nainggolan-has-a-room-a-balcony-so-he-can-smoke-wilmots|title=Nainggolan has a room with a balcony so he can smoke – Wilmots|publisher=FourFourTwo|date=24 June 2016|access-date=2 February 2018}} On New Year's Eve 2018, he became the subject of strong controversy in Italy after he posted a video on Instagram cursing, drinking alcohol and smoking.{{cite news|url=http://www.lastampa.it/2018/01/01/sport/nainggolan-ubriaco-in-un-video-bestemmia-e-fuma-sigarette-gOm719BDu4K3bk5O7E73WN/pagina.html|title=Nainggolan ubriaco in un video, bestemmia e fuma sigarette|trans-title=Nainggolan drunk in video, curses and smokes cigarettes|newspaper=La Stampa|language=it|date=1 January 2018|access-date=27 June 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628044128/http://www.lastampa.it/2018/01/01/sport/nainggolan-ubriaco-in-un-video-bestemmia-e-fuma-sigarette-gOm719BDu4K3bk5O7E73WN/pagina.html|archive-date=28 June 2018}}

On 8 November 2023, Nainggolan was appointed as promotional ambassador for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup with fellow footballer Sabreena Dressler.{{cite web|url=https://www.liputan6.com/surabaya/read/5448591/mengenal-radja-nainggolan-dan-sabreena-dressler-duta-promosi-piala-dunia-u-17-pilihan-erick-thohir|title=Mengenal Radja Nainggolan dan Sabreena Dressler, Duta Promosi Piala Dunia U-17 Pilihan Erick Thohir|trans-title=Getting to know Radja Nainggolan and Sabreena Dressler, Erick Thohir's choice for U-17 World Cup promotion ambassadors|publisher=Liputan 6|last=Fahmi|first=Yusron|language=id|date=9 November 2023|access-date=9 November 2023}}

On 27 January 2025, Nainggolan was arrested by Belgian police as part of an investigation into cocaine-smuggling{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c627zx21k94o|title=Belgian footballer Nainggolan arrested in cocaine trafficking sting|publisher=BBC News|last=Loftus|first=Alex|date=27 January 2025|access-date=27 January 2025}} in the Port of Antwerp. He was charged the next day with "participating in a criminal organisation" as a member, and was released on bail afterwards.{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250128-ex-belgium-midfielder-nainggolan-charged-in-drug-trafficking-probe|title=Ex-Belgium midfielder Nainggolan charged in drug trafficking probe|publisher=France 24|date=29 January 2025|access-date=29 January 2025}}

{{updated|match played 11 May 2025}}{{Soccerway|radja-nainggolan/18461}}{{WorldFootball.net|radja-nainggolan}}

{{notelist}}

:Scores and results list Belgium's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Nainggolan goal.

Inter Milan

• Serie A: 2020–21{{cite web|url=https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/inter-campione-tutti-i-risultati-i-tabellini-e-i-marcatori-dei-nerazzurri-di-conte-1528747|title=Inter campione. Tutti i risultati, i tabellini e i marcatori dei nerazzurri di Conte|trans-title=Inter champions. All the results, tables and scorers of Conte's nerazzurri|publisher=Tutto Mercato Web|last=Cardia|first=Ivan|language=it|date=2 May 2021|access-date=2 May 2021}}

Antwerp

• Belgian Pro League: 2022–23{{cite news|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20230604_97051627|title=Een wervelende start, gedoe rond Nainggolan en een onwaarschijnlijke apotheose: het historische seizoen van Antwerp in tien momenten|trans-title=Rocky start, confusion regarding Nainggolan and an unlikely apotheosis: Antwerp's historic season in ten moments|newspaper=De Standaard|last=Torfs|first=Quinten|language=nl|date=4 June 2023|access-date=10 June 2023}}

Individual

• Serie A Team of the Year: 2014–15,{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/14-12-2015/juventus-buffon-elogia-donnarumma-ha-doti-gia-grande-1301295361892.shtml|title=Oscar del Calcio, dominio Juve. Buffon: "Donnarumma ha doti da grande"|trans-title=Serie A Oscars, Juve dominate. Buffon: "Donnarumma has the characteristics to be great"|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=14 December 2015|access-date=14 December 2015}} 2015–16,{{cite news|url=http://www.corriere.it/foto-gallery/sport/17_gennaio_31/gran-gala-calcio-juventus-fa-incetta-premi-serie-a-c6dc644c-e795-11e6-8168-2d40923ac04f.shtml|title=Gran Galà del calcio, la Juventus fa incetta di premi|trans-title=Great Gala of football, Juventus pile up awards|newspaper=Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=31 January 2017|access-date=31 January 2017}} 2016–17,{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/113463/buffon-named-best-player|title=Buffon named best player|publisher=Football Italia|date=27 November 2017|access-date=28 November 2017}} 2017–18{{cite web|url=https://football-italia.net/serie-a-team-of-2017-18/|title=Serie A Team of 2017–18|publisher=Football Italia|last=Campanale|first=Susy|date=3 December 2018|access-date=3 February 2023}}
• AS Roma Player of the Season: 2016–17{{cite web|url=https://www.asroma.com/en/news/2017/6/nainggolan-voted-roma-s-player-of-the-season|title=Nainggolan voted Player of the Season|publisher=A.S. Roma|date=15 June 2017|access-date=7 December 2017}}
• Serie A Player of the Month: November 2019{{cite news|url=http://www.legaseriea.it/en/press/news/info/radja-nainggolan-mvp-for-november|title=Radja Nainggolan MVP for November|publisher=Lega Serie A|date=29 November 2019|access-date=11 December 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408044339/http://www.legaseriea.it/en/press/news/info/radja-nainggolan-mvp-for-november|archive-date=8 April 2020}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{TuttoCalciatori|Nainggolan_Radja}}
• {{RBFA player}}
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{{K.S.C. Lokeren-Temse squad}}

{{Belgium squad UEFA Euro 2016}}

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