Radja Nainggolan caught driving after ban in ZARA zone

Radja Nainggolan, the 38‑year‑old former Belgium international, was involved in a traffic incident on Saturday evening in the ZARA police zone covering Zandhoven and Ranst, despite currently serving a driving ban, after allegedly ignoring a red light and narrowly avoiding a collision with an anonymous police vehicle.

Police reports say Nainggolan ignored a red traffic signal and almost struck an anonymous police car before managing to evade the collision. Authorities confirmed that he underwent a breath test, which returned negative, indicating no alcohol influence.

At the time of the incident, Nainggolan was under a court‑imposed driving ban. The ban follows a 2018 ruling by the Sint‑Niklaas police court that suspended his licence for one month after a DUI conviction.

In 2021, shortly after rejoining Antwerp, Nainggolan was stopped on Nationalestraat for traveling at 106 km/h. He was also found to have consumed alcohol, leading to a seven‑month driving ban, of which four months were enforced.

After serving that ban, he was later apprehended for driving without a licence, as his permit had not yet been reinstated. The repeat breach underscores ongoing concerns about his compliance with traffic regulations.

Nainggolan is currently preparing for the upcoming season with Patro Eisden Maasmechelen, where he remains under contract for one season. His résumé includes spells at Antwerp, AS Roma, Inter and Cagliari.

The latest episode adds to a pattern of legal infractions that could affect his playing eligibility. Further investigation will determine whether additional sanctions are imposed.