Van der Bruggen began his professional footballing career at Gent in 2010, after spending six years in the club's academy.

[1] During the second qualifying round of the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League season, he made his European debut against Differdange 03 in Luxembourg.

[4] In January 2017, Van der Bruggen signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with KV Kortrijk.

[5] On 19 January 2021, having made 285 appearances at the highest level in Belgium, of which 143 for AA Gent and 142 for KV Kortrijk, Van Der Bruggen signed with Belgian Pro League club, Cercle Brugge.

[8] Van Der Bruggen has represented the Belgian national youth teams up to the Belgium U21.