Brussels’ Royal Union Saint-Gilloise could finally be crowned Belgian champions this Sunday, as the 2024-2025 Jupiler Pro League season reaches its dramatic conclusion.
The club’s growing international fanbase, particularly the EU community in Brussels, is buzzing with cautious optimism that this year will end the long wait for glory after several agonising near-misses.
Union Saint-Gilloise will host AA Gent at the historic Joseph Marien stadium on Sunday in the final matchday of the Champions Playoffs. A win or a result matching that of title rivals Club Brugge—who face Antwerp at home—will hand Union the championship.
Currently leading the playoffs with 53 points, Union’s destiny is firmly in their own hands, a position that has eluded them in recent seasons largely due to the contentious Pro League play-off format.
The painful memory of last year’s heartbreak remains fresh for many supporters. In 2023, Union’s title hopes were shattered by a last-gasp Antwerp goal in the 94th minute during the final play-off games, snatching the league away in the dying seconds.
This recurring disappointment has made fans wary yet hopeful. “After the last few years, I’ve been prepared for anything to keep expectations calm. The last step is always the hardest to take,” said Miro, a Slovak member of the international bEUnion supporters club. “But the excitement is real. Union has everything it needs to win.”
If Union Saint-Gilloise secure the title on Sunday, it will mark their 12th Belgian league triumph — but their first in 90 years.
Their recent form has been formidable, remaining unbeaten in the playoffs with 25 points from a possible 27 and on course to break the playoffs points record.
Opponents Gent, by contrast, have endured a disastrous run with eight defeats and 29 goals conceded in nine playoff matches.
Club Brugge still pose a threat: a Brugge victory combined with Union dropping points would crown the “Blauw & Zwart” with their 20th league title.
A points tie would also favour Brugge due to their superior regular season ranking. Nonetheless, Union’s resurgence is remarkable considering the club was languishing in Belgium’s lower leagues until their 2021 promotion.
Since then, Union Saint-Gilloise has firmly established itself at the top of Belgian football. After finishing runners-up in their comeback season and reaching the Europa League quarter-finals in 2023, the club also lifted the Belgian Cup last year—their first major trophy in nearly nine decades.
The club’s revival has attracted a diverse, international fanbase, including many working for Brussels’ EU institutions.
The bEUnion fanclub, founded in 2021, embodies this international community spirit with members from Germany, Portugal, Slovakia, Belgium, and beyond.
English is the lingua franca among fans, who share a passion for the club’s working-class roots and welcoming atmosphere.
Fabian, bEUnion’s German founder, explained: “I chose Union because of its rich history and open-minded fan culture. When I moved to Brussels, I was looking for a community and found it here.” ‘
Fellow fan Miro praised the inclusive environment, saying initial language barriers quickly gave way to friendship and camaraderie.
Despite lingering frustrations with the playoff system—criticized for its impact on title fairness—most fans welcome the upcoming switch to a traditional league format in 2026.
Until then, all eyes will be on Sunday’s crucial fixture, with bEUnion members gathering for their annual end-of-season party in Saint-Gilles to watch and celebrate together.
“Stress will be a factor, as it always is at this stage,” Miro admitted. “But for the fans, we’ll try to enjoy the day as much as possible. If all goes well, expect many sick days on Monday!”
Union Saint-Gilloise’s long wait may finally be over — and the city of Brussels, along with its international fans, is ready to celebrate.
