Fans of Union Saint-Gilloise crowded the square outside the Saint-Gilles municipal hall on Sunday night after ending a 90-year title drought. Singing, dancing, and cheering greeted the players who appeared on the balcony at around 23:00, in what was a historic night for the club and the municipality.
With the game in the balance, Promise David's two second half goals helped Union beat KAA Gent 3-1, leading the team to a much-anticipated 12th league title – their first since 1935.
As the final whistle blew at the Joseph Marien stadium, fans streamed onto the pitch to celebrate with the players.
Emotions were high in the Place Van Meenen too, where the municipality had set up a big screen for thousands of supporters and Saint-Gilles residents to watch the game outside the commune.
But the (fenced-off) screen area was full by kick-off. Wherever they could, fans of all ages lined the square for a view of the big screen between the trees and lampposts.
With about 15 minutes to go, the police unexpectedly opened the gates for everyone to enter the square. Just minutes later, David put Union in front, sending the square into jubilation. He later added another, sealing the title for the Brussels side.
Union manager Sébastien Pocognoli was visibly emotional at the final whistle, having won the title in his first year as first team coach.
“It's an amazing feeling. It's like being in a dream. I still can't believe it. We'll be part of the club's history forever. There are lots of players who are remembered, but I told the team before the game that we wanted to be among those who are never forgotten," Pocognoli said after the game.
When the players finally stepped onto the balcony late on Sunday, yellow and blue flares lit up the night. Fireworks, hugs, and victory songs prevailed, with tears on some of the most emotional faces.
"I wasn’t even born in 1935," confessed an elderly man with a vintage scarf, smiling. "But tonight, I feel like I was there."
Celebrations – in photos
Union's Promise David celebrate after scoring the winning goal for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise against KAA Gent, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / David Pintens
Union's supporters celebrate during a match with KAA Gent, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
The celebration of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise supporters and players, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels, after winning the 2024-2025 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. Union defeated KAA Gent 3-1. Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / David Pintens
Union's head coach Sebastien Pocognoli (L) pictured during the celebration of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise supporters and players, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels, after winning the 2024-2025 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. Credit: Belga / Virginie Lefour
Union's Franjo Ivanovic pictured during the celebration of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise supporters and players, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels, after winning the 2024-2025 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. Credit: Belga / Virginie Lefour
Union's Anan Khalaili, Franjo Ivanovic, Christian Burgess and Anthony Moris pictured while lifting the trophy, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels, after winning the 2024-2025 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. Credit: Belga / Virginie Lefour
Celebration of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise supporters and players, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels, after winning the 2024-2025 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. Union defeated KAA Gent 3-1. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
The celebration of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise supporters and players, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels, after winning the 2024-2025 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. Union defeated KAA Gent 3-1. Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / David Pintens
Celebration of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise supporters and players, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels, after winning the 2024-2025 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Union's players celebrate on the bus before going to the municipal hall, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Outside the commune
The square was packed with people, closed to traffic, jubilant, with smoke bombs and DJs, well before the players appeared on the balcony at 23:00 on Sunday evening.
“I am very happy for the fans. I am also thinking of all the people who have saved the club on several occasions,” former Saint-Gilles mayor and Union chairman from 1993 to 2000, Charles Picqué, told the Belga News Agency.
Upon his arrival at the town hall in Saint-Gilles, the former mayor did not hide his delight in front of the crowd gathered at Place Van Meenen. "It's wonderful to see this atmosphere."
The municipal hall of Saint-Gilles after Union Saint-Gilloise win the league. Credit: Belga / Youri De Le Court
Players of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise arrive at municipal hall, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels, after winning the 2024-2025 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Ultras of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise outside the municipal, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Celebrations of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, in Brussels, after winning the 2024-2025 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Fans of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the Saint-Gilles municipal square in Brussels, after winning the Belgian championship. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Christian Burgess chants with the fans of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels, after winning the 2024-2025 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Celebrations at the Saint-Gilles municipal square in Brussels, after Union winning the 2024-2025 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian championship. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Celebrations of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Sunday 25 May 2025 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Belga News Agency contributed to this report.
