After Sunday evening’s football festival on Place Van Meenen in Saint-Gilles, the players of new Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise were received on Monday afternoon at the town hall of Forest.
With Union's stadium located on the territory of the municipality of Forest, the players were also received by the mayor on Monday. The team was already honoured in Saint-Gilles on Sunday night.
A fraternal atmosphere unfolded on the stairs, with loud chants, blue-yellow flags and children with scarves around the neck.
Mayor Spapens reminded those present of the incredible course the club has completed. "No one had dared to think this 20 years ago. Now it has happened. Thanks to everyone. I am also very proud of the anti-fascist, anti-racist and feminist values that the club propagates."
Union's Franjo Ivanovic poses for the photographer during the official ceremony organised at the Forest town hall, on the occasion of the Belgian champion title won by Union Saint-Gilloise, on Monday 26 May 2025. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Jean Spinette (PS), mayor of Saint-Gilles, also spoke. "It is a formidable calling card for Brussels," he said in three languages. In addition, people from the club also spoke themselves. Club chairman Alex Muzio also spoke to thank the fans. "It is sometimes difficult to win a title. We hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next one."
Kostas, a supporter of the ‘Union Bhoyz’, spoke on behalf of the fans. "Several generations of supporters were born and died without seeing Union champion play. Thanks guys!"
Manager Sébastien Pocognoli, who received applause from the fans present, thanked the staff, the players and the board. “Our title is a life lesson: you can be young, have character and make progress in life.”
Union's Charles Vanhoutte pictured with local schoolchildren during the ceremony organised at the Forest town hall. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Goalkeeper Anthony Moris, captain of the team, underlined the symbolic dimension of the title party.
"When we became champion in 1B, there was Covid. This time we can party as it should. Thank you to all supporters for the image you convey in Belgium and in Europe. One more thing: we love the Joseph Marien stadium, but we will also like to see a new stadium," Moris added.
After a long dispute over the club's new proposed ground, Union Saint-Gilloise and the Forest municipality appear to have momentarily buried the hatchet to celebrate the club's historic achievement.
