Royale Union Saint-Gilloise: A Resurgent Giant

A Historic Club Returns to Prominence

Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (RUSG), a Belgian football club founded in 1897, has recently re-emerged as a force in Belgian football. After a long absence from the top flight, the club returned to the Belgian First Division A in the 2021-22 season and has since made a significant impact.

The Return of a Legend

RUSG has a storied history, having won 11 Belgian league titles and two Belgian Cups. However, the club fell on hard times in the late 20th century and was relegated to the lower divisions. In recent years, under the ownership of British businessman Tony Bloom, RUSG has invested heavily in its squad and infrastructure.

Success on the Pitch

The club's resurgence has been evident on the pitch. In the 2021-22 season, RUSG finished a remarkable second in the Belgian First Division A, securing a place in the UEFA Champions League qualification rounds. The team's success was built on a strong defense and a potent attack led by Belgian international Deniz Undav.

Belgian Player of the Year

In the 2023-2024 season, RUSG further solidified its status as a top Belgian club by acquiring Dante Vanzeir from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. Vanzeir, who was named Belgian Player of the Year for the 2022-2023 season, has quickly become a key player for RUSG, scoring crucial goals and contributing to the team's success.

Looking Ahead

RUSG's resurgence has been a major story in Belgian football. The club's success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its players, staff, and ownership. With a strong squad and a commitment to excellence, RUSG looks poised to continue its climb up the ranks of Belgian football and make a mark on the European stage.