Royal Antwerp Royal Antwerp FC holds an untouchable position in Belgian sporting history as 'Matricule 1'—the club granted the very first registration number by the Royal Belgian Football Association. Founded in 1880 as the Antwerp Cricket Club by English residents, it soon established its football section before the turn of the century. The traditional red and white colors and the iconic moniker 'The Great Old' embody a profound sense of pride for the port city, standing as an enduring bridge across three centuries of football history.
Since 1923, the spiritual and physical home of Royal Antwerp FC has been the historic Bosuilstadion, located in the Deurne district. Historically dubbed the 'Hell van Deurne' due to its intimidating matchday atmosphere, the stadium hosted numerous international clashes between Belgium and the Netherlands. Over its illustrious history, Antwerp has been crowned champions of Belgium five times (1929, 1931, 1944, 1957, and 2023) and has won four Belgian Cups. The 1950s marked a golden era for the club, anchored by legendary midfielder and Belgian Golden Shoe winner Vic Mees, who spent his entire career at Antwerp.
In European competitions, Royal Antwerp FC holds the distinction of being the last Belgian club to reach a major UEFA European final. During the 1992–93 European Cup Winners' Cup campaign under manager Walter Meeuws, Antwerp embarked on an extraordinary run that led them to Wembley Stadium. Following memorable victories over Admira Wacker and Steaua București, the side ultimately finished as runners-up against Parma in a 3–1 final. Key figures from that iconic side included striker Alex Czerniatynski and veteran goalkeeper Ratko Svilar.
Following years of financial difficulties and a prolonged exile in the second division, the club underwent a remarkable resurrection. This modern revival culminated in the historic 2022–23 season, when under head coach Mark van Bommel and driven by veteran leaders like Toby Alderweireld and striker Vincent Janssen, Antwerp completed a dramatic domestic double by winning both the Pro League title and the Belgian Cup. Today, Royal Antwerp FC stands as a dominant force in modern Belgian football, seamlessly blending its heritage as 'Matricule 1' with top-tier ambition.
