Author: ASUK Admin Page 1 of 8

One of the great Hungarian forwards of the post-1950s era who became a cult figure at Royal Antwerp FC during the early 1980s.

Today the football world lost one of its true artists, as László Fazekas passed away at the age of 78. For our Royal Antwerp supporters, however, he was far more than a brilliant footballer – he was, and always will be, an absolute club legend. With his elegance, intelligence and extraordinary talent, the Hungarian forward captured the hearts of the Bosuil faithful during the early 1980’s and became one of the most beloved players ever to wear the famous red and white shirt. Decades later, his name still echoes through the stadium, a testament to the lasting bond he forged with RAFC and its supporters.

Fazekas was born in Budapest in 1947 and spent the prime of his career with Újpest FC (then Újpesti Dózsa). Between 1965 and 1980 he developed into one of Hungary’s most prolific attackers. Internationally he may not be as famous as some Hungarian legends like Ferenc Puskás, but László earned 92 caps for the Hungary national football team and scored 24 goals, making him one of Hungary’s most-capped players ever.

Contribution to Royal Antwerp FC

Fazekas joined Royal Antwerp FC in 1980, already an established star in Eastern European football. His arrival was significant because, at the time, Antwerp were not attracting many internationally renowned players – especially not from behind the Iron Curtain. Across four seasons 1980–1984, he became one of our club’s standout attacking players and scored 65 goals in 172 matches.

His importance to Antwerp FC went beyond statistics – he brought technical sophistication and international pedigree to the side. RAFC fans will remember him for his elegant attacking play, creativity, and composure rather than only physicality. He became one of the most beloved foreign players in the club’s history. Rest in Peace, László Fazekas – Forever Antwerp Legend 🔴⚪️

Antwerp FC have been a fixture in the Belgian Champions’ Play-offs in recent years, but that run has now come to an end. After six consecutive top-six finishes, our Reds fall short of the final round this time, following a deeply disappointing campaign that saw them drift well below the country’s elite.

Pre-season optimism within the club was strong. The board expressed full confidence in the squad, setting clear ambitions: challenge again for a top-six spot and secure a return to European football. Those goals, however, proved well beyond reach. After 30 matchdays, Antwerp FC slumped to a disheartening tenth-place finish.

Put simply, it was not good enough. Reaching the Belgian cup semi-finals offered some respite, but even that run ultimately underlined the team’s shortcomings. A promising 0–1 away victory against Anderlecht in the first leg was followed by a dismal 0–4 collapse at home – a result that encapsulated the inconsistency and fragility of the season.

The numbers tell a stark story: just 35 points from a possible 90, 13 defeats, and a goal difference of -1. Most concerning was the lack of attacking output, with only three goals scored across the final eight matches. The conclusion is inescapable – this squad lacked the quality required to compete at a higher level. That reality stings even more given the relatively modest standard of the competition this season; 44 points would have sufficed for a place in the top six.

So, what remains? A final opportunity to salvage something from the season lies in the fight for Conference League qualification. Royal Antwerp FC must first navigate the next ten fixtures successfully. Should we top our group, a decisive play-off against the fifth-placed team from the Champions’ Play-offs awaits, with European football on the line.

The campaign may yet be prolonged, and we have to remain cautious optimistic – not only because our team can still salvage some pride this season – but more importantly, a very promising generation of homegrown talent emerging from the Young Reds Academy, could lay the foundations for a brighter future ahead. Come on You Reds! 🔴⚪️

Modern kits reflect true engineering, lightweight, aerodynamic, designed for speed. But the old – buttoned – shirts remind of a slower, grittier game. They speak of community grounds, enthusiastic terraces, and a time when the line between athlete and gentleman seemed thinner. In their simplicity, they captured football at its most human: imperfect, heavy with effort, and worn with pride.

To mark its 145th anniversary, R Antwerp FC unveils a fully vintage-inspired shirt in the club’s iconic white and red colours. Created in collaboration with Stanno, the retro jersey draws on early 1900s design, featuring a classic long-sleeved silhouette, a traditional polo collar with button placket, and ribbed cuffs – an homage to the 1880 era in which the club was founded.

What a thrill to once again step into a fully completed stadium. Four towering stands, more than 20,000 roaring supporters, noise blasting past 100 decibels – pure Antwerp delirium! Since 1923, the Bosuil has held the historic title of Belgium’s largest football stadium, once packing in over 60,000 fans at its peak.

When the original first curve was demolished in 1991, the Bosuil lost its iconic, authentically English layout – a design inspired by the great football temples of the early 20th century, like London’s White City Stadium (1906) and the legendary Wembley Stadium (1923).

Since 2017, under the club’s new owner, the Bosuil has been undergoing a meticulous, ambitious transformation into a modern, state-of-the-art football temple. And on 12 March 2025, we paused for a moment that felt like both a farewell and a salute: the final breath of one of Europe’s most iconic stands, home to one of the continent’s most distinctive terrace cultures – Tribune 2 [read our tribute here].

This week, the inauguration of the new Tribune 2 marks the completion of the first – albeit temporary – phase of the Bosuil’s full renovation. But above all, it brings back what matters most: a capacity of 24,500 passionate fans and the return of its world-famous, chest-rattling, ground-shaking atmosphere.

The Bosuil is once again the feared and fabled home of Antwerp FC – a stadium of unique terraces, overwhelming sound, and an unmistakable cult aura. A place where memories aren’t just made; they’re carved into heart, stone and bone. Come on You Reds! 🔴⚪️

Since taking over as head coach, it has never been a “walk in the park” for Stef Wils – especially after nearly every talented player was sold over the past two years. Granted, the club achieved an unprecedented outgoing transfer total of almost €150 million, an absolute record. But that success came at a steep price: the current squad quality is arguably at its lowest point in nearly a decade. As a result, RAFC sits in a disappointing 14th place out of 16 in the Pro League – a situation that almost inevitably led to Stef losing his job.

It was time for a new direction. Antwerp has now found that in manager Joseph Oosting, a 53-year-old Dutchman. He may be relatively unknown to many outside the Netherlands, but at home he made a name for himself with RKC Waalwijk and, more notably, with FC Twente – a team he guided very successfully into the Europa League last season.

Oosting signs a 2.5-year contract and will be supported by assistant Nicky Hofs. Combined with what we hope will be a stronger incoming transfer strategy during the upcoming winter break, this coaching change might just turn things around for the Great Old. Reaching the top six – which grants a spot in the Championship Playoffs for the last time this season – will be an almost impossible mission for Oosting’s side, but with the inauguration of the brand-new Tribune 2 at the next home match, let’s hope a new manager and a new stand can ignite a fresh spark of magic at the Bosuil.

Wishing our new coach all the best. 🔴⚪️ Come On You Reds!

What a journey it has been for our goalie. Manchester United have completed the record signing of Senne Lammens, who now heads to the dynamic city in the North of England, celebrated for its music, culture, and… world-famous football. To our friends in Manchester: get ready, because Senne is coming to make history at Old Trafford!

^{[read all about our longstanding RAFC/ManUtd friendship here]}

After joining Antwerp FC on a free transfer from Club Brugge in 2023, Senne made his debut for The Great Old in a Champions League game against FC Porto. However, his first season at the Bosuil was far from easy, as he had to compete with Jean Butez, whose delayed transfer kept him as the squad’s first-choice keeper. But with resilience, professionalism, and an unshakable mindset, Senne kept working hard, knowing his moment would soon arrive.

And it did. The 2024/25 campaign was a breakthrough year for the 6ft3 Belgian U21 international. Senne played every league and cup game, lived up to his ‘up and coming talent’ reputation, and collected major accolades: Pro League Player of the Month in February, a first senior national team call-up in March, and recognition as one of Belgium’s brightest football talents.

In total, Senne made nearly 70 appearances for RAFC, keeping 10 clean sheets last season and projected himself – with an astonishing 35% average penalty save rate (!) – as an absolute specialist and penalty killer. His performances – overall his statistics positioned among the top in Europe, cross all leagues – quickly attracted attention, and now, with a £17+ million move to United, the 23-year-old is seen as a long-term asset for the Red Devils from Manchester and a direct competitor to André Onana.

As Sir Alex Ferguson once said, “a great goalkeeper could be worth 15 points a season”: we believe Senne Lammens is exactly that kind of goalkeeper for United. Good luck, Senne – once a Red, always a Red! 🔴⚪️💪🇵🇪