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Our Reds are facing the unforeseen team from KV Oostende in this first semi-final of the Croky Cup. While RAFC currently hold the 4th position in the Belgian Pro League, KV Oostende finds itself in the 14th spot in the Challenger Pro League. Despite their current standing, the traditional coastal team’s progression to the semi-finals is not without merit, driven by their goal to overcome financial and administrative challenges through positive sporting results.

Looking ahead to the return match at the Bosuil in two weeks, it’s most important for the Great Old to bring a favourable score back to Antwerp. The Final Awaits – Come On You Reds!

The last surviving member of the iconic team from the 1950s, and the only remaining player who played a crucial role alongside ‘Mister Antwerp’ Vic Mees in capturing Antwerp’s national league title in 1957, an achievement that stood as the pinnacle until the championship was reclaimed last year.

Louis marked his debut in the first team in 1951, proudly donning the Red & White colours for 11 seasons, participating in a total of 144 official matches. In the 1956-’57 season, he featured in every competition match, and the subsequent season saw the pinnacle with the historic double clash against Real Madrid in the European Champions Cup. Subsequently, Louis devoted himself to coaching youth, providing assistance to young players in honing their football skills.

Rest in peace, Champion.

Royal Antwerp and Arthur Vermeeren have reached an agreement with Atlético Madrid for the transfer of the Club’s most expensive player ever. In a deal worth more than £23M Antwerp sees a fan favourite and one of Belgium’s biggest talents leave. From now on, “Arturo” is a Colchonero.

Thank you, Arthur, for the wonderful time you’ve given us. At just 18, with Antwerp you’ve conquered everything Belgium has to offer. You’re an exemplary professional and a beacon for every aspiring young footballer. Congratulations on this superb transfer; everyone who holds Red & White dear wishes you the very best in Madrid and in your – undoubtedly successful – future career. Arturo: always a Red! 🇵🇪💪

In the midst of an icy and snowy winter landscape the scheduled game from last Wednesday got canceled. Today, one week later, the Great Old will battle to progress to the semi-finals of the Croky Cup. In the last four away games against OH Leuven our Reds managed just one victory, and also faced scoring challenges, can our lads crack the code more easily in today’s quarter cup final? Come on You Reds!

“Veni vidi vici” – No precedent, never seen, never done before: Royal Antwerp FC took home all individual prices at the “Golden Boot Awards” yesterday. Sucess was expected, given The Great Old’s historic 2022/2023 season, where we won The Belgian Cup, The League Title, The Supercup, and qualified for the UEFA Champions League. Congrats to our Champions! 🏆🇵🇪💪

🥇 Toby Alderweireld – Player o/t Season
🥇 Arthur Vermeeren – Best Young Player
🥇 Mark van Bommel – Coach o/t Year
🥇 Jean Butez – Goalkeeper o/t Year
🥇 Toby Alderweireld – Goal o/t Season

For this new section on the ASC UK website, we embark on a journey to connect with passionate supporters of our iconic club. Capturing the essence of what makes Royal Antwerp FC not just a football club, but a source of inspiration and joy for fans in the UK and across the globe.

Read our first Supporters Corner with Dan Miles, die-hard Antwerp Supporter from Bristol!

Arthur Vermeeren, our eighteen-year-old youngster, clinched the “Dominique D’Onofrio” Prize for the top debutant under twenty in the Jupiler Pro League for the 2022-2023 season.

‘Tuurke’s” first-team debut occurred in August 2022 and he contributed significantly to the team winning the Double last year. He continued to shine in Antwerp’s historic qualification for the Champions League. Notably, he captained the team against Porto FC, and in a thrilling final match against FC Barcelona (3-2), he earned the title of Man of the Match.

In addition to his club achievements, Vermeeren received his first national team call-up in October, playing a role in securing European Championship qualification for the Belgian national selection in Germany next year.

His outstanding achievements were reflected in his increased market value, Vermeeren is now the Jupiler Pro League’s MVP, with Transfermarkt.be reporting a value of 30 million euro in their latest update, a rise from €25 million to €30 million.

Van Bommel’s squad aimed to conclude our Champions League journey positively, but little did anyone anticipate the spectacle that unfolded! We caught Barça off guard with a high-tempo, high-quality, and intense approach right from the start. Our 18-year old wonderboy, Arthur Vermeeren, secured a 1-0 lead in under two minutes on the clock! After equalising the game, the second half evolved into a true thriller that went from 2-1 to 2-2 in the 90+1 minute… for Ilenikhena (17-year old!) to pop-up and sealing a historic 3-2 victory in a captivating final phase at minute 90+2! The limelight unquestionably belonged to Royal Antwerp FC. Could anyone have scripted a more fitting exit from the European stage for our Reds?

Yet another standout moment: our Antwerp Supporters! They epitomise Champions League excellence, as also noted by a Spanish newspaper: “The Bosuil Stadium emanates a distinctive old-school English feel and authentic football ambiance.” The extraordinary atmosphere displayed by our Supporters remains mythical. Signed by our legendary legion! 🔴⚪️💪

Today marks the final match of our Reds in the 2023 Champions League group stage, playing Xavi’s Barcelona. While The Great Old faced challenges in the initial match, consecutive strong performances against Shaktar and Porto have elevated the team’s level of play. Coach Mark van Bommel is determined to challenge his good friend Xavi, aiming to replicate our historic first game against Barcelona at the Bosuilstadion: Antwerp emerged victorious with a 2-1 score in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. It’s time to evoke the spirit of 1965! Come on You Reds! 🇵🇪💪

R Antwerp FC – Sporting Charleroi: In the past three league games, ‘The Zebra’s’ have posed a challenge for our lads, leading to three consecutive losses. Recognising the necessity to break this negative streak, our Cup holders are determined to achieve it tomorrow, as it is crucial to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2023/2024 Belgian Croky Cup! Come on you Reds 🇵🇪 🏆