Category: NEWS Page 1 of 6

RAFC brings in another talented Dutch player to wear the club’s colours. Jairo Riedewald is primarily a left-footed defensive midfielder but is known for his versatility. His professional journey began under the guidance of our sporting director, Marc Overmars, back when they were both at Ajax. Riedewald made his debut for the Amsterdam team in 2013 and was called up to the Dutch national team in 2015. He later followed coach Frank de Boer to the English Premier League, where he played the past seven seasons for Crystal Palace.

One of Riedewald’s most notable moments came when he made his “big bang” first-team debut for Ajax at just 17 years old: In a memorable December 2013 match, Ajax was trailing 1-0 against Roda JC with ten minutes remaining. Coach Frank de Boer decided to introduce Riedewald, and the young player made an immediate impact by scoring both the equaliser and the winning goal in added time. This dream debut also set a record: at 17 years and 104 days Riedewald became the youngest Eredivisie player to score on his debut. He later won the Eredivisie title with Ajax in 2015 and played in the 2017 Europa League final, where Ajax was defeated by Manchester United.

Riedewald’s contract at Antwerp FC is for one year, with an option to extend for an additional season. Welcome to the Reds Jairo! 🇵🇪💪

Antwerp FC announced today that Jonas De Roeck, a former player at the club, will take on the role of head coach, leading his first training session at the Bosuil on June 26.

De Roeck, born in Barcelona but raised in Belgium, fits the ideal profile: a young coach familiar with the competition who has a knack for identifying young talent. He is also a homegrown product, having progressed through the youth ranks at Bosuil, made his professional debut there in 1998, served as captain, and after some time away, concluded his playing career twith The Reds in 2015 as a player-assistant. Becoming head coach at his beloved club is “A dream come true.”

From July 7 to 13, Antwerp will head to Austria for preseason preparations in Waidring, a picturesque village in Tyrol. Acknowledging the tough challenge of succeeding Mark van Bommel, De Roeck is both realistic and ambitious: “Our goals remain to reach Play-off 1 and advance as far as possible in the cup.” Welcome back at the Bosuil, Jonas!

Farewell to a Legend: The Heartfelt Departure of Coach Mark van Bommel

What do you call someone who wins everything there is to win, takes every trophy there is to conquer, breaks every record, and sets a new benchmark? A Legend? An Icon? A Beacon? In the case of Mark van Bommel, he embodies all of these: He achieved it all as a professional coach, a visionary football mind, and, above all, as a warm and truly lovable person.

In the hallowed halls of football history, some stories are written in fleeting moments of brilliance, while others are etched with enduring passion and unwavering dedication. The tale of Coach van Bommel and his indelible impact on Royal Antwerp Football Club belongs firmly to the latter. Today, as van Bommel bids a poignant farewell to the team, the club, and the supporters who have become an inseparable part of his journey, we reflect on a chapter that will forever be cherished in the annals of The Great Old.

Two years ago, Mark arrived at The Bosuil, like a gentle yet unyielding wind, bringing with him not just tactical acumen but a vision that transcended the game itself. It wasn’t just about winning matches; it was about weaving dreams into the very fabric of the club. Under his stewardship, RAFC soared to unparalleled heights, capturing a historic Double – League title & Cup final, Super cup and Champions League – that was nothing short of a fairytale.

Yet, beyond the trophies and accolades, it was the bond between Mark van Bommel and his players, the club, and the legion of devoted fans that became the true essence of his legacy. He was not merely a coach; he was a mentor, a father figure, a friend. In press conferences and post-match interviews, his words carried the weight of a man who understood the DNA of Deurne Noord and the magic of Royal Antwerp FC.

Today, as van Bommel steps away from the club he has transformed, there is a bittersweet symphony playing in the hearts of all who have been touched by his presence. The Bosuil Stadium, always a cauldron of roaring voices, reverberates even stronger and more powerful, unwilling to let go of the man who gave the gift of unforgettable memories.

Mark van Bommel moves to the next chapter of his illustrious career, while we Antwerp Supporters, bid him farewell with tears of gratitude and smiles of remembrance. Thank you, Coach, for the victories, the lessons, and the love. Royal Antwerp FC will always carry a part of you, just as you will carry a part of us. And in that, we find comfort, knowing that some bonds, forged in the crucible of passion and perseverance, are never truly broken: Mark van Bommel, Always a Red!

Cup Final 2024: Union SG vs R Antwerp FC 1-0

It has been good… it has been absolutely brilliant. From our desperate years of fainting succes, we’ve once more risen to claim our place as a top-flight football club: Three cup finals in five years – triumphing in two – winning a league title, achieving the treble… and beating Barcelona in the Champions League along the way.

While another trophy eluded us this time, the journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. As proud supporters of our legendary club – the Great Old – we stand unwavering: We shall not be moved! 💪🇵🇪

All great stories come to an end. In this case it’s a story that started in 2006 when Antwerp essence, Ritchie de Laet started his professional football career at Royal Antwerp.

Today, Ritchie and the Club have made an announcement marking the end of an era: Our esteemed legend will retire from playing for Antwerp after this season.

It’s a story deeply rooted in the red and white colours of Antwerp, beginning in the youth ranks. Ritchie’s talent was recognised early on by English Stoke City, leading to a swift Manchester United transfer. His journey then took him through various Premier League Clubs, including Leicester City and Arsenal.

Since 2019, Ritchie has been a pillar of strength for a revitalised Royal Antwerp. Under his influence, the club has re-risen to prominence in Belgium, securing two cup victories, a national title, a super cup, and participating in the prestigious Champions League. By the end of this season, Ritchie, a devoted Antwerp supporter – and now also true legend – will have accumulated over 200 appearances for his beloved club.

Ritchie, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for the countless memorable moments you’ve provided – us red & white supporters – with your unwavering fighting spirit. Thank you, and good luck! 🇵🇪💪

The official video – in Dutch

Translated transcript “We Are as One | Farewell Ritchie De Laet”

In the passage of half a lifetime, I’ve journeyed far.

November 18, 2006: Anxious strides upon Sacred Ground.

Swiftly embraced by the Bosuil’s tender wings. A haven.

Across the Channel’s expanse, every route feels like home.

East, West, South, Deurne-Noord. Guided by destiny’s hand.

Returning with my worldly possessions in tow.

We are as one. Red and white. Antwerp Lads {Sinjoren} United.

Memories shared, joyful and sorrowful.

My kit soaked with sweat over 200 times. A badge of honour in your service.

I’ve witnessed the resurgence of Number-1, vying for true glory.

Two cups, a Supercup, and that exhilarating championship.

Antwerp’s name emblazoned on Europe’s footballing stage.

From Tottenham to Barcelona, every step worth the journey.

Yet time’s inexorable march brings us to the brink of parting.

Once more, I’ll pour heart and soul. For you, beside you.

See you in the playoffs and the cup final.

Until we meet again.

Ritchie