Green and black pride: Cercle Brugge’s path to success

When it comes to Belgian football, Cercle Brugge stands out as a team with a rich past, a promising present, and a bright future. Known as the “Vereniging”, the green-and-black side of Bruges has been an integral part of the Belgian football scene since 1899.

Cercle has its own charm, legacy, and a loyal fanbase that continues to believe in their journey. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to Belgian football, here’s why Cercle Brugge deserves your attention.

From humble beginnings to a European adventure

Cercle Brugge’s journey began 125 years ago, in 1899, founded by students at the Saint-François-Xavier Institute in Bruges. Originally a sports club focused on cycling, it didn’t take long for football to steal the show. By 1902, Cercle Brugge had joined the Belgian Football Association and rapidly grew into a competitive force.

The golden years of the club came in the 1920s when Cercle Brugge won the Belgian First Division title three times: in 1911, 1927, and 1930. This period also saw their first Belgian Cup win in 1927, marking them as one of Belgium’s most formidable clubs of the era. However, like many clubs, Cercle experienced highs and lows over the decades, with relegations, financial struggles, and comebacks shaping their story.

In 2017, a significant shift occurred when French Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco took over the club, bringing in new resources, talents, and ambitions. This marked a new chapter in the club’s history, allowing them to modernize and improve their squad while staying true to their roots as a nurturing ground for young talent.

From past heroes to present stars

Cercle Brugge’s legacy is filled with remarkable players who have made a name for themselves both in Belgium and abroad. One of the most famous players in the team's history is Josip Weber, a prolific striker who became the Belgian top scorer for three seasons in a row during the early 1990s. Originally from Yugoslavia, Weber later represented Belgium at the international level, earning legendary status at Cercle.

Guy Thys, one of Belgium’s most iconic football figures, also left his mark on the Vereniging, both as a player and as a coach. Known for his tenure as the Belgian national team’s head coach, Thys’ time at Cercle cemented his place as one of the Vereniging’s all-time greats.

And let’s not forget Arnar Viðarsson. This defensive midfielder from Iceland had a rich career at Cercle both as a player and later as an assistant coach. Known for his tenacity on the field and footballing intelligence, Viðarsson was highly respected by teammates and fans alike. Since his playing days, he has transitioned into a well-known football pundit, sharing his expertise and analysis on major platforms.

More recently, Kévin Denkey has emerged as one of Cercle Brugge’s brightest stars. The Togolese forward lit up the Belgian Pro League in the 2023-2024 season, earning the title of top scorer and claiming the prestigious Ebony Boot award. Players like Denkey, along with homegrown talents such as Thibo Somers and Charles Vanhoutte, symbolize the team's continued focus on developing young players with big potential.

Fun Facts

Did you know…

Cercle Brugge and Club Brugge share the same stadium? Both teams play their home games at the Jan Breydel Stadium, making the Bruges derby one of the most heated rivalries in Belgian football.

In 1985, Cercle Brugge won the Belgian Cup for the third time, which earned them a spot in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. While their European journey was short-lived, it remains a proud moment in the history of the Vereniging.

Cercle Brugge fans are known for their unwavering support, even during tough times. The green-black fans are amongst Belgium’s most passionate supporter groups, ensuring the Jan Breydel Stadium is always buzzing with energy.

A blend of youth and grit

Cercle Brugge has always been known for its fighting spirit on the pitch. While they may not always have the resources of Belgium’s biggest clubs, they make up for it with tactical discipline and a focus on developing young talent.

Since their partnership with AS Monaco, Cercle has adopted a more modern, dynamic playing style. The club frequently uses a high-pressing approach, designed to disrupt opponents and win the ball in dangerous areas. Cercle has been the youngest team in Belgium in recent seasons and this is evident in the number of young players playing at Cercle, with the club placing an emphasis on quick transitions and aggressive attacking football.

Cercle Brugge also focuses on a well-structured defense, often deploying a back three or four to give flexibility depending on the opposition. Players like Thibo Somers and Charles Vanhoutte embody this modern style, combining youthful exuberance with tactical maturity.

Honours and achievements

Cercle Brugge boasts an impressive list of achievements in Belgian football:

• Belgian First Division titles: 1910-11, 1926-27, 1929-30
• Belgian Cup victories: 1927, 1985
• Belgian Second Division titles: 1938, 1971, 1979, 2003, 2018

These accomplishments reflect the Vereniging’s ability to compete at the highest levels and remain a vital part of Belgian football. Their cup victories, particularly in 1985, are still fondly remembered by fans as major milestones in their history.

What’s next?

In short, the future is bright for Cercle Brugge. The partnership with AS Monaco has opened up new opportunities for growth, both on and off the pitch. One of the key priorities for Cercle is to continue developing young talent while aiming for a solid position in the Belgian Pro League.

With the Vereniging’s recent performances improving, there’s hope that Cercle Brugge can push for a European spot in the near future. The squad’s blend of youthful energy and experienced professionals suggests they have what it takes to climb the Pro League ladder.

Additionally, Cercle has set its sights on making a deeper run in the Belgian Cup, with hopes of adding another trophy to their collection. The focus will be on staying competitive in the league while building for the future with a clear, sustainable strategy.

The future is green and black

Cercle Brugge has been a cornerstone of Belgian football for over 125 years, and the journey is far from over. With a rich history, a commitment to developing young talent, and the backing of AS Monaco, the team is well-positioned for future success.

As they continue to compete at the highest levels, one thing is certain: the green and black of Cercle Brugge will remain a vital part of Belgium’s footballing landscape for years to come. Whether it’s securing another cup victory, climbing the Pro League standings, or producing the next big talent, the Vereniging has plenty more chapters to write.

Want to know more about Cercle Brugge? Check out our Golden Talks on YouTube!