The Belgian Football Rivalry: Why Loyalty to Anderlecht Still Matters in the Age of Union SG’s Resurgence
Is Union Saint-Gilloise Really Bigger Than Anderlecht? The Loyalty Dilemma in Belgian Football
Silvio Proto’s recent outburst in Dans le vestiaire sparked a heated debate: Is Union Saint-Gilloise now the bigger club in Belgian football? The former Anderlecht goalkeeper, who won six league titles and two Belgian Cups with the Purple and Whites, dismissed the idea outright. His argument? Numbers don’t always tell the full story.
Proto’s stance reflects a deeper cultural divide in Belgian football. While Union SG has 12 league titles and 4 Belgian Cups, Anderlecht remains the most decorated club in the country with 34 titles—a record that spans over a century. But as Union SG’s recent success (including their 2025 league triumph) has drawn global attention, some fans and analysts now question whether the club’s cultural influence and historical legacy have been overshadowed.
More Titles ≠ More Loyalty: Why Club Culture Outweighs Trophies
Proto’s emotional response—“If you’re charmed by Union, go away. We don’t need you.”—highlights a key truth: Football loyalty isn’t just about trophies; it’s about identity. Anderlecht’s fanbase is built on decades of dominance, a global fan network, and a cultural touchstone that extends beyond Belgium. Meanwhile, Union SG’s revival has been rapid but less deeply rooted in the collective psyche of Belgian football.
Consider this:
