Club Brugge is not just any football club. It is a symbolic reflection of the city of Bruges, its history and its passion for football. Club Brugge's story begins in 1891, when a group of young enthusiasts came together to shine on the football pitch. In the years that followed, the club grew into one of the biggest and most successful clubs in Belgium and beyond.

From Brugsche FC to FC Brugeois

The club was founded in 1891 with the name 'Brugsche Football Club' and the motto 'Mens sana in corpore sano'. The club was Flemish-oriented.

But before recognition, conflicts between members arose, resulting in the formation of a second club named 'Football Club Brugeois'. Another merger took place in 1897, with the no longer thriving Football Club Brugeois being absorbed by the Brugsche Football Club. However, the new club retained the French appellation.

From FC Brugeois to Royal Association

In 1912, Football Club Brugeois moved to a new venue which they could rent for 9 years for 1760 francs a year. In 1920, this venue was bought for 40,000 francs and named after the nearby Café 'De Klokke' on Torhoutsesteenweg.

The new stadium produced immediate results, when FC Brugeois became champions in the highest division for the first time in 1920. On 23 May 1920, King Albert conferred the title 'Royal Association' on FC Brugeois.

Albert Dyserynck

Albert Dyserynck became president of FC Brugeois in 1920 and changed the club's status to a non-profit organisation. Sadly, he died in a car accident in 1931. As a tribute, the venue 'De Klokke' was renamed 'Albert Dyserynck stadium' and a statue of Albert was unveiled at the main entrance in 1932. The statue can be found in front of the Jan Breydel Stadium's main stand.

Charles and Torten, The Hinds of Bruges

During the 1920s, Charles Cambier and Torten Goetinck played at FC Brugeois and both also became Red Devils.

Louis Versyp: Worthy successor to Torten Goetinck

After the first national title in 1920, the FC Brugeois team went through difficult years, relegating to second division in 1928. Yet a new Brugeois hero was already ready to take over from Torten Goetinck, Louis Versyp. He was the star of FC Brugeois for more than 20 years.

Roger Vanhove, a "Kanthalf" with a strong header

Besides Louis Versyp, Roger Vanhove also played at FC Brugeois. Born in Bruges on 29 August 1911, he played nine seasons continuously in Belgian professional football.