Belgian Pro League

The Belgian Pro League stands as the pinnacle of professional football in Belgium, a nation with a rich and passionate sporting heritage. It's a league renowned not just for its storied past, but for a distinctive and often dramatic playoff system that keeps fans captivated until the very last whistle. Join us as we explore the evolution of this thrilling competition, from its humble beginnings to its modern, nail-biting format. The Belgian Pro League features a unique multi-stage playoff system that significantly influences the championship and European qualification after the regular season. With a history stretching back to 1895, the league has been shaped by the enduring dominance of iconic clubs and remarkable periods of sustained success. The competition format has consistently evolved, reflecting a dynamic effort to enhance competitive excitement and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of European football.

Source: Wikipedia

AI Summary

The Belgian Pro League features a unique multi-stage playoff system that significantly influences the championship and European qualification after the regular season.
With a history stretching back to 1895, the league has been shaped by the enduring dominance of iconic clubs and remarkable periods of sustained success.
The competition format has consistently evolved, reflecting a dynamic effort to enhance competitive excitement and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of European football.

A Modern Arena of Football Drama

Welcome to the Belgian Pro League, where the battle for supremacy extends far beyond the regular season. This top-tier football competition in Belgium employs a multi-stage playoff system designed to maximize excitement and determine champions, European qualifiers, and even relegation spots.

The Regular Season: Foundation for Glory

Each season runs from late July to late March, with 16 teams engaging in a traditional home-and-away round-robin. This means every club plays 30 matches, accumulating points that determine their standing going into the critical playoff phase. It’s a marathon that sets the stage for the sprint.

Playoffs I: The Championship Decider

The top six teams from the regular season advance to Play-offs I, also known as the Championship Playoff. Here, the competition intensifies as each club plays every other team twice, adding 10 more high-stakes matches to their schedule. Points from the regular season are halved and rounded up, creating a thrilling fresh start for the contenders.

The team leading this Championship Playoff at its conclusion is crowned the Belgian champion. This unique format ensures that the title race often goes down to the wire, producing memorable finishes and unexpected twists. It’s a true test of nerve and consistency.

Playoffs II and Relegation: Every Spot Matters

Teams finishing lower in the regular season aren't out of the action either. Play-offs II determine spots for the UEFA Europa League, while those at the bottom face the harsh reality of relegation. Currently, the 15th and 16th-placed teams are directly relegated to the Challenger Pro League, Belgium's second tier.

Adding another layer of drama, the 14th-placed team must compete in a promotion-relegation play-off against the third-placed team from the Challenger Pro League. This system ensures that intense competition permeates every level of the standings, keeping all clubs fighting until the very end of the season.

A Century of Belgian Football History

The Genesis: 1895-1914

The story of Belgian football's top flight began modestly in 1895. Seven pioneering teams, including giants like Antwerp FC and FC Brugeois, competed in a round-robin tournament for the inaugural championship. FC Liégeois etched their name in history as Belgium's very first champions.

The league's early years were characterized by evolving formats, sometimes featuring two top-level leagues and final play-offs. Dominance was shared between FC Liégeois and RC de Bruxelles, who collectively claimed the first eight titles. This foundational period laid the groundwork for the structured competition we know today.

A significant milestone arrived in 1906 with the introduction of promotion and relegation, establishing a clear pathway between divisions. This era also saw the rise of Union Saint-Gilloise, who secured four consecutive titles, and Daring Club de Bruxelles, who emerged as a formidable challenger just before the outbreak of World War I.

War, Resurgence, and Records: 1919-1945

World War I brought a halt to the championship, but football gloriously resumed in 1919. FC Brugeois finally secured their first title, a culmination of years of near-misses. The league expanded to 14 teams, welcoming future powerhouses like Standard Club Liégeois and RSC Anderlechtois.

The interwar period was largely dominated by teams from Antwerp province, with Beerschot AC winning five titles and Antwerp FC securing two. A remarkable highlight was Union Saint-Gilloise's legendary 60-game unbeaten streak, a record spanning three seasons from 1932 to 1935, cementing their place in football folklore.

World War II once again interrupted the league, causing suspensions and altered formats. However, even amidst the turmoil, Liersche SK and KV Mechelen managed to secure championships, showcasing the enduring spirit of Belgian football in challenging times. The war's end would usher in a new era of unprecedented growth.

Post-War Boom and European Glory: 1945-1980

After World War II, the league surged back to life, expanding to 19 clubs and introducing awards like the top scorer. This era truly belonged to RSC Anderlechtois, who, led by star striker Jef Mermans, launched a period of unparalleled dominance, winning six titles in nine years and setting a benchmark for consistency.

The late 1950s and 1960s saw Standard Liège emerge as a fierce rival to Anderlecht, lifting their first trophy and adding to the league's competitive fire. Anderlecht, with legendary player Paul Van Himst, continued their reign, setting a Belgian record with five consecutive titles between 1963 and 1968.

The 1970s marked a golden age for Belgian clubs on the European stage. Anderlecht twice won the European Cup Winners' Cup, while Club Brugge reached two European finals, including the prestigious European Cup final against Liverpool. Domestically, Club Brugge claimed four titles, cementing their status as a major force.

Modern Era and Playoff Innovation: 1980-Present

The 1980s continued the trend of European success, with Standard reaching a Cup Winners' Cup final, Anderlecht winning the UEFA Cup, and KV Mechelen famously conquering the Cup Winners' Cup in 1988. At home, Anderlecht secured their 20th title, reaffirming their perennial strength.

While European triumphs became less frequent in the 1990s and 2000s, the domestic league remained highly competitive. Anderlecht and Club Brugge continued their rivalry, sharing most of the titles, while newcomers like Racing Genk also made their mark. Standard Liège enjoyed a resurgence, claiming back-to-back titles at the end of the 2000s.

The significant playoff format introduced in 2009 heralded a new era. Anderlecht won the inaugural title under this system, their 30th championship. Recent years have seen Club Brugge dominate, but moments like KAA Gent's surprise victory in 2015 and Union Saint-Gilloise's incredible near-miss in 2022 highlight the unpredictable thrill of Belgian football.

Competition Structure and Rules

Regular Season Specifics

In the regular season, each of the 16 Pro League teams plays every other team twice. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw. Teams are ranked first by total points, then by total wins, and then by goal difference. If teams remain tied, additional criteria like goals scored, away goals, and even a two-leg test-match are used to separate them.

Championship Play-off Mechanics

For the Championship Play-off, the regular season points are crucial, as each team starts with half of their accumulated points, rounded up. Any points gained from rounding are deducted only if there's a tie in total points at the end of the play-off phase. This unique rule prevents a team from gaining an unfair advantage purely from the rounding process.

All-Time Championship Play-off Rankings

Since the playoff system's inception in 2009, certain clubs have consistently performed at the highest level in this high-pressure format. Their ability to deliver under intense scrutiny showcases the quality and resilience required to win the Belgian title.

Rank	Club	Seasons	Played	Won	Drew	Lost	Points	Avg. Points per Match	GF	GA	GD	Titles	Last participation
1	Club Brugge	15	138	70	30	38	240	1.7	239	159	+80	5	2024–25
2	Anderlecht	14	132	57	30	45	201	1.57	195	162	+33	5	2024–25
3	Genk	11	102	47	19	36	160	1.6	155	140	+15	2	2024–25
4	Standard Liège	7	70	33	15	22	114	1.63	115	92	+23		2018–19
5	Gent	9	90	29	20	32	107	1.3	111	143	−32	1	2024–25
6	Union SG	4	32	17	6	9	55	1.23	52	28	+24	1	2024–25
7	Antwerp	6	48	13	10	25	49	1.05	48	81	−33	1	2024–25
8	Zulte Waregem	5	50	12	11	27	47	0.94	66	102	−36		2016–17
9	Charleroi	3	30	7	8	15	29	0.97	32	50	−18		2017–18
10	Kortrijk	3	30	8	5	17	29	0.97	36	55	−19		2014–15
11	Oostende	2	20	6	5	9	23	1.15	28	36	−8		2016–17
12	Lokeren	3	30	4	7	19	19	0.63	38	66	−28		2013–14
13	Cercle Brugge	1	10	3	4	3	13	1.3	13	13	0		2023–24
14	Sint-Truiden	1	10	3	4	3	13	1.3	9	10	−1		2009–10

The Europa League Playoff (Play-offs II)

The format for the Europa League Playoff has seen several iterations. Initially, teams ranked 7th to 14th after the regular season were divided into groups. More recently, from 2016, this expanded to include teams from the second division, forming larger groups to battle for a single Europa League ticket. It's a demanding path for those outside the championship picture.

Professional Licensing and Evolution

To ensure financial stability and professionalism, all Pro League clubs must hold a special license. Introduced in 2001, this license verifies a club’s financial health and stadium security. This measure aims to maintain a high standard in Belgian top-flight football, though its enforcement has sometimes seen clubs avoid relegation due to others' license failures.

Qualification for European Competitions

Success in the Belgian Pro League directly translates to opportunities in prestigious European tournaments. The champion and runner-up typically qualify for the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. The Belgian Cup winner, along with teams emerging from the various playoffs, earns berths in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds, giving Belgian clubs a chance to shine internationally.

The League's Many Names and Media Reach

A Changing Identity

Over its long history, Belgium's premier football league has been known by several names, reflecting different eras and organizational changes. From the 'Championship Cup' in its early days to the 'Division of Honour' and later the 'First Division A', it finally became the 'Belgian Pro League' in 2022.

1895–1904	Championship Cup
1904–1926	First Division
1926–1952	Division of Honour
1952–2016	First Division
2016–2022	First Division A
2022–present	Belgian Pro League

Bringing the Action to Fans

Media coverage of the Belgian Pro League has grown significantly, with television rights being a hotly contested asset. Deals in the tens of millions of euros ensure extensive live coverage and highlights across both public and private broadcasters. This widespread accessibility allows fans across Belgium and beyond to follow every thrilling moment.

In a recent development, Eleven Sports secured exclusive global rights until 2025, broadcasting all Pro League competitions. This commitment to wide distribution underscores the league's increasing profile and its desire to reach a broader international audience, sharing the excitement of Belgian football with the world.

Giants of Belgian Football

List of Champions

Across more than a century of competition, certain clubs have risen to establish dynasties, etching their names into the annals of Belgian football history. RSC Anderlecht stands as the most decorated club, with a remarkable collection of championships. Their consistent success highlights a legacy built on skill, strategy, and enduring passion.

Club	Number Of Championships	Number Of Runner-ups	Years Of Championships
RSC Anderlecht	34	21	1946–47, 1948–49, 1949–50, 1950–51, 1953–54, 1954–55, 1955–56, 1958–59, 1961–62, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1971–72, 1973–74, 1980–81, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1990–91, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2003–04, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2016–17
Club Brugge KV	19	24	1919–20, 1972–73, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1979–80, 1987–88, 1989–90, 1991–92, 1995–96, 1997–98, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2023–24
R Union Saint-Gilloise	12	10	1903–04, 1904–05, 1905–06, 1906–07, 1908–09, 1909–10, 1912–13, 1922–23, 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35, 2024–25
R Standard Liège	10	13	1957–58, 1960–61, 1962–63, 1968–69, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1981–82, 1982–83, 2007–08, 2008–09
K Beerschot VAC	7	7	1921–22, 1923–24, 1924–25, 1925–26, 1927–28, 1937–38, 1938–39
Racing de Bruxelles	6	4	1896–97, 1899–1900, 1900–01, 1901–02, 1902–03, 1907–08
R Antwerp FC	5	11	1928–29, 1930–31, 1943–44, 1956–57, 2022–23
RFC Liège	5	3	1895–96, 1897–98, 1898–99, 1951–52, 1952–53
Daring de Bruxelles	5	4	1911–12, 1913–14, 1920–21, 1935–36, 1936–37
KV Mechelen	4	5	1942–43, 1945–46, 1947–48, 1988–89
KRC Genk	4	0	1998–99, 2001–02, 2010–11, 2018–19
K Lierse SK	4	2	1931–32, 1941–42, 1959–60, 1996–97
Cercle Brugge KSV	3	0	1910–11, 1926–27, 1929–30
KSK Beveren	2	0	1978–79, 1983–84
KAA Gent	1	3	2014–15
RWD Molenbeek	1	0	1974–75
K Berchem Sport	0	3	
R Charleroi SC	0	1	
KSC Lokeren	0	0	
SV Zulte Waregem	0	0	
K Sint-Truiden VV	0	0	
R Léopold Club	0	0	
ROC de Charleroi	0	0	
KRC Mechelen	0	0	
K Beringen FC	0	0

Clubs with Enduring Presence

Beyond championships, some clubs boast incredible longevity, having spent decades in Belgium's top division. Their continued presence speaks to deep-rooted traditions, unwavering fan bases, and consistent competitive spirit, forming the very backbone of Belgian football. These teams are the heart and soul of the league's enduring narrative.

Matriculate	Club	№ of seasons: (119 total)	Period
16	Standard Liège	103	1909–1914, 1921–
1	Antwerp FC	101	1895–1900, 1901–1968, 1970–1998, 2000–2004, 2017–
3	Club Brugge KV	100	1895–1896, 1898–1928, 1929–1933, 1935–1939, 1946–1947, 1949–1951, 1959–
35	RSC Anderlecht	91	1921–1923, 1924–1926, 1927–1928, 1929–1931, 1935–
7	KAA Gent	83	1913–1929, 1936–1967, 1968–1971, 1980–1988, 1989–
12	Cercle Brugge	82	1899–1936, 1938–1946, 1961–1966, 1971–1978, 1979–1997, 2003–2015, 2018–
13	Beerschot VAC	81	1900–1906, 1907–1981, 1982–1991
30	K Lierse SK	74	1927–1948, 1953–1986, 1988–2007, 2010–2015
25	KV Mechelen	71	1921–1922, 1924–1925, 1926–1927, 1928–1956, 1963–1964, 1965–1969, 1971–1977, 1981–1982, 1983–1997, 1999–2001, 2002–2003, 2007–2018, 2019–
4	RFC Liège	67	1895–1910, 1912–1913, 1923–1924, 1945–1995
10	Union SG	59	1900–1949, 1951–1963, 1964–1973, 2021–

Article

Belgian Pro League

The Belgian Pro League, officially the Jupiler Pro League (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈʑypilɛr ˈproː ˌlik]) for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Belgium and the highest level of the Belgian football league system. Contested by 18 clubs from 2026–27 onwards, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Challenger Pro League.

Until 2025–26 season, seasons run from late July to late March, with teams playing 30 matches each in the regular season, and then entering Play-offs I (also known as the Championship Playoff, title playoffs or Champions' play-offs), Play-offs II (also known as the Europa League playoff or Europe play-offs) or Play-offs III (also known as the Relegation play-offs) according to their position in the regular season. Play-offs I are contested by the top-six clubs in the regular season, with each club playing each other twice. The teams finishing in 15th and 16th place are relegated directly, however, the 14th place team plays a promotion-relegation play-off against the 3rd place team of the Challenger Pro League.

The competition was created in 1895 by the Royal Belgian Football Association and was first won by FC Liégeois. Of the 78 clubs to have competed in the first division since its creation, 16 have been crowned champions of Belgium. Anderlecht is the most successful league club with 34 titles, followed by Club Brugge (20), Union Saint-Gilloise (12) and Standard Liège (10). It is currently ranked 8th in the UEFA rankings of leagues based on performances in European competitions over the last five-years. The competition was ranked 3rd when the UEFA first published their ranking in 1979 and also the next year in 1980, which is the best ranking the Belgian First Division has ever achieved.

History

Origins (1895–1914)

The first league in Belgian football was held in 1895–96 as a round-robin tournament with seven teams: Antwerp FC, FC Brugeois, FC Liégeois, RC de Bruxelles, Léopold Club de Bruxelles, SC de Bruxelles, and Union d'Ixelles. FC Liégeois became the first champion of Belgium. The first eight titles in Belgian football were all won by FC Liégeois or RC de Bruxelles. There was no promotion and relegation system at the time, but the last two finishers (FC Brugeois and Union d'Ixelles) withdrew and a new club entered the competition (Athletic and Running Club de Bruxelles). During the 1896–97 season, SC de Bruxelles withdrew, so the 1897–98 season was played by five clubs. In the seasons 1898–99 and 1899–1900, the football association introduced a new format with two leagues at the top level and a final game in two legs. The format changed back to one league with nine clubs in 1900–01, then again to two leagues from 1901–02 to 1903–04, this time with a final round among the top two teams of each league. In 1904–05, the championship was organised with one league of 11 teams. Athletic and Running Club de Bruxelles withdrew during the season and, from the 1906 season on, a system of promotion and relegation was introduced with the winner of the second division replacing the last-placed team of the first division.

In 1906–07, Union Saint-Gilloise won their fourth consecutive title as RC de Bruxelles had from 1899–1900 to 1902–03. Both clubs claimed the next three titles before CS Brugeois won their first title, finishing one point ahead their rival of FC Brugeois. At the end of the 1907–08 season, the number of teams in the first division was increased from 10 to 12 clubs, with Promotion champion RC de Gand and runner-up ESC Forest being promoted while no first division was relegated. As World War I approached, Daring Club de Bruxelles confirmed its status of challenger, even winning the title in 1911–12 and 1913–14. Only Union Saint-Gilloise could face them in that period, winning the 1912–13 championship with a better goal difference. Since 1911–12, two clubs are relegated each year to the Promotion and two clubs from the Promotion are promoted.

After World War I (1919–1945)

During World War I, the football championship was suspended. It resumed in 1919–20 with FC Brugeois claiming their first title after five second places, among which were two lost final games and one lost test-match. At the end of the 1920–21 season, the number of teams was increased from 12 to 14, with only Uccle Sport, the last-placed team of the first division, being relegated, and the first three teams from the Promotion being promoted (Standard Club Liégeois, FC Malinois, and RSC Anderlechtois). From 1921–22 to 1931–32, the decade was dominated by teams from the province of Antwerp: Beerschot AC, with Raymond Braine, won their first five titles, Antwerp FC their first two and the small club of Liersche SK (led by striker Bernard Voorhoof) won their first one in 1931–32. The challengers at the time were CS Brugeois (two titles in that period), Union Saint-Gilloise (one title), Daring Club de Bruxelles and Standard Club Liégeois. Starting 25 December 1932, Union Saint-Gilloise had a record 60 games unbeaten run in the championship (spanning three seasons), winning the 1932–33, 1933–34, and 1934–35 titles. The rival of Union during this period was Daring Club de Bruxelles. They claimed the next two championships. Following the come-back of player Raymond Braine to Beerschot, the Antwerp club won the last two titles before World War II.

On 10 May 1940, German troops invaded Belgium and the seasons 1939–40 and 1940–41 were suspended. The competition resumed in September 1941 and Liersche SK won their second title. At the end of the season, no club was relegated and the number of clubs was increased from 14 to 16. The next season, Liersche SK lost three key players (two of them in a bomb attack and the other one due to a heavy injury sustained on the pitch) and they ended at 3rd place while the neighbours of KV Mechelen became champion for the first time in their history. In 1943–44, Antwerp FC won the title. The league was suspended again in 1944–45 because of World War II.

After World War II (1945–1980)

The league resumed play in 1945–46 with a title for KV Mechelen. At the start of that season, the First Division went from 16 to 19 clubs, with three clubs promoted from the First Division and no team being relegated. The top scorer award was also introduced that season, won by Bert De Cleyn from KV Mechelen. Two seasons later, five clubs were relegated and two promoted. In 1946–47, RSC Anderlechtois won their first championship with Jef Mermans as the key striker and they dominated the Belgian football over the next 9 years with 6 more titles, with KV Mechelen (in 1947–48) and FC Liégeois (in 1951–52 and 1952–53) claiming the remaining titles. The Belgian Golden Shoe award was introduced in 1954, rewarding the best player in the first division for the past calendar year, thus over two half seasons.

In the late 1950s Standard lifted the trophy for the first time in 1957–58 and they eventually became one of Anderlecht's biggest rivals in the league (until their 8th title in 1982–83). The other titles in the late 1950s were won by Antwerp FC and Anderlecht. In the 1960s, the Anderlecht team of Paul Van Himst claimed six titles (with the Belgian record of five consecutives titles between 1963–64 and 1967–68), while Standard claimed three and Lierse one. Standard, with key player Wilfried Van Moer, won the first two titles of the 1970s, which gave them their only treble so far (together with the 1968–69 title). 1974–75 was the only season with as many as 20 clubs in the league's history. Belgian clubs started to perform well in European Cups in the 1970s, with Anderlecht winning the 1975–76 European Cup Winners' Cup and Club Brugge losing to Liverpool F.C. in the 1975–76 UEFA Cup final. The following season, Anderlecht lost to Hamburger SV in the Cup Winners' Cup final and in 1977–78 won for the second time, while Club Brugge lost the European Cup to Liverpool F.C.. In the Belgian First Division, Club Brugge claimed four titles in the decade, while Anderlecht claimed two and R White Daring Molenbeek (the successor of Daring Club de Bruxelles) with Johan Boskamp and KSK Beveren with goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff each claimed their first Belgian championship.

Recent years (1980–present)

In the 1980s, the European successes continued for Belgian clubs with Standard reaching the 1981–82 European Cup Winners' Cup final, Anderlecht winning the 1982–83 UEFA Cup and losing the next UEFA Cup final and KV Mechelen winning the 1987–88 European Cup Winners' Cup. In the domestic league, Anderlecht won their 20th title in 1986–87, which was also the 4th of the decade. Club Brugge and Standard each won two titles in the 1980s and KSK Beveren and KV Mechelen one each.

In the 1990s, Belgium's teams performances were diminished in European competitions, with only RSC Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp FC reaching the European Cup Winners' Cup final, respectively in 1989–90 and in 1992–93. In the home league, RSC Anderlecht took four titles during the decade, while Club Brugge cemented their status as main contender with four titles. The remaining two titles went to Lierse SK and newcomer Racing Genk. The 2000s brought a bright European start, with Anderlecht reaching the second group stage in the 2000–01 UEFA Champions League, but the rest of the decade Belgian clubs were again not very successful in European competitions. In the league, RSC Anderlecht won five titles in the decade, with Club Brugge claiming two titles and Racing Genk taking their second title. At the end of the decade, Standard Liège returned as a title contender with two consecutive titles, 25 years after their 1982–83 title. At the end of the 2000s, the highest level in Belgian football was reshaped, with a play-off round after the regular season. RSC Anderlecht won the first championship in this new format, which was their 30th title. After another two titles for Anderlecht, KAA Gent was the surprise winner of the Championship in 2015. The following seven years, Club Brugge would win the league five times. Anderlecht and Genk won the title on the other occasions. Union Saint-Gilloise came close to shocking the footballing world by almost winning the league in 2021–22. In their first season at the top flight in 48 years, they started the play-offs in first place, but came just short of denying Club Brugge their third consecutive title.

Competition format and naming

Belgian Pro League

The competition format has undergone several changes since 2009, but the most significant one was the introduction of playoffs after completion of the regular season from the 2009–10 season. At that time the number of teams also decreased from 18 to 16 and there was the introduction of matches being played during the Christmas holidays. The change was initially met with criticism, with many at that time pointing out that the Dutch Eredivisie has already abandoned playoffs after three seasons. Anderlecht won the first championship in this new format, the Belgian Pro League 2009-10, which was their 30th Belgian championship.

Following the 2015–16 season, the number of professional teams in Belgium was brought down to 24, which mostly affected the teams playing at the second level of the Belgian football pyramid as the Belgian Second Division was replaced by the Belgian First Division B and the number of teams dropped to eight.

Due to the redesign of the UEFA competitions and the extra burden on the football season calendar (4 extra matchdays for clubs in Europe), there was a need to reduce the number of matches in the Belgian League. Despite the playoff format being very successful with added excitement and decisions often at the very end of the season, the clubs could not agree on a format with fewer teams or altered playoffs and hence it was decided end of February 2025 to return to a system without playoffs from the 2026–27 season onwards, while expanding the top division from 16 to 18 teams.

Matches are usually played on Saturdays at 20.00; however, some matchdays are played on Wednesdays. Furthermore, in recent years, some games are played on Fridays or during the weekend at different times (e.g., Saturday at 18.00 or Sunday at 13.00 or 20.00), as decided by the owner of television rights. Each team playing the Pro League must have been granted the Belgian professional football license guaranteeing the club has no excessive debts, has a secure stadium, etc. This was introduced in the 2001–02 season to decrease the number of teams in the division and ensure a higher level of professionalism in the clubs playing in the top flight of Belgian football. Originally, clubs that could not get the license were supposed not to be replaced (and sent to the third division). However, it is still not effective as, for example, KSK Beveren finished 18th (last) in 2001–2002, but was saved as KSC Eendracht Aalst (17th) and RWD Molenbeek (10th) were refused their license.

Regular season

Each of the 16 competitors in the Pro League plays every other team twice in the regular season, for a total of 30 matches between August and April. A win earns three points and a draw earns one point. Teams are ranked by total points, then by total wins and finally by goal difference, number of scored goals, number of away goals, and number of away wins. If teams are still level, a test-match is played in two legs to determine the final order in the standings. A playoff phase is then played from May.

Championship Play-off

The point system in the championship playoff is the same as during the regular season, except that each team starts with half of the points they won in the regular season, rounded up to the nearest integer. The points gained by rounding are deducted in the case of a tie.

The top six teams from the regular season enter the championship playoff, with the first-placed team winning the championship of Belgium. Each team plays their opponents twice and the teams are ranked by points, points from rounding, wins, etc. as in the regular season.

All time ranking in the Championship Play-off

Since the introduction of the playoff system in 2009 Last updated following the 2025-26 season, teams ranked by total points, then goal difference

<table><thead><tr><th>Rank</th><th>Club</th><th>Seasons</th><th>Played</th><th>Won</th><th>Drew</th><th>Lost</th><th>Points</th><th>Avg. Points per Match</th><th>GF</th><th>GA</th><th>GD</th><th>Titles</th><th>Last participation</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Club Brugge</td><td>16</td><td>148</td><td>78</td><td>31</td><td>39</td><td>265</td><td>1.79</td><td>271</td><td>168</td><td>+103</td><td>6</td><td>2025–26</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Anderlecht</td><td>15</td><td>142</td><td>60</td><td>32</td><td>50</td><td>212</td><td>1.49</td><td>211</td><td>185</td><td>+26</td><td>5</td><td>2025–26</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Genk</td><td>11</td><td>102</td><td>47</td><td>19</td><td>36</td><td>160</td><td>1.6</td><td>155</td><td>140</td><td>+15</td><td>2</td><td>2024–25</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Standard Liège</td><td>7</td><td>70</td><td>33</td><td>15</td><td>22</td><td>114</td><td>1.63</td><td>115</td><td>92</td><td>+23</td><td></td><td>2018–19</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Gent</td><td>10</td><td>100</td><td>29</td><td>26</td><td>36</td><td>113</td><td>1.13</td><td>115</td><td>157</td><td>−42</td><td>1</td><td>2025–26</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Union SG</td><td>5</td><td>42</td><td>23</td><td>8</td><td>11</td><td>75</td><td>1.79</td><td>68</td><td>38</td><td>+30</td><td>1</td><td>2025–26</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Antwerp</td><td>6</td><td>48</td><td>13</td><td>10</td><td>25</td><td>49</td><td>1.05</td><td>48</td><td>81</td><td>−33</td><td>1</td><td>2024–25</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Zulte Waregem</td><td>5</td><td>50</td><td>12</td><td>11</td><td>27</td><td>47</td><td>0.94</td><td>66</td><td>102</td><td>−36</td><td></td><td>2016–17</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Charleroi</td><td>3</td><td>30</td><td>7</td><td>8</td><td>15</td><td>29</td><td>0.97</td><td>32</td><td>50</td><td>−18</td><td></td><td>2017–18</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Kortrijk</td><td>3</td><td>30</td><td>8</td><td>5</td><td>17</td><td>29</td><td>0.97</td><td>36</td><td>55</td><td>−19</td><td></td><td>2014–15</td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td>Sint-Truiden</td><td>2</td><td>20</td><td>7</td><td>6</td><td>7</td><td>27</td><td>1.35</td><td>23</td><td>21</td><td>2</td><td></td><td>2025–26</td></tr><tr><td>12</td><td>Oostende</td><td>2</td><td>20</td><td>6</td><td>5</td><td>9</td><td>23</td><td>1.15</td><td>28</td><td>36</td><td>−8</td><td></td><td>2016–17</td></tr><tr><td>13</td><td>Lokeren</td><td>3</td><td>30</td><td>4</td><td>7</td><td>19</td><td>19</td><td>0.63</td><td>38</td><td>66</td><td>−28</td><td></td><td>2013–14</td></tr><tr><td>14</td><td>Cercle Brugge</td><td>1</td><td>10</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>13</td><td>1.3</td><td>13</td><td>13</td><td>0</td><td></td><td>2023–24</td></tr><tr><td>15</td><td>Mechelen</td><td>1</td><td>10</td><td>1</td><td>3</td><td>6</td><td>6</td><td>0.6</td><td>9</td><td>24</td><td>−15</td><td></td><td>2025–26</td></tr></tbody></table>

Comprehensive team results by season

• 1st — Champions • 2nd — Runners-up • 3rd — Third place • • — Did not qualify • NH — Not held due to COVID-19 • × — Playing in a lower division • D — Defunct

<table><thead><tr><th>Team</th><th>2009–10</th><th>2010–11</th><th>2011–12</th><th>2012–13</th><th>2013–14</th><th>2014–15</th><th>2015–16</th><th>2016–17</th><th>2017–18</th><th>2018–19</th><th>2019–20</th><th>2020–21</th><th>2021–22</th><th>2022–23</th><th>2023–24</th><th>2024–25</th><th>2025–26</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Anderlecht</td><td>1st</td><td>3rd</td><td colspan="3">1st</td><td>3rd</td><td>2nd</td><td>1st</td><td>3rd</td><td>6th</td><td rowspan="15">NH</td><td>4th</td><td>3rd</td><td>•</td><td>3rd</td><td>4th</td><td>4th</td></tr><tr><td>Antwerp</td><td colspan="8"> × </td><td>•</td><td>4th</td><td>3rd</td><td>4th</td><td>1st</td><td>6th</td><td>5th</td><td>•</td></tr><tr><td>Cercle Brugge</td><td colspan="6">•</td><td colspan="3"> × </td><td>•</td><td colspan="3">•</td><td>4th</td><td>•</td><td>•</td></tr><tr><td>Charleroi</td><td colspan="2">•</td><td> × </td><td colspan="2">•</td><td>5th</td><td>•</td><td>5th</td><td>6th</td><td>•</td><td colspan="6">•</td></tr><tr><td>Club Brugge</td><td>3rd</td><td>4th</td><td>2nd</td><td colspan="2">3rd</td><td>2nd</td><td>1st</td><td>2nd</td><td>1st</td><td>2nd</td><td colspan="2">1st</td><td>4th</td><td>1st</td><td>2nd</td><td>1st</td></tr><tr><td>Genk</td><td>•</td><td>1st</td><td>3rd</td><td>5th</td><td>6th</td><td>•</td><td>4th</td><td>•</td><td>5th</td><td>1st</td><td>2nd</td><td>•</td><td>2nd</td><td>5th</td><td>3rd</td><td>•</td></tr><tr><td>Gent</td><td>2nd</td><td>5th</td><td>4th</td><td colspan="2">•</td><td>1st</td><td>3rd</td><td>3rd</td><td>4th</td><td>5th</td><td colspan="4">•</td><td>6th</td><td>5th</td></tr><tr><td>Kortrijk</td><td>5th</td><td>•</td><td>6th</td><td colspan="2">•</td><td>6th</td><td colspan="4">•</td><td colspan="5">•</td><td> × </td></tr><tr><td>Lokeren</td><td>•</td><td>6th</td><td>•</td><td>6th</td><td>5th</td><td colspan="5">•</td><td colspan="6"> D </td></tr><tr><td>Mechelen</td><td colspan="9">•</td><td> × </td><td colspan="5">•</td><td>6th</td></tr><tr><td>Oostende</td><td colspan="4"> × </td><td colspan="2">•</td><td>5th</td><td>4th</td><td colspan="2">•</td><td colspan="3">•</td><td> × </td><td colspan="2"> D </td></tr><tr><td>Sint-Truiden</td><td>4th</td><td colspan="2">•</td><td colspan="3"> × </td><td colspan="4">•</td><td colspan="5">•</td><td>3rd</td></tr><tr><td>Standard Liège</td><td>•</td><td>2nd</td><td>5th</td><td>4th</td><td>2nd</td><td>4th</td><td colspan="2">•</td><td>2nd</td><td>3rd</td><td colspan="6">•</td></tr><tr><td>Union SG</td><td colspan="10"> × </td><td> × </td><td>2nd</td><td>3rd</td><td>2nd</td><td>1st</td><td>2nd</td></tr><tr><td>Zulte Waregem</td><td>6th</td><td colspan="2">•</td><td>2nd</td><td>4th</td><td>•</td><td colspan="2">6th</td><td colspan="2">•</td><td colspan="3">•</td><td colspan="2"> × </td><td>•</td></tr></tbody></table>

Europa League Playoff

Until 2016, the teams ranked 7 to 14 after the regular season enter the playoffs 2, with teams ranked 7th, 9th, 12th, and 14th entering group A and teams ranked 8th, 10th, 11th, and 13th entering group B. In each group, each team plays each of its three opponents twice. The winner of each group played the final game in two legs to determine the winner of the playoffs 2. The winner of the playoffs 2 then plays a home and away game against either the fourth-place or fifth-place team from the playoffs 1 for the final Europa League ticket, with the opponent depending on whether the Belgian Cup winner ended in the top four of the playoff 1 or not.

From 2016, the system was changed as now the teams ranked 7 to 16 are joined by six teams from the Belgian First Division B and divided into four groups of four teams. The winners of each groups now play a single match to determine the overall playoff winner, with the winner playing the fifth-placed team from playoff 1 in a single match for the final Europa League ticket.

Relegation playoff

Until 2015, a relegation playoff was played between the teams ranked 15th and 16th after the regular season. It consisted of five games between the two teams. The 15th-placed team started the playoffs with three points whereas the 16th-placed team started from zero. The loser of the relegation playoff was relegated to the second division. The winner of that playoff had to enter the Belgian Second Division final round with three teams from the second division. The winner of this Final Round played in the First Division the season thereafter.

From 2015 to 2023, the relegation playoff ceased to exist, as now the 16th-place team relegates directly, whereas the 15th placed team takes part in the Europa League playoff. The 2015–16 Belgian Pro League was an exception as during that season the 15th placed team did not take part in any playoff, with the season for that team ending after the regular season.

From 2023 onwards, the relegation play-off was played between the teams ranked 13th and 16th after the regular season. After the relegation play-off battle, two teams are relegated directly to the Challenger Pro League and one team will play against 3rd place of Challenger Pro League due to avoid relegation.

Qualification for European competitions

For the 2010–11 season, the Belgian champion and the runner-up qualify for the 3rd UEFA Champions League qualifying round (of 4). The Belgian Cup winner (or the Cup finalist if the Cup winner finished first or second in the league) qualifies for the play-off of the UEFA Europa League. The third-placed team (or the fourth-placed team if the Cup winner finished third in the league) qualifies for the 3rd and last qualifying round and the winner of the game between the play-offs 2 winner and the fourth-placed team (or the fifth-placed team if the Cup winner finished fourth) qualifies for the 2nd qualifying round.

Naming

• 1895–1904: Championship Cup • 1904–1926: First Division • 1926–1952: Division of Honour • 1952–2016: First Division • 2016–2022: First Division A • 2022–present: Belgian Pro League

Media coverage

Belgian Pro League

The Belgian Football Association sells the television rights for the Belgian First Division every three years. In 2005, the newly created Belgian TV channel Proximus TV bought the TV rights for a record amount of €36 million per season until 2019–20.

In May 2008, the rights were again sold to Belgacom TV in association with both public broadcasters VRT (Dutch) and RTBF (French) for an amount of €45.7 million per season. RTBF and VRT thus received the rights to show summaries of first division games, as well as rights to a weekly magazine on the competition. Belgacom TV received the rights to show each game in the competition.

On 12 June 2020 Aser's Eleven Sports and the Pro League reached an agreement on the new domestic and international media contract for the coming five years. As exclusive global rights holder, Eleven Sports will air the rights of all Pro League competitions for the next five seasons from 2020–21 until 2024–25, with both public broadcasters Play 4 (Dutch) and RTBF (French) lands the rights for highlights again.

Clubs

Champions

<table><thead><tr><th>Club</th><th>Number Of Championships</th><th>Number Of Runner-ups</th><th>Years Of Championships</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>RSC Anderlecht</td><td>34</td><td>21</td><td>1946–47, 1948–49, 1949–50, 1950–51, 1953–54, 1954–55, 1955–56, 1958–59, 1961–62, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1971–72, 1973–74, 1980–81, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1990–91, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2003–04, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2016–17</td></tr><tr><td>Club Brugge KV</td><td>20</td><td>24</td><td>1919–20, 1972–73, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1979–80, 1987–88, 1989–90, 1991–92, 1995–96, 1997–98, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2023–24, 2025–26</td></tr><tr><td>R Union Saint-Gilloise</td><td>12</td><td>11</td><td>1903–04, 1904–05, 1905–06, 1906–07, 1908–09, 1909–10, 1912–13, 1922–23, 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35, 2024–25</td></tr><tr><td>R Standard Liège</td><td>10</td><td>13</td><td>1957–58, 1960–61, 1962–63, 1968–69, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1981–82, 1982–83, 2007–08, 2008–09</td></tr><tr><td>K Beerschot VAC</td><td>7</td><td>7</td><td>1921–22, 1923–24, 1924–25, 1925–26, 1927–28, 1937–38, 1938–39</td></tr><tr><td>Racing de Bruxelles</td><td>6</td><td>4</td><td>1896–97, 1899–1900, 1900–01, 1901–02, 1902–03, 1907–08</td></tr><tr><td>R Antwerp FC</td><td rowspan="3">5</td><td>11</td><td>1928–29, 1930–31, 1943–44, 1956–57, 2022–23</td></tr><tr><td>RFC Liège</td><td>3</td><td>1895–96, 1897–98, 1898–99, 1951–52, 1952–53</td></tr><tr><td>Daring de Bruxelles</td><td>4</td><td>1911–12, 1913–14, 1920–21, 1935–36, 1936–37</td></tr><tr><td>KV Mechelen</td><td rowspan="3">4</td><td>5</td><td>1942–43, 1945–46, 1947–48, 1988–89</td></tr><tr><td>KRC Genk</td><td>4</td><td>1998–99, 2001–02, 2010–11, 2018–19</td></tr><tr><td>K Lierse SK</td><td>2</td><td>1931–32, 1941–42, 1959–60, 1996–97</td></tr><tr><td>Cercle Brugge KSV</td><td>3</td><td rowspan="2">0</td><td>1910–11, 1926–27, 1929–30</td></tr><tr><td>KSK Beveren</td><td>2</td><td>1978–79, 1983–84</td></tr><tr><td>KAA Gent</td><td rowspan="2">1</td><td>3</td><td>2014–15</td></tr><tr><td>RWD Molenbeek</td><td>0</td><td>1974–75</td></tr><tr><td>K Berchem Sport</td><td rowspan="9">0</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>R Charleroi SC</td><td rowspan="8">1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>KSC Lokeren</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SV Zulte Waregem</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>K Sint-Truiden VV</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>R Léopold Club</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>ROC de Charleroi</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>KRC Mechelen</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>K Beringen FC</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

• bold clubs play in top flight • italic clubs dissolved or merged

Most seasons in First Division A

Only clubs with more than 50 seasons in first division listed:

<table><thead><tr><th>Matriculate</th><th>Club</th><th>№ of seasons: (119 total)</th><th>Period</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>16</td><td>Standard Liège</td><td>103</td><td>1909–1914, 1921–</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Antwerp FC</td><td>101</td><td>1895–1900, 1901–1968, 1970–1998, 2000–2004, 2017–</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Club Brugge KV</td><td>100</td><td>1895–1896, 1898–1928, 1929–1933, 1935–1939, 1946–1947, 1949–1951, 1959–</td></tr><tr><td>35</td><td>RSC Anderlecht</td><td>91</td><td>1921–1923, 1924–1926, 1927–1928, 1929–1931, 1935–</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>KAA Gent</td><td rowspan="2">83</td><td>1913–1929, 1936–1967, 1968–1971, 1980–1988, 1989–</td></tr><tr><td>12</td><td>Cercle Brugge</td><td>1899–1936, 1938–1946, 1961–1966, 1971–1978, 1979–1997, 2003–2015, 2018–</td></tr><tr><td>13</td><td>Beerschot VAC</td><td>81</td><td>1900–1906, 1907–1981, 1982–1991</td></tr><tr><td>30</td><td>K Lierse SK</td><td>74</td><td>1927–1948, 1953–1986, 1988–2007, 2010–2015</td></tr><tr><td>25</td><td>KV Mechelen</td><td>71</td><td>1921–1922, 1924–1925, 1926–1927, 1928–1956, 1963–1964, 1965–1969, 1971–1977, 1981–1982, 1983–1997, 1999–2001, 2002–2003, 2007–2018, 2019–</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>RFC Liège</td><td>67</td><td>1895–1910, 1912–1913, 1923–1924, 1945–1995</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Union SG</td><td>59</td><td>1901–1949, 1951–1963, 1964–1965, 1968–1973, 2021–</td></tr><tr><td>22</td><td>Charleroi SC</td><td>57</td><td>1947–1957, 1966–1971, 1974–1980, 1985–2011, 2012–</td></tr></tbody></table>

• bold clubs play in First Division • italic clubs dissolved or merged

Clubs that played in First Division

A total of 78 clubs have played in the first division since its creation in 1895. Among those 78 clubs, 44 still exist and the 30 other clubs either went into liquidation or merged with another club.

Members for 2026–27

<table><thead><tr><th>Club name</th><th>City</th><th>Last season position</th><th>First season of current spell in top division</th><th>Result 24–25</th><th>Result 23–24</th><th>Result 22–23</th><th>Result 21–22</th><th>Result 20–21</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Anderlecht</td><td>Brussels (Anderlecht)</td><td>4th</td><td>1935–36</td><td>4th</td><td>3rd</td><td>11th</td><td>3rd</td><td>4th</td></tr><tr><td>Antwerp</td><td>Antwerp</td><td>11th</td><td>2017–18</td><td>5th</td><td>6th</td><td>1st</td><td>4th</td><td>3rd</td></tr><tr><td>Beveren</td><td>Beveren</td><td>1st (CPL)</td><td>2026–27</td><td>4th (CPL)</td><td>8th (CPL)</td><td>2nd (CPL)</td><td>3rd (D1B)</td><td>17th</td></tr><tr><td>Cercle Brugge</td><td>Bruges</td><td>14th</td><td>2018–19</td><td>14th</td><td>4th</td><td>6th</td><td>10th</td><td>16th</td></tr><tr><td>Charleroi</td><td>Charleroi</td><td>9th</td><td>2012–13</td><td>7th</td><td>13th</td><td>9th</td><td>7th</td><td>13th</td></tr><tr><td>Club Brugge</td><td>Bruges</td><td>1st</td><td>1959–60</td><td>2nd</td><td>1st</td><td>4th</td><td>1st</td><td>1st</td></tr><tr><td>Genk</td><td>Genk</td><td>7th</td><td>1996–97</td><td>3rd</td><td>5th</td><td>2nd</td><td>6th</td><td>2nd</td></tr><tr><td>Gent</td><td>Ghent</td><td>5th</td><td>1989–90</td><td>6th</td><td>7th</td><td>5th</td><td>5th</td><td>5th</td></tr><tr><td>Kortrijk</td><td>Kortrijk</td><td>2nd (CPL)</td><td>2026–27</td><td>15th</td><td>14th</td><td>14th</td><td>13th</td><td>14th</td></tr><tr><td>La Louvière</td><td>La Louvière</td><td>15th</td><td>2025–26</td><td>2nd (CPL)</td><td>1st (NatD1)</td><td>4th (NatD1)</td><td>1st (D2 ACFF)</td><td>4th (D2 ACFF)</td></tr><tr><td>Lommel</td><td>Lommel</td><td>5th (CPL)</td><td>2026–27</td><td>11th (CPL)</td><td>4th (CPL)</td><td>7th (CPL)</td><td>6th (D1B)</td><td>3rd (D1B)</td></tr><tr><td>Mechelen</td><td>Mechelen</td><td>6th</td><td>2019–20</td><td>9th</td><td>8th</td><td>13th</td><td>8th</td><td>6th</td></tr><tr><td>OH Leuven</td><td>Leuven</td><td>12th</td><td>2020–21</td><td>12th</td><td>10th</td><td>10th</td><td>11th</td><td>11th</td></tr><tr><td>Sint-Truiden</td><td>Sint-Truiden</td><td>3rd</td><td>2015–16</td><td>13th</td><td>9th</td><td>12th</td><td>9th</td><td>15th</td></tr><tr><td>Standard Liège</td><td>Liège</td><td>8th</td><td>1921–22</td><td>11th</td><td>12th</td><td>7th</td><td>14th</td><td>8th</td></tr><tr><td>Union SG</td><td>Brussels (Forest)</td><td>2nd</td><td>2021–22</td><td>1st</td><td>2nd</td><td>3rd</td><td>2nd</td><td>1st (D1B)</td></tr><tr><td>Westerlo</td><td>Westerlo</td><td>10th</td><td>2022–23</td><td>8th</td><td>11th</td><td>8th</td><td>1st (D1B)</td><td>4th (D1B)</td></tr><tr><td>Zulte Waregem</td><td>Waregem</td><td>13th</td><td>2025–26</td><td>1st (CPL)</td><td>5th (CPL)</td><td>17th</td><td>16th</td><td>10th</td></tr></tbody></table>

Players

Belgian Pro League

Players in the Belgian First Division can be of any nationality and a club can sign as many foreign players as desired. The first club to start a game with 11 foreign players was KSC Lokeren in 2001. Every year, players are elected for Belgian Golden Shoe awards, the highest awards a player can receive in Belgian competitions, but also for Belgian professional football awards. Players with African descent, origin or nationality can claim a Belgian Ebony Shoe award. Players compete also every season for the Belgian First Division top scorer, since the 1945–46 season.

Top scorers

Erwin Vandenbergh is the only player to have claimed the top scorer title four consecutive times, between 1979–80 and 1982–83 (the first three times while at Lierse SK and the last time while at RSC Anderlecht). He is also the player to have claimed the most Belgian First Division top scorer titles in his career (six times with three different clubs: three times with Lierse SK, twice with RSC Anderlecht and once with KAA Gent). Victor Wegria and Josip Weber won the title three consecutive times (resp. between 1958–59 and 1960–61 while at RFC Liégeois and between 1991–92 and 1993–94 while at Cercle Brugge KSV). Wegria eventually finished top scorer a 4th time in 1962–63 still with RFC Liégeois, making him the second player with the most top scorer titles in the history of Belgian First Division top scorers.

The introduction of this title of honour in 1945 was maybe a little too late for first winner Albert De Cleyn as this player has scored the most goals in the history of the Belgian First Division since 1895 (350 goals in 395 games between 1932 and 1954 with KV Mechelen), though he won the top scorer title only once. Other players in the top ten of the all-time top scorer ranking in the Belgian First Division include Joseph Mermans (three times top scorer, 339 goals overall in 382 games with RSC Anderlecht), Bernard Voorhoof (Belgium national football team top scorer, 281 goals in 473 matches with Lierse SK), Rik Coppens (three times top scorer), Erwin Vandenbergh and Paul Van Himst (Belgium top scorer with Bernard Voorhoof, three times top scorer).

The first foreign player to claim the title was Dutchman Jan Mulder in 1966–67 with RSC Anderlecht. Since then, 25 foreign players have finished top scorer. Only three foreign players claimed the trophy more than once: Josip Weber (twice as a Croat and once as a Belgian), Austrian Alfred Riedl and most recently Frenchman Jérémy Perbet.

International results by Belgian clubs

Belgian Pro League

• See: International results by Belgian clubs