Union Saint-Gilloise Captain Christian Burgess Reflects on Champions League Journey
As a history graduate with a focus on World War One, Union Saint-Gilloise captain Christian Burgess understands the significance of Belgian resilience against wealthier opponents.
"I specialized in one of the lesser-known reasons for the war—Belgium was effectively protected by the UK, and when it was invaded, it served as a catalyst for the UK to enter the conflict," he shared with BBC Sport.
For a history enthusiast, the region is captivating; Burgess notes that there are numerous monuments along the roads that serve as reminders of the First and Second World Wars.
In line with the region's spirit, Burgess's own career has been a testament to overcoming challenges. He admits he never anticipated playing in the Champions League. When he faced PSV on September 16, he became the oldest English outfield player to debut in the Champions League since Steve Bould for Arsenal in November 1998, at the age of 33 years and 344 days.
Union Saint-Gilloise and their captain are preparing for their home debut in the competition, even as underdogs, when they host Premier League giants Newcastle United on October 1.
"As a child, I vividly remember watching the Champions League. I recall the final in Istanbul with Liverpool and Chelsea's match against Barcelona featuring Ronaldinho's incredible goal. These memories are unforgettable, and I never imagined I would play in that competition. Experiencing it at this stage of my career feels surreal," he reflected.
"I thought back to my childhood and couldn't believe I would lead a club into such a prestigious competition against teams I once admired. You have to laugh; otherwise, it’s hard to believe it’s real."
'I finished my degree while playing for Boro'
After being released by Arsenal as a youth player, Burgess pursued his education before receiving a trial with Championship side Middlesbrough during his second year of university.
He secured a two-year professional contract but was encouraged by then-manager Tony Mowbray to continue his studies. "It was an opportunity I couldn't refuse," he recalled regarding his first professional deal. "So, I took it and completed my degree at Teesside University, which allowed me to transfer my first two years. Mowbray advised me to finish my degree because the contract was just a foot in the door, not a guaranteed career. I took his advice, and thankfully, I’ve been able to build a career in football as well."
Burgess enjoyed stints in League One with Peterborough and Portsmouth before making the leap to Belgium in 2020. Remarkably, he is not the only English center-back to transition from the lower leagues to the Belgian top flight; his defensive partner, Ross Sykes, was signed from Accrington Stanley in 2022 after Union took a chance on him.
The duo played a crucial role in helping Union secure their first league title in 90 years last season, with Sykes overcoming his own challenges after being released by Burnley for being deemed "too small" as a child.
"I wasn’t keen on continuing with academy football after being let go at 11, but my parents encouraged me to trial at Accrington Stanley shortly after. I never looked back," Sykes shared.
Together, Sykes and Burgess have made 318 appearances for Union, leading the club to Europe’s elite competition for the first time. Sykes noted that their 3-1 victory against PSV in their opening Champions League match came as no surprise because their squad is "not afraid to take on anyone."
Burgess certainly appeared at ease on such a grand stage, earning a rating of 9.39 out of 10 from BBC Sport readers, making him the top-ranked player in that match.
Though he has only played one league game in the top two tiers of English football, Burgess is an unlikely candidate to spearhead a European campaign, but Union has always embraced a unique path.
"The club is built on the principle of nurturing talent from lesser-known leagues. We have players from Estonia, Latvia, Croatia, and Austria, and Union provides them with a platform to shine if they show promise. My role is to support them, maintain high standards, and help them progress, leading to opportunities at clubs across Europe, which is gratifying to witness," he explained.
'It would be a dream come true'
The tightly-knit team watched in the canteen as Union learned their Champions League draw last month. Having already secured matches against Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid, a loud cheer erupted when the Belgian champions were paired with Newcastle.
Everyone turned to Sykes, who jumped from his seat and celebrated, fully aware of the significance of the moment for the Englishman.
"Playing against your boyhood club in the Champions League? It doesn't get any better than that," Sykes exclaimed.
Though originally from Burnley, Sykes grew up supporting Newcastle, idolizing players like Alan Shearer and, more recently, Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini. He even attended a Champions League match between Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion a few years ago.
Now, he stands on the brink of potentially facing the Black and Whites in Brussels on Wednesday night. "It would be a dream come true because it’s not just any game—it’s in the Champions League, the pinnacle of club football," he expressed.
Burgess noted that Union is aiming for a top-24 finish in the league phase, which would secure them a place in the playoff round and a chance to face a European giant in knockout football.
With a club like Union and determined players like Burgess and Sykes, underestimation is not an option. "I’ve learned perseverance and the importance of positivity through the ups and downs of my career," Burgess said. "At Portsmouth and Peterborough, I faced setbacks before reaching my current position, but hard work has been key."
Sykes will have family watching at Lotto Park on Wednesday night, hoping to witness his debut in the competition, marking yet another chapter in the remarkable journey of the 26-year-old.
"Never give up. If you want something, you will always reap the rewards of your efforts," he added.
Additional reporting by BBC World Service’s Mani Djazmi.