The coronary heart of Brussels turned yellow and crimson as Galatasaray’s historic twenty fifth Turkish league title was celebrated in fashion, with town’s beloved Manneken Pis statue donning the membership’s five-star jersey for the primary time in its 406-year historical past.
In a vibrant ceremony organized by the Galatasaray Supporters Association in Belgium, the festivities started on the Brussels City Hall, the place Mayor Philippe Close welcomed attendees with a shock: a speech in Turkish.
“Today, the Manneken Pis represents Galatasaray,” Close mentioned, smiling. “I’m an Anderlecht fan – but today, we’re all Cimbom. This is Galatasaray’s day. Not Fenerbahçe’s, not anyone else’s. Just Galatasaray.”
The mayor praised the Turkish neighborhood in Brussels and highlighted Galatasaray’s connection to Belgium, notably by Belgian star Dries Mertens and legends like Jean-Marie Pfaff.
As a tribute, Close was gifted a commemorative Galatasaray jersey with 5 stars, symbolizing the membership’s dominance in Turkish soccer.
Later, Galatasaray General Secretary Eray Yazgan introduced Close with a plaque that includes the gates of Galatasaray High School, whereas Brussels Consul General Onur Sevim additionally acquired a ceremonial plaque.
Both dignitaries signed town’s guestbook to mark the event.
Galatasaray Becomes First Turkish Club to Dress Manneken Pis
The ceremony reached its climax in Grand Place Square, the place followers in crimson and yellow gathered as chants and membership songs echoed by the streets.
Galatasaray’s five-star package was formally positioned on the Manneken Pis statue, making it the statue’s 1,177th costume – and the primary ever worn by a Turkish soccer membership.
Previously, solely native aspect Anderlecht had acquired the consideration.
“We are proud to see Galatasaray become part of Brussels’ cultural memory,” mentioned Close. “Football brings people together, and today it brought nations closer.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com