Union Saint-Gilloise’s Unlikely Heroes are Driving a Historic Rise

Union Saint-Gilloise's Unlikely Heroes are Driving a Historic Rise

It’s not often you see a former League Two regular captain a team in the Champions League. But to have one of his triumphant teammates come from similar backgrounds is something truly extraordinary.

Union Saint-Gilloise opened their 2025/26 Champions League account with an emphatic win against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night, but the main talking point wasn’t just the Belgian side picking up their first ever Champions League win.

Instead, it was their remarkable recruitment strategy and the journeys some of their players have been on.

Despite featuring in both the Europa League and Conference League in recent years, this is the first time USG have managed to qualify for the main event and they are already flourishing.

They sit top of the table after one game, but who are the stars who have helped lead them there and what are their stories to be told?

Christian Burgess

The 6’5 mammoth centre-back led Union Saint Gilloise on Tuesday night, with the armband around his arm. But it has taken some journey to get him where he is now.

Union SG 💛💙#UCL pic.twitter.com/mtecYak2ZZ

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 26, 2025

Burgess began his football in East London, as he jumped across both Arsenal and West Ham United’s academy systems. After being released, the defender joined non-League side Bishop Stortford, to play in their reserve team. It was then he decided to enrol into the University of Birmingham to study history.

During the second year of his studies, he earned a trial at Championship side Middlesbrough, through a connection from his coach in the university football team. From this trial, Burgess was handed a two year contract in 2012.

He only made one appearance for Boro before being sent on loan to locals Hartlepool United. After impressing in the North East, the youngster earned another loan, but this time to League One outfit Peterborough United.

The loan was only for one month; however, just one game in, the Posh handed Burgess a four-year contract.

Burgess endured a fairly disappointing year in Cambridgeshire. Despite making over 30 appearances, Peterborough failed to hit their targets considerably and the defender didn’t seem quite ready for that level.

As a result, he made the step back down to League Two to sign for sleeping giants Portsmouth. Straight away, Pompey made the playoffs in Burgess’ first campaign and then after bowing out, the South Coast side managed to win the league the season after in 2017.

The powerhouse played a huge part in this achievement, as he scored a handful of goals that season and started nearly every game. Burgess also earned a spot in the League Two Team of the Year for his efforts.

💫 From League Two with #Pompey, to victorious @ChampionsLeague nights captaining @UnionStGilloise...

💙 We're all proud of you, @Burgey44! pic.twitter.com/Z3nofa8ML7

— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) September 16, 2025

He then went on to play three consecutive seasons in the English third tier, where he impressed massively, especially in the latter campaign. As a result, the defender got his big move away, to then Belgian First Division B side Union Saint-Gilloise.

Fast-forward to today, Burgess has been promoted with USG, been included in another Team of the Year and featured in all three European competitions. Not only was Tuesday night his Champions League debut, but he also managed to win the penalty which led to USG’s first goal, all whilst captaining the side.

Ross Sykes

Whilst Sykes started on the bench against PSV on Tuesday - he is one of Burgess’ very few defensive partners at the club and the only other Englishman. Similarly to the club captain, Sykes has ground out the majority of his career in League Two, and has even dabbled a season in the National League North - England’s sixth tier.

The 26-year-old started his career in Lancashire. He played for Burnley’s youth teams, before being released and joining Accrington Stanley in replacement.

In 2016, at the age of 17, Sykes made his debut for Stanley in the EFL Trophy. From then on, the defender continued to build more experience with the club, after making the odd appearance.

That was until the autumn of 2017, when Sykes went on a one month loan to Southport in the National League North. The Northerner made six appearances at that level, which significantly boosted his profile at Accrington.

The following campaign saw Sykes make over 25 appearances for the club and even score four goals. Furthermore, that was Accrington’s first season back in the third tier in nearly 60 years.

Sykes then went on to play three more seasons in League One football with the Reds, where he made over 80 appearances. In his final season in the 2021/22 campaign, the defender was one of Stanley’s most impressive players, as he grabbed four goals and two assists in the third tier.

This certainly made him a target for many teams in the summer, as reports suggested that Premier League side Brighton were interested. Instead, the centre-back signed for Union Saint-Gilloise, where he continues to play his football.

Champions 🏆@UnionStGilloise pic.twitter.com/QoEdSQHOO7

— Ross Sykes (@RossySykes) May 26, 2025

Sykes has now entered his fourth season in Belgium and he has definitely impressed since being there.

The 26-year-old edges just two appearances away from the 100 mark and he has scored a grand tally of 11 goals in that time. Whilst this season he hasn’t necessarily been a nailed on starter, Sykes is still playing a huge part in the team and featuring where possible.

He has still not even reached his so-called ‘prime years’ and yet played in the Europa League, Conference League and maybe soon the Champions League. Ross Sykes’ story is one that is incredibly unique, and both him and Christian Burgess continue to keep defying the odds.