Saint-Trond thrive with as many Japanese as Belgians | OneFootball

Surprise package Saint-Trond sit third in Belgium, their Japan-to-Europe pathway defining the season’s standout story. The Limburg club face Union Saint-Gilloise on Sunday in the final round of the regular season at 18:30.

Their rise defies the numbers, with Genk in seventh and Anderlecht in fifth operating on far bigger budgets. L'Équipe reports that ownership by Japan’s digital giant DMM.com since 2017 has led to eight Japanese in a 26-man squad, matching the Belgian contingent, with six usually starting.

The eight often sit together in the dressing room, and early scepticism among fans has eased. Long-time supporter Kris Vanmunster says communication from the hierarchy has improved, with two or three meetings now held each year.

Club director Tateishi, a former footballer appointed in 2018, is based in Brussels and spends about 80% of the year in Belgium. He has said Japan once attracted players without offering a clear springboard, a gap Saint-Trond now set out to fill.

Shinji Kagawa had a short stint in 2022-2023 to add experience, but STVV’s hallmark has been talent elevation. Takehiro Tomiyasu launched his European career here before joining Arsenal in 2021, Wataru Endo followed a similar route and is now at Liverpool, while 23-year-old goalkeeper Zion Suzuki moved to Parma in 2024.

Japanese influence extends to staff across the club, and at the Daio Wasabi Stayen Stadium the feel is unmistakably cross-cultural. Under local coach Wouter Vrancken, the side have gathered momentum and can now talk credibly about Europe.

Source: L'Équipe