It's over: Ex-Portsmouth favourite Christian Burgess eyes new challenge after ending glittering Belgian career
The Fratton faithful has bid an emotional farewell after a glittering career in Belgium
Christian Burgess’ remarkable Belgian story is over - and raises questions over his next move.
In July 2020, at the age of 28, the central defender quit Fratton Park for second-tier side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in a transfer which surprised many.
Now, after six years with the Brussels-based club, the Pompey League Two title winner has announced an emotional exit.
Burgess’ departure has come just weeks after helping Union beat Anderlecht in extra-time to lift the Belgian Cup for the second time in three years.
Their season concluded a week ago, with the 5-1 thrashing of Anderlecht clinching second place behind Club Brugge in the Jupiler Pro League.
Now the 34-year-old is seeking a fresh challenge, with Union revealing the ex-Fratton Park favourite had rejected a new deal.
‘The greatest moments in Union’s recent history go hand in hand with Burgess’
‘He made 262 appearances in our yellow and blue shirt, scored 18 goals and provided 9 assists. We would like to thank Christian for his invaluable contribution to Union’s return to the top and the success that followed.
‘The greatest moments in Union’s recent history go hand in hand with Burgess. He was one of the driving forces on the pitch behind the club’s promotion to the Belgian top flight in 2021. After 48 years, top-level football returned to the Stade Marien.
‘Burgess and his teammates carried that momentum forward immediately. Union finished as runners-up, qualified for European football and went all the way to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
‘Burgess and his teammates carried that momentum forward immediately. Union finished as runners-up, qualified for European football and went all the way to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
‘With Burgess in the squad, the club eventually lifted the Belgian Cup, ending a wait of 110 years and securing another historic milestone. The league title, which had been awaited for 90 years, also returned to the Stade Marien on the final day of the 2024-2025 season. On 25 May 2025, Burgess was one of the first to lift the trophy.
‘After experiencing Champions League football, winning another Belgian Cup and finishing second in the league, Burgess now bids farewell to his Union.
‘Farewell, Christian. Unioniste un jour, Unioniste toujours. Thank you for everything.’
Won the League Two title and Checktrade Trophy with Pompey
As a Pompey player, Burgess made 210 appearances and scored 12 times after joining from Peterborough in the summer of 2015.
Signed by Paul Cook for an undisclosed fee, the defender went on to win the League Two title and Checkatrade Trophy before departing in July 2020.
Having signed a pre-contract agreement with Union, he left days after Pompey’s elimination from the League One play-off semi-finals to Oxford United, when Cameron McGeehan’s miss from the spot.
Since then, Burgess has won the Jupiler Pro League, claimed the First Division B title, reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League, captured the Belgian Cup twice, won the Belgian Super Cup and also featured in the Champions League.
In addition, he now has a Belgian wife and two-year-old daughter - and is currently eyeing other opportunities.
‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart’
In a video posted by the club, Burgess said: ‘It’s not easy to switch off the lights, after all these crazy years, so much success shared together.
‘Coming here, discovering this club, this city, these fans. It’s become a part of who I am.
‘Even now, when it’s time to say goodbye, we’ll keep the lights on, let them shine bright on everything we’ve achieved together.
He added in French, which The News has translated: ‘Dear Unionists, I will miss you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything we have experienced together.
‘Soon, I will be back to sing with you for our team at Duden Park. Goodbye, Christian.’