“Too crazy!” “How cool is this?” “A dream come true.” No, the Belgian Cats did not know what hit them yesterday when they were treated to a warm welcome by some 3,500 supporters on the Grand Place in Brussels. Emma Meesseman signed autographs for more than two hours.
LOOK. This is how the ceremony of the Belgian Cats on the Grand Place in Brussels went:
Eddie Merckx. Justin Henin. The Red Devils. The Red Lions. Remco Evenepoel. It is not given to many national sports heroes to be honored on the balcony on the Grand Place, Brussels mayor Philippe Close said yesterday. He forgot about the Olympic heroes who paraded on his balcony in September 2021, but who cares: the Belgian Cats, the first Belgian women’s team to be crowned European champion, deserved the tribute.
After a reception at Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, it went to town hall, where a slight stress took hold of Julie Allemand, as the Liège woman confessed. “I was a bit afraid that not many people would show up. When I saw that the market was partially closed, I thought: ‘Maybe that’s a good thing. Then it is less noticeable.’ But in the meantime I understand that many supporters have come to Brussels. I’m curious…”
The gathered fans on the Grand Place in Brussels. © VH
And if they were many. 3,500 supporters made it a great party. Especially when captain Emma Meesseman appeared with the trophy, the Grote Markt exploded. “MVP! MVP! MVP!” they chanted. The Most Valuable Player of the European Championship enjoyed it. “We didn’t realize yet what we realized. But now that I see this… What have we done?” Julie Vanloo, clearly delighted, asked the supporters to shout the name of Kyara Linskens, who, like Resimont, was missing because she had already left on her journey. “Kiki is my best buddy and I want to make a video for her. So everyone now: ‘Ki-ki! Ki-ki! Ki-ki’” Vanloo was served at her beck and call.
Just about every Cat couldn’t believe her eyes. In Israel and Slovenia they played in front of sometimes empty stands, so they didn’t really know how the European Championship lived with the Belgians. “I really didn’t think there would be so many people,” Vanloo cooed. “I always cheered Club Brugge on the market when they became champions and now I experience that myself. How crazy is that! Truly a dream come true.” Allemand also descended the stairs with twinkles in his eyes. “Que du bonheur. Nothing but luck. It was over in the blink of an eye, but it is still a day we will not soon forget. To be able to share this with the fans… because that cup is theirs too.”
© Photo News
And Meesseman? He didn’t stop signing autographs, recording birthday wishes in videos, taking selfies, giving interviews – it seemed endless. Her mother, Sonja Tankrey, looked amused. “I bet that soon, in the dark and when almost everyone has already left, she will be the only one signing autographs. Until the very last fan. But yes, that’s Emma, hey.” A grand lady. In all senses of the word. “And now?” Meesseman shrugged. “Rest. And enjoy. Because being able to write history, that is really the best thing.”
Meesseman continues to sign signatures
And whether Emma Meesseman put words into action. The captain of the Belgian Cats continued to sign autographs for mostly young fans on the Grand Place in Brussels. So much so that the police asked her to stop signing autographs after 2 hours. After all, it was high time that the Grote Markt was evacuated again.
LOOK. Police watch as Meesseman signs autographs
Emma Meesseman handed out autographs that it was a delight. © Instagram © Photo News
LOOK. Proud Emma Meesseman at the ceremony
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19:56
27-06-2023
LOOK. Julie Vanloo: “All brakes loose this week”
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19:51
27-06-2023
LOOK. Cats Shut Up On The Balcony With ‘Viking Clap’
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19:47
27-06-2023
Cats now to Grote Markt
The balcony ceremony is over. The Cats now go downstairs to sign autographs and pose with the fans.
19:46
27-06-2023
LOOK. Meesseman thanks the audience
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19:43
27-06-2023
LOOK. Grote Markt explodes when Meesseman comes on the balcony
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19:40
27-06-2023
Party
The party starts. There is clapping and singing. Meesseman shows off the European champion trophy.
19:37
27-06-2023
How is my grandfather? He’s glad I’m back home, but at the same time he wouldn’t be able to believe what I’m seeing here now. Thank you!
Emma Meesseman
19:34
27-06-2023
MVP Meesseman
After Julie Allemand, the Grote Markt is preparing for the captain and star player: Emma Meesseman. “MVP, MVP, MVP,” the fans chanted.
19:31
27-06-2023
Enthusiastic Vanloo
Julie Vanloo gets her moment and stirs up the audience for a while. The Cats enjoy their moment de gloire to the fullest.
19:30
27-06-2023
Absent people also get their moment
Not there, but also scanned their name on the Grand Place of Brussels. Kyara Linskens and Laure Resimont.
19:28
27-06-2023
questions
Each Cat called forward will be asked a question. Elise Ramette had to reveal who she thinks is the funniest Cat: “My roomie Maxuella Lisowa.” The same Lisowa shows no modesty: “Who is the best dancer in the Cats? Bah, me.”
19:24
27-06-2023
This is so cool, thank you all!
Becky Massey
19:20
27-06-2023
Ramette first
The staffers are on the balcony, now it’s up to the Cats. Elise Ramette is the first on the balcony. “I’m a little bit upset, this is unbelievable.”
19:19
27-06-2023
How it felt to beat France. Do you want me dead or something? No seriously, I’m especially happy that I could lead the Cats to the title.
Rashid Mziane
19:15
27-06-2023
Coach on balcony
National coach Rachid Méziane comes on the balcony. The 3×3 Lions, meanwhile, have had their moment.
19:00
27-06-2023
Mama Meesseman among fans
Striking present among the fans on the Grote Markt: Sonja Tankrey. Emma Meesseman’s mom is ready to cheer on her daughter.
© VH The fans gathered on the Grand Place in Brussels. © VH © Photo News © Photo News
18:52
27-06-2023
3×3
The 3×3 Lions are also honored for their silver medal at the European Games. Thibaut Vervoort, Dennis Donkor, Bryan De Valck, Caspar Augustijnen and national coach Steve Ibens are honored.
18:51
27-06-2023
LOOK. Fans wait for balcony ceremony
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18:46
27-06-2023
Also lap of honor
The Cats are expected on the balcony around 7.15 pm, half an hour later they come down and do a lap of honor on the Grote Markt.
load more Julie Vanloo. © VTM News
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