The 72nd Golden Shoe Gala will take place this Sunday. But this time the presentation of the prestigious award will undergo some major changes. For example, the show will not be broadcast on television.
Not many details about the award ceremony have been given in recent weeks. Although one major change was already known. Traditionally, the trophy was awarded every Wednesday, occasionally on Tuesday or Thursday. This year, however, the show will take place on Sunday evening, January 11.
In itself a logical moment. The quarter-finals of the Croky Cup are scheduled the following day, with the competition also resuming a few days later. But that turns out not to be the only drastic change. Thus came the organizing newspaper The Latest News More details will be released on Monday.
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New name and not on TV
It is confirmed that the gala will indeed take place next Sunday. Just like last year, the show will take place in Het Silt in Middelkerke. Aster Nzeyimana will once again take on the role of host and will receive the support of fellow sports anchor Lies Vandenberghe. Guests are welcomed on the Golden Carpet by ex-Miss Belgium Céline Van Ouystel and radio DJ Vincent Fierens.
In addition to the new time, one major change was announced. For the first time in years, the Gala will not be broadcast live on television. Last year it was already broadcast in a slimmed-down version on VTM, combined with a previously recorded interview between several former winners. This edition will therefore not be shown on TV at all. However, it will be available to view via the Het Laatste Nieuws channels. That even causes a name change. Officially the award is now called ‘HLN Golden Shoe’.
During the ceremony, the traditional side awards such as Promising Player, Coach and Goalkeeper of the Year will be retained. Of course, the Golden Shoe for women will also be awarded, as will the prize for Best Belgian Abroad. In addition, the brand new ‘Hall of Fame’ will also be launched this year. Finally, a real afterparty is also announced with several well-known guests. Guest of honor of the evening is none other than Kevin De Bruyne. The SSC Napoli playmaker is currently recovering from a serious injury in his own country and is taking the opportunity to go to the gala with his wife Michèle.
