Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – KAA Gent celebrated its 125th anniversary at Ghent City Hall with Chairman Sam Baro and coach Ivan Leko. The club launched the anniversary book Buffalo, 125 Years, priced €79 (€49 for subscribers).
As HLN News reported, KAA Gent marked its 125th anniversary at Ghent City Hall with Chairman and owner Sam Baro in the City Council Chamber. Baro addressed the audience. “We can, we will,” he said, repeating the phrase several times. He led with “We can,” and coach Ivan Leko completed the sentence with a firm “We will.”
The club’s traditional slogans,
“Nie neute, nie pleuje”
(Don’t be silly, don’t play) and
“Heb geloof in u zelve”
(Have faith in yourself), were highlighted. Baro urged everyone to reignite the club’s spirit and turn it into a passionate blue flame.
What makes KAA Gent’s 125th anniversary Buffalo book special?
The event also featured the presentation of the new anniversary book, Buffalo, 125 Years, which details the club’s history, achievements, and challenges. Fans, officials, and local dignitaries filled the chamber as Baro spoke about the future of the club.
He stressed that the celebration was not only about the past but also about what lies ahead. Baro said that with determination, focus, and a winning mentality, KAA Gent can return to national and international success.
“And now I want to do something that I don’t think anyone here has ever done before,”
said Baro.
“Not even aldermen or mayors. I’m going to stand on ‘that game’ here.”
“That game” was the stage at city hall. Acting Mayor Hafsa El-Bazioui (Green Party) Mathias De Clercq (For Ghent) couldn’t be there, laughed.“
Baro took off his shoes and spoke.
“I got those shoes from the people who made the book. And what does it say on the back? Ivan? We can…”
“We will,”
Leko added with a smile.
“The two get along very well. There’s a great deal of respect.”
The book, Buffalo, includes photographs, stories, and memorabilia that highlight more than a century of KAA Gent’s journey. The book is created as a tribute to the club and as a keepsake for fans.
“And not just any book,”
Baro explained.
“It’s 2.8 kilograms of material from, for, and by Buffaloes. For the greatest football team in the country, it can be a bit bigger. This is to be our Facebook, full of Buffalo DNA. And this book isn’t the endpoint. It’s the beginning of something; we’ll build from here. Shoulder to shoulder.”
The book will be available for purchase in the KAA Gent fan shop starting this Saturday, November 1, 2025. From Monday, Nov 3, 2025, it will also be sold in bookstores. The retail price is €79. Club subscribers can buy the book at a discounted price of €49 in the fan shop.
KAA Gent was founded in 1864 as an athletics club and started its football section in 1900. Many sports clubs have marked major milestones with special anniversary books. Christchurch United FC published 50 Years United 1970‑2020, detailing the club’s history and achievements.
Edinburgh Academical Football Club released The Accies: The Cradle of Scottish Rugby to celebrate 150 years. These books include photographs, stories, and memorabilia, highlighting the clubs’ milestones and culture.
