Biondic swaps police ambitions for Pro League breakthrough as Belgian Pro League reaches matchday eight

While the Belgian Pro League gears up for matchday eight this weekend, Matteo Biondic’s unexpected journey from police hopeful to Union Saint‑Gilloise forward provides a striking contrast to the league’s usual narratives. The competition is already in full swing, and the upcoming fixtures promise high stakes for every club.

From Eintracht Trier to Union Saint‑Gilloise

In January, the 23‑year‑old German striker left Eintracht Trier, a fourth‑tier side, for Union Saint‑Gilloise. Nine months later his Pro League tally reads two goals and four assists, and his September form earned him the Player of the Month award.

Before the move, Biondic struggled financially and even applied for a police job, hoping to secure a stable future for his family. He told RTBF, “I thought about the future, about starting a family. That’s why I applied to work for the police.”

Police job rejected, football opportunity seized

The police application was rejected as it conflicted with his football commitments. Shortly after, Union approached him, offering a chance at the highest domestic level. Biondic recalled, “My request was denied because it couldn’t be combined with football. Not long after, Union came forward. I thought I could reach the level, but I no longer believed it was possible.”

Union designed a tailored physical programme to bridge the gap with his new teammates. Biondic described the early weeks as “military‑style training with the fitness staff,” aimed at preparing him for the new season. Injuries to other attackers opened a spot, which he seized, describing the breakthrough as “quite unbelievable.”

Weekend fixtures and other player updates

Four days before Union’s move to Standard, Sporting Charleroi relied again on its internationals on Wednesday. The weekend also features the Walloon derby of matchday eight in the Pro League, with Charleroi hosting Standard Liège.

Adama Bojang, the 22‑year‑old striker, returned to Charleroi with a broad smile after limited minutes this season, noting his recent international appearances for Gambia in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia and Ghana. “It was an excellent period for me,” he said in a club video.

Boubakar Dembaga, on loan from AS Monaco, has featured three times in the D1 ACFF but awaits his first senior minutes. He praised his three starts for the Mali U23s, including a 1‑1 draw against Morocco alongside teammate Yassine Khalifi.

Mohamed Koné remained on the bench for Ivory Coast, watching his nation beat Ghana and Somalia in AFCON qualifiers while losing a friendly to Cameroon. “Two victories and one defeat, but we keep the positives,” the goalkeeper said.

Finally, Check Keita enjoyed a memorable international break, completing his full 90 minutes against Morocco in his second senior appearance for Mali.