Sofiane Hanni Remains Anderlecht’s Last Trophy‑Winning Captain
Algerian midfielder Sofiane Hanni, now 35, is still the last captain to lift a trophy with RSC Anderlecht. A successor was appointed on Thursday, but the record remains unchanged.
Hanni captained the purple‑white side during a period that produced silverware for the club. His leadership contributed to Anderlecht’s trophy success before his departure.
After leaving Anderlecht, Hanni enjoyed a fruitful spell at KV Mechelen, adding further achievements to his résumé. The Algerian’s impact was felt both on and off the pitch in Mechelen.
He mused, “Am I the only player from Play‑off 2 who ever became Professional Footballer of the Year? Wow, I didn’t know that.” The comment highlights his unique accolade within the league’s second stage.
Hanni recalled that in his playing days, a two‑year gap without a title would have been deemed unacceptable. The statement underscores the high expectations he experienced at Anderlecht.
His record sets a benchmark for future Anderlecht captains as the club seeks to end its current title drought. Observers will watch closely to see if anyone can match Hanni’s trophy‑winning legacy.