When a Ghost Hijacks a Derby: Brugge vs Cercle Brugge Delivers a Spectral Moment
17 February 2026
Derby drama and a ghostly moment
A different path for a gripping moment in Belgian football.
During the Brugge derby between Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge, the supposed ghost of Saudi defender Ali Al-Bulayhi appeared on the pitch in Belgium last Sunday.
The match finished with Club Brugge defeating Cercle Brugge 2-1 at Jan Breydel Stadium.
Serbian star Alexander Stankovic was among the standout players, and he was honored with a traditional derby ritual of the city.
Rivalry, ritual, and aftermath
After the victory, Stankovic went to the center of the field to plant the club's flag, a city ritual that has historically sparked tension but passed smoothly this time, according to Voetbalprimeur.
The moment echoes a past incident from Asian football, as Al-Bulayhi did a similar gesture against Al-Nassr in 2021, provocation that remains part of the story of the derby folklore.
Al-Bulayhi later posted on social media that Earth is mine and time is mine, a cheeky nod that fans debated online.
The episode fed a string of provocations, with Talisca replying in a similar fashion after a cup final, triggering a minor on-pitch clash between players.
Notably, Al-Bulayhi joined Al-Shabab on loan at the start of the month, adding another layer to the tale.
Punchline: If ghosts are still this present, the souvenir shop should start selling spectral posters of the referee.
Punchline: And if a transfer rumor is heavier than a ghost, it must be a loan move—haunting but non-binding.
