Who are OH Leuven? Belgian...

Oud-Heverlee Leuven (OH Leuven) have become the unexpected standout of this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The reigning champions of the Belgian Super League are currently vying for a spot in the UWCL knockout stage, making their debut in the competition. As they approach their fifth match in the tournament, OH Leuven finds themselves in the play-off bracket. Qualifying for the next round would mark an extraordinary accomplishment in their initial journey through Europe’s top tier.

So, who are these remarkable underdogs that have triumphed over FC Twente and held both Paris FC and Roma to draws?

Getting to Know OH Leuven

Founded on January 1, 2002, OH Leuven came into existence from the merger of three women’s clubs in Leuven — Stade Leuven, Daring Club Leuven, and Zwarte Duivels Oud-Heverlee. Since then, the team has risen through the Belgian league system and secured promotion to the top division. Located in eastern Belgium, close to Brussels, the club has made significant progress.

OH Leuven Women’s team wears the same kit design as their male counterparts, featuring a white shirt and shorts with green collar and sleeve trims, alongside three red shoulder stripes on the shirt and three green stripes on the shorts.

League History of OH Leuven

Beginning their journey in the third division during the 2005/06 season, the team earned promotion to the second division by winning the play-off. They reached the pinnacle of Belgian football — the BeNeLeague, a joint league between Belgium and the Netherlands — in the 2013/14 season.

After the BeNeLeague concluded its 2014/15 season, the Belgian Women’s Super League was established. In 2024, OH Leuven finished at the top but fell short in the subsequent title play-off, allowing Anderlecht to clinch their seventh Belgium Super League championship.

However, the following season saw OH Leuven claim the title, competing fiercely against league stalwarts such as Anderlecht and Club Brugge.

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Meet the Manager of OH Leuven

Arno van den Abbeel joined OH Leuven as assistant coach in 2020 and was promoted to head coach in 2024. He is navigating the challenges of managing a squad in the Champions League during his debut year as a professional football manager.

Previously, Abbeel managed the Belgium U15 men’s team and has been involved in various coaching roles since 2010, gaining valuable experience before taking over at OH Leuven Women.

Making History in the Women’s Champions League

Belgium is known for its delectable chocolate, both sweet and savory waffles, and locally crafted beers. Now, it can also proudly claim its first football team in the Women’s Champions League, with OH Leuven representing the country this season.

The team made history in 2025, achieving a 1-1 draw with Paris FC and later securing a 2-1 victory against Twente — their first group stage triumph.

The home ground, Gemeentelijk Sportstadion, recently hosted star players like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati during a Champions League match against Barcelona. Even though the home side suffered a loss, over 3,350 enthusiastic fans created an exceptional atmosphere.

In a recent match, OH Leuven’s Linde Veefkind shook hands with Kika Nazareth of FC Barcelona after their UEFA Women’s Champions League 2025/26 phase match on November 12, 2025. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The team’s standout players have contributed significantly to their success. Sara Pusztai scored a dramatic late winner against Twente, while midfielder Zenia Mertens, the club’s top appearance maker, provides stability and drives the team forward.

After losing striker Hannah Eurlings, who netted 13 goals last season, fans wondered how they would fare. However, 22-year-old forward Jada Conijnenberg has quickly become a fan favorite, stepping up impressively to fill the void.

Conijnenberg played a crucial role in equalizing during the Champions League match against the renowned AS Roma. The team held strong against relentless attacks, with goalkeeper Lowiese Seynhaeve earning player of the match honors for her outstanding saves.

Who are OH Leuven? Belgian…