KRC Genk, or more commonly known as Racing Genk, representing the city of Genk in the Flemish region of Belgium, is one of the country's most established and successful football teams. Founded in 1923, the club's football team's formation story begins in 1988 with the merger of two local teams: Waterschei Thor and KFC Winterslag.
Genk, one of the four teams with the most league and cup success in the country, constantly appears on the European stage. The team, which won the championship three times in the Pro League, won the Belgian Cup four times and won the second league championship twice.
Genk's modern story begins in 1988. That year, two teams from Genk merged to form a new club, which immediately started competing in the 1st league. However, they were relegated due to difficulties in the first season. Promoted to the top league again the following year, Genk made a big leap forward in its fourth season.
The team finished the league in eighth place in 1997, came second in the following season and won the Belgian Cup for the first time. In the same season, Genk, which made a name for itself in the European adventure, won the league championship despite being eliminated by RCD Mallorca in the first round.
Taking part in Europe's most prestigious tournaments, Genk participated in the Champions League for the first time in the 1999-2000 season. The team continued its journey from the UEFA Cup, losing to NK Maribor in the second qualifying round, and won the league Cup that year. Reaching the league championship once again in the 2001-02 season, Genk took part in the Champions League groups for the first time in its history.
Competing in the same group with giants such as Real Madrid, AS Roma and AEK Athens, the team finished last in the group and was eliminated. Genk, who finished the league in second place in the 2006-07 season, was disappointing by falling to tenth place a year later.
KRC Genk, which has made a name for itself throughout history, continues to be an important part of Belgian football. The team, which has a unique success chart with three Pro League championships, four Belgian Cup victories and one Supercup win, has a respected position both in the local and international arena. Genk, which continues to look to the future with hope with the importance it attaches to young talents and its dynamic staff, beats at the heart of Belgian football.
