Textor Renames Belgian Club to Daring Brussels, Fans Launch Petition in Protest

John Textor, owner of Botafogo and Belgian side RWDM, has sparked outrage among fans by rebranding the club without warning. As reported by Extra, RWDM will now be known as Daring Brussels, a name change accompanied by a new logo featuring Saint Michael — the patron saint of Brussels — and the year 1895, referencing the historic Daring Club de Bruxelles.

The move, announced on Thursday and implemented overnight, shocked supporters, who discovered the changes through the club’s social media. The new color scheme replaces the iconic red-and-black with gold and red, while the RWDM name — which honored the merger of several Brussels-based clubs — is officially retired.

Textor's management claims the decision is part of a strategic effort to align the brand more closely with Brussels and modernize the club’s image. But fans see it differently. With the club failing to gain promotion to the top division after a disappointing playoff exit, many believe this abrupt change disrespects the club’s legacy.

Supporters launched a petition calling for the reversal of the rebranding, arguing that the club’s identity belongs to its community. “RWDM isn’t just a logo. It’s heritage, pride, and memory,” reads the statement. Others took to social media to mourn the loss of “their four letters” and accuse Textor of erasing local culture for the sake of marketing.

The petition had gathered over 590 signatures as of Friday morning. RWDM, once a promotion contender, finished third in Belgium’s second tier and was eliminated in the playoff semifinals by Lokeren-Temse, losing 4-3 on aggregate.