🏟️ OFFICIAL CLUB PROFILE: THE SOUTH COAST

Brighton & Hove Albion
the Seagulls Elite.

Founded in 1901, Brighton has transformed from the brink of extinction into a Premier League powerhouse and a beacon of European football intelligence.

1
Charity Shield
2023
Europa Entry
6th
PL Record Finish

Motto: Inter Urbe Et Mare

 
Established 1901

Between the City and the Sea

Premier League’s upper echelons.

The club’s modern era is defined by the move to the Amex Stadium and a world-renowned recruitment strategy. Valued as one of the most analytically advanced clubs in sports, Brighton continues to punch above its weight on the global stage.

Historical Milestones
  • 1997 The Great Escape: Goal in the final game saves the club from EFL exit.
  • 2011 Inauguration of the Amex Stadium, signaling a new era of growth.
  • 2017 First promotion to the Premier League in the club’s history.
  • 2023 Record 6th place finish and first-ever European qualification.
M23 DERBY: THE SOUTH COAST PRIDE
Club Identity

The Albion DNA

Defined by a commitment to expansive, attacking football and a world-class scouting network targeting global talent.

Stadium: Amex (31,876)
Historic Records

Legacy of Growth

From the brink of liquidation in 1997 to competing in the UEFA Europa League in 2023.

Legend: Glenn Murray (111 Goals)
Current Era

The Hürzeler Era

Now led by the youngest permanent manager in PL history, Fabian Hürzeler, the Seagulls continue to redefine tactical innovation.

Captain: Lewis Dunk

Official Skuad 2025/26

Goalkeepers

1 Bart Verbruggen NED
23 Jason Steele ENG
38 Tom McGill CAN

Defenders

5 Lewis Dunk CAP
3 Igor Julio BRA
4 Adam Webster ENG
6 J.P. van Hecke NED
21 Olivier Boscagli FRA
24 Ferdi Kadıoğlu TUR
29 Maxim De Cuyper BEL
34 Joël Veltman NED

Midfielders

7 Solly March ENG
11 Yankuba Minteh GAM
13 Jack Hinshelwood ENG
17 Carlos Baleba CMR
20 James Milner ENG
22 Kaoru Mitoma JPN
25 Diego Gómez PAR
26 Yasin Ayari SWE
27 Mats Wieffer NED
30 Pascal Groß GER
33 Matt O’Riley DEN

Forwards

9 Stefanos Tzimas GRE
10 Georginio Rutter FRA
18 Danny Welbeck ENG
19 C. Kostoulas GRE

Loan Tracker

Returning June 30, 2026

8 Brajan Gruda → RB Leipzig
14 Tom Watson → Millwall
16 Eiran Cashin → Blackburn
28 Evan Ferguson → AS Roma
32 J. Sarmiento → Middlesbrough
39 C. Rushworth → Coventry City
40 F. Buonanotte → Leeds Utd
42 Diego Coppola → Paris FC
— Ibrahim Osman → Birmingham
— Yoon Do-young → Dordrecht

Loan Watch: March 2026 Report

Brajan Gruda (RB Leipzig)

The star performer this month. Gruda was the architect of Leipzig’s 5-0 thrashing of Hoffenheim on March 27, contributing two goals and an assist.

Status: With 3 goals in 7 apps, reports confirm Leipzig is likely to open talks for a permanent transfer.

Evan Ferguson (AS Roma)

A challenging spell in the capital. Ferguson has struggled with recurring ankle issues that have limited his impact.

Status: Currently sidelined for surgery/recovery. Roma has decided not to pursue a permanent deal, and he is expected to return to the Amex this summer.

Facundo Buonanotte (Leeds United)

After a difficult first half-season at Chelsea, his loan at Leeds has been a struggle for rhythm.

Status: Struggling for consistent minutes under Daniel Farke. Fabian Hürzeler has publicly encouraged him to “get on with it” and fight for his development.

Stadium History

From The Goldstone to The Amex

Goldstone Ground (1902–1997)

The club’s home for 95 years until its controversial sale in 1997. The final game was a historic victory over Doncaster Rovers, which helped the Seagulls narrowly avoid relegation from the Football League in a winner-takes-all clash against Hereford United.

Withdean Stadium (1999–2011)

Following a two-year shared stint at Gillingham, Brighton returned home to this former athletics track and zoo. Despite its small capacity, it hosted the club during the famous “Alive and Kicking” survival fund era, which saw the single ‘Tom Hark’ hit #17 in the UK charts.

American Express Stadium (Current)

Opened in 2011 with 22,374 seats, ending 14 years of exile. Through multiple expansions in 2013, 2021, and 2026, the capacity has grown to 32,500, transforming the club into a modern Premier League and European contender.

HEATED DERBY

The M23 Rivalry

Separated by 40 miles, the rivalry with Crystal Palace is Brighton’s fiercest. Born in the 1970s from the intense competition between managers Alan Mullery and Terry Venables, it remains one of the most unique and high-tension derbies in English football.

SEAGULLS
Brighton
VS

Major Honours & Records

🏆

FA Charity Shield

Winners: 1910

🥈

FA Cup Finalists

Runners-up: 1983

🌍

Europa League

Round of 16: 2023/24

🥇

League Titles

3rd Div: 1957, 2001, 2011

The Icons

Albion Legends

05

Lewis Dunk

The Modern Captain

A local lad who rose through the academy to become the club’s all-time Premier League appearance leader. Dunk has been the rock through the club’s journey from the Championship to Europa League football.

70s

Alan Mullery

The Rivalry Architect

The manager responsible for Brighton’s first-ever promotion to the top flight in 1979. More importantly, his fiery clashes with Terry Venables defined the M23 rivalry that exists to this day.

81

Peter Ward

The Goal Machine

Famous for the “He’s here, he’s there…” chant, Ward scored 36 goals in a single season (1976/77). He remains the ultimate cult hero for generations of Seagulls fans.

25

Bobby Zamora

The Withdean King

His goals propelled Brighton to back-to-back promotions during the difficult Withdean years. His return to the club in 2015 provided a fairytale conclusion to a legendary career.

THE ARCHITECT

Tony Bloom

A lifelong fan and professional gambler (known as “The Lizard”), Tony Bloom took ownership in 2009. He didn’t just invest money; he invested data.

By utilizing proprietary algorithms and a global scouting network through his firm Starlizard, Bloom transformed Brighton into the world’s most efficient “trading” club—buying undervalued talent like Kaoru Mitoma or Carlos Baleba and selling them for record profits.

The Data-First Model

1
Sustainable Growth
Zero reliance on external debt.
2
Succession Planning
Always having a replacement ready.
3
European Ambition
Permanent Top-6 contenders as of 2026.
 
The South Coast Context

The Palace Paradox

Despite being separated by nearly 40 miles, Brighton’s fiercest animosity is reserved for Crystal Palace. This rivalry was forged in the 1970s through the legendary hostility between managers Alan Mullery and Terry Venables.

What began as a Third Division title race in 1976 evolved into a permanent grudge. While the media often labels this the “M23 Derby” due to the motorway connecting Sussex and Croydon, fans reject the corporate naming—it is a rivalry of pure, historical friction.

Geographical Isolation

Situated in East Sussex, Brighton lacks a true “local” neighbor. While matches against Southampton and Portsmouth are occasionally tagged as derbies, the 60-mile distance means these are rarely considered true rivalries by the fanbases.

The Mullery-Venables Era
1976–77 Season The spark that lit the fire: Both clubs promoted from the Third Division after an intense three-way race with Mansfield Town.
1 Point Gap In the following Second Division campaign, Palace beat Brighton to the title by just a single point on the final weekend.
MAIN RIVAL: CRYSTAL PALACE
 
Established 1901

The Seagulls Legacy

Today, under the ownership of Tony Bloom and the tactical guidance of Fabian Hürzeler, the Albion are world-renowned for their revolutionary recruitment and high-octane attacking philosophy at the state-of-the-art Amex Stadium.

125 Years of History
  • 1910 Southern League Champions & FA Charity Shield winners.
  • 1983 Reached the FA Cup Final at Wembley, drawing 2-2 with Man Utd.
  • 2023 Historic 6th place finish & first-ever European qualification.
  • 2025/26 Celebrating 125 years as the South Coast’s elite representative.
Club Philosophy

The Albion Way

A global benchmark for smart data usage, the club prioritizes technical fluidity and discovering world-class talent early.

Stadium: The Amex (31,876)
Club Records

Statistical Leaders

Danny Welbeck remains the club’s record Premier League scorer, while Ernie Wilson holds the all-time appearance record.

Most Appearances: Ernie Wilson (566)
Current Era

2025/26 Season

Led by Captain Lewis Dunk and new stars like Ferdi Kadıoğlu, the Seagulls continue to disrupt the traditional Top Six.

Top Scorer: Danny Welbeck (12)