First of all: thank you to BAFL.DIV1 for organizing this vote. People from all walks of life across every team were consulted to assemble these teams, and that weeks-long effort is greatly appreciated by us, the fans, and of course the players who can now proudly call themselves All Stars. We want to be very clear: this was their work — we’re simply happy to showcase the results.

The MVP of the past BAFL season is — unsurprisingly — a Brussels Black Angel: quarterback Warren Kongolo. The former NFL Academy alumnus threw for 25 touchdowns and over 1,200 yards in just eight games. A true dual-threat, he is likely to become the new starting quarterback for the Belgian Barbarians this August after such a stellar season.

It’s no surprise that the Brussels Black Angels dominate this list: they claimed a stack of individual awards with Mathys De Meerschman (RB), the offensive line, Thomas Bouron (WR), Xavier Simon (DB), Quintin Mees (LB) and Hadrien Godichal (P). In total, 15 Angels were selected to the 1st Team All Stars. Robbe Deboosere (Kasteel Tribes, WR) finished second in MVP voting, while the versatile Cian Borra (Antwerp Spartans) took third place.

The Offensive Player of the Year award also went to an Angel: Thomas Bouron. A cornerstone of Belgian football who had actually announced his retirement before the season. But he returned to the field — and how: 600 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also took home the Offensive Player of the Year trophy. The best tight end was Gust Verlinde (Kasteel Tribes), who can also add an impressive individual award to his résumé.

The Defensive Player of the Year went to the Mons Knights, thanks to Mukendi Muanza. A two-way player, but his defensive prowess helped the Knights establish one of the best defenses in the league. He beat out Wassim Zohmed and Xavier Simon (both Black Angels). The best Defensive Lineman this year was Maël Ikolo, edge rusher for — again — the Mons Knights.

Coaching is crucial in football, and the coaches also received awards. Coach of the Year is also based in Mons: Olivier Pierrot earned the prize for his work as defensive coordinator of the league’s second-best defense. You’ll also see Pierrot in August with the Barbarians, where he’ll coach the defensive backs. Sergio Borra (Antwerp Spartans, DC) and Ewout Nuyttens (Kasteel Tribes, OC) claimed second and third place, respectively.

There were also some fun alternative awards. Maël Ikolo of the Knights again took home the “Hardest Hitter” award — the edge rusher made life miserable (and painful) for many quarterbacks. The Play of the Year went to Julien Laurie, who stunned everyone in Week 4 with a 37-yard bomb, staying on his feet after a heavy hit and spinning his way to the endzone.

2nd Team All Stars