Brighton & Hove Albion is marking its 125th anniversary as it continues to compete in European football, recently defeating Ajax 2-0 in the Europa League. Manager Roberto de Zerbi addressed his team before the match, noting the strong support from fans—over 3,000 were present in Amsterdam, with more than 7,000 supporters in the city overall. A long-standing club official described the moment as a "pinch-me moment," highlighting how far the club has come from its origins as a lower-tier team to now competing on the European stage. Brighton's journey has been long and at times difficult. The club was founded in 1901 and faced many challenges, including spending nearly two decades in the Southern League before joining the Football League. A major turning point came in 2007 when planning permission was granted for the new stadium, after years of fan campaigning. This new stadium, the American Express Stadium, has become a symbol of the club's progress and has helped attract more investment and success. The club's history is filled with both triumphs and setbacks. One notable moment was the 1983 FA Cup final, where a missed chance by Gordon Smith led to a loss against Manchester United. Financial struggles later forced the club to sell its former home, the Goldstone Ground, in 1995, without consulting fans. This led to two seasons of playing away from home before returning to Brighton in 1999 at the Withdean Stadium. Today, Brighton is unrecognizable from its past. With a new stadium, increased investment, and a successful recruitment model, the club has risen to the top of English football. Current chairman Tony Bloom, a lifelong fan, has played a key role in this transformation, leading the move to the American Express Stadium and ensuring the club's continued growth. The club's average attendance now exceeds 31,000, the highest in its history. Sporting director Mike Cave and chairman Bloom have both acknowledged the efforts of fans and staff in the club's journey, celebrating the determination that has brought Brighton to where it is today.