He formerly played for Racing Genk and Standard Liège.

Claeys scored his first official goal in 1943 in a 2-7 surprise win over Standard Liège.

After starting out at Boavista, he went on to represent mainly Standard Liège and Partizan, also playing in four other countries during his career.

The next day Anderlecht beat Racing Genk 4-1 and then Standard Liège 2-0.

They finished at the second place in 1968-69 5 points behind Standard Liège but within two years they were relegated again.

In July 1994, they achieved their best result in the Belgian Cup by reaching the round of 32, to lose to rivals Standard Liège.

They also won the Belgian Cup final against rivals Standard Liège (3-2 after extra time).

At the end of January 2012, it was announced that Gakpé had signed for Belgian giants Standard Liège.

The club won the 2010-11 Belgian Pro League after drawing 1-1 with title challengers Standard Liége.