Michel Preudhomme Former Belgian footballer, goalkeeper Date of Birth: 24.01.1959 Country: Belgium

1. Biography of Michel Preud'homme
2. Club Career
3. International Career
4. Club Coaching Career
5. Legacy

Biography of Michel Preud'homme

Michel Preud'homme, a former Belgian football player, is known for his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper. Born in 1959 in the municipality of Seraing in the province of Liege, Preud'homme joined the football school of Standard Liege at the age of ten. He began playing for the main club in 1977.

Club Career

In 1984, Preud'homme was involved in a match-fixing scandal and was suspended from football for two years. After completing his suspension, he was bought by Mechelen, with whom he won the Cup Winners' Cup and Super Cup in the following season. Throughout his career, he played a total of 103 matches in European competitions.

International Career

Preud'homme represented Belgium in the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups, where he was the first-choice goalkeeper. Despite Belgium reaching the Round of 16 in both tournaments, Preud'homme's performances earned him the title of the best goalkeeper of the tournament in 1994. He was also awarded the Lev Yashin Prize, which is given to the best goalkeeper of the World Cup, becoming its first recipient. Preud'homme retired from international football after the 1994 World Cup, having played in all eight matches.

Club Coaching Career

After retiring as a player in 1999, Preud'homme became a coach. From 2006 to 2008, he trained the Belgian club Standard Liege, leading them to their first championship victory in 25 years. Preud'homme's coaching career was marked by success, as he guided several teams to triumph in domestic cups and super cups in both Belgium and Portugal.

Legacy

Preud'homme is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation. He was repeatedly recognized as the best goalkeeper in Belgium and received numerous accolades throughout his career. His exceptional performances in the 1994 World Cup solidified his status as an elite goalkeeper, and his contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on Belgian football.