RSC Anderlecht has learned with deep sadness of the passing of former captain Glen De Boeck. During more than a decade at Sporting, Glen wore the shirt of the Mauves no fewer than 280 times. He also earned 36 caps for the Belgian Red Devils. A portrait of the elegant defender who became an RSCA icon in the Astridpark, and who left us far too soon at only 54 years old.
Glen De Boeck (22/08/71) was formed as a player at FC Boom, where he made his debut at the age of 19 and immediately earned promotion to the first division. After that promotion, he moved to KV Mechelen, where he scored twice on his debut against Cercle Brugge. Glen stood out for three seasons behind the Kazerne, where a new team was being rebuilt after the break-up of the successful squad of the late 80s and early 90s.
A stylist at the heart of the defence
Glen De Boeck arrived at RSCA in 1995, when Michel Verschueren brought him in from KV Mechelen after a difficult start to the season. At Sporting, he would prove not only a reliable pillar in defence, but also grow into one of the club’s icons. Known for his elegant and intelligent style of play. Loved for his excellent mentality and team spirit. Glen was a leader at the heart of the defence - tough on and off the pitch.
A champion full of class. The central defender, who scored 23 goals for Sporting in total, won three league titles with RSCA (2000, 2001 and 2004). Head coach Aimé Anthuenis saw in him a born captain and handed him the armband in 2001. Glen reached his peak in purple and white during the 2000–2001 season, when he was part of the historic squad that became the first Belgian team ever to survive the winter in European competition during the Champions League campaign, thanks in part to memorable victories against Lazio Roma and Manchester United.
At the age of 33, Glen was forced to bring his playing career to an end due to persistent injuries. He immediately became assistant coach at RSCA under head coach Frank Vercauteren. As assistant coach, he would win two more league titles with Sporting.
RSC Anderlecht wishes Glen’s family and friends immense strength during this difficult time.
