1. Overview
Georges Heylens (born August 8, 1941) is a Belgian former footballer and manager. Throughout his playing career, he served as a dedicated right-back for R.S.C. Anderlecht and was a significant member of the Belgium national football team. He notably participated in the 1970 FIFA World Cup and achieved a third-place finish with Belgium at UEFA Euro 1972. After retiring as a player, Heylens transitioned into management, leading several clubs across Belgium and Turkey, and was recognized as the Belgian Professional Manager of the Year in 1983-1984. In his later career, he has continued to contribute to football as a consultant, appearing in media.
2. Early Life and Playing Career
Georges Heylens' career as a player was marked by his long tenure at R.S.C. Anderlecht, where he became a prominent attacking right-back, and his significant contributions to the Belgium national football team in major tournaments.
2.1. Early Life
Georges Heylens was born on August 8, 1941, in Belgium.
2.2. Club Career
Heylens spent his entire playing career with R.S.C. Anderlecht. He was primarily known for his role as a right-back, a position he held with distinction at the club. A notable event in his club-influenced international career was a 1964 match between the Belgium and the Netherlands, where Heylens played alongside ten of his Anderlecht teammates. This unique situation arose after the substitution of goalkeeper Delhasse by Jean-Marie Trappeniers, another Anderlecht player, highlighting the strong presence of the club's players in the national squad at that time.
2.3. International Career
Heylens was a key player for the Belgium national football team. He represented his country at the 1970 FIFA World Cup held in Mexico, where he played in all three of Belgium's matches during the tournament. His participation in the World Cup also marked his 50th international appearance for the national team. Two years later, he was part of the Belgian squad that achieved a third-place finish at UEFA Euro 1972, further solidifying his standing as a significant international player.
2.4. Playing Style
Georges Heylens was distinguished by his playing style as an attacking right-back. This meant he not only fulfilled his defensive duties but also actively contributed to the team's offensive plays, often pushing forward from his wide position to support attacks.
3. Managerial Career
Following his successful playing career, Georges Heylens transitioned into football management, leading various clubs in Belgium and Turkey, and earning individual recognition for his coaching prowess.
3.1. Club Management
After retiring as a player, Georges Heylens embarked on a career in football management, leading several clubs over two decades. His management tenures include:
- Royale Union Saint-Gilloise: 1973 to 1975
- K.V. Kortrijk: 1975 to 1977
- Lille OSC: 1984 to 1989
- R. Charleroi S.C.: 1990 to 1991
- Gençlerbirliği S.K.: 1995 to 1996
- K.V. Mechelen: 1996 to 1997
3.2. Individual Achievements
As a recognition of his coaching success, Georges Heylens was awarded the prestigious Belgian Professional Manager of the Year for the 1983-1984 season.
4. Honours
Georges Heylens achieved significant success as both a player and a manager, accumulating numerous titles with R.S.C. Anderlecht and the Belgium national football team, and earning individual recognition in his coaching career.
4.1. As a Player
R.S.C. Anderlecht
- Belgian First Division: 1961-62, 1963-64, 1964-65, 1965-66, 1966-67, 1967-68, 1971-72
- Belgian Cup: 1964-65, 1971-72, 1972-73
- Belgian League Cup: 1973
- Inter-Cities Fairs Cup runner-up: 1969-70
Belgium
- UEFA Euro third place: 1972
4.2. As a Manager
Individual
- Belgian Professional Manager of the Year: 1983-1984
5. Post-retirement Activities
Following the conclusion of his managerial career, Georges Heylens has remained actively involved in the world of football. He has transitioned into the role of a football consultant, providing expert analysis and commentary. In this capacity, he frequently contributes to discussions and insights on the sport, appearing in various newspapers and on television.
6. Legacy and Reception
Georges Heylens is remembered as a highly influential figure in Belgian football, having made significant contributions both as a player and as a manager. His long and successful tenure as a right-back for R.S.C. Anderlecht established him as a key player during a dominant era for the club, securing numerous domestic titles. His commitment to the national team, culminating in 50 caps and participation in major international tournaments, underscored his importance at the highest level of the sport. As a manager, his receipt of the Belgian Professional Manager of the Year award highlights his tactical acumen and leadership qualities, further solidifying his standing as a respected figure in Belgian football history.