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Eric Gerets
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Eric Gerets
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Eric Maria Gerets[1] (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈeːrɪk ˈxeːrəts];[a] born 18 May 1954) is a Belgian football manager and former player.

Key Information

As a striker, he started his playing career as an amateur for his local team AA Rekem, before achieving success as a right-back with Standard Liège and PSV. Nicknamed "The Lion (of Flanders)", Gerets was regarded as one of the top right-backs in Europe at his peak and is considered one of the greatest players in Belgian football history. He is famous for having captained PSV to their first and only European Cup win in 1988.

As a coach, Gerets is one of six managers – along with José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Giovanni Trapattoni, Tomislav Ivić and Ernst Happel – to have won top domestic league championships in at least four countries.

Club career

[edit]

Gerets began his career playing for amateur side AA Rekem before joining then titleholders Standard de Liège. Making his debut 16 April 1972 coming on for Silvester Takač against FC Diest. In the 1972–73 season Standard reached the Cup final, manager Vlatko Marković let Gerets start despite not being an established first team member as Standard lost 2–1 to fierce rivals Anderlecht. The following season, Gerets replaced 29-year-old Jacques Beurlet and became the first choice right-back for the Rouches. In 1975 Gerets made his debut for the national team.

Gerets played for Standard Liège, A.C. Milan, MVV Maastricht and PSV, winning among others the 1987–88 European Cup, two Belgian championships and six Dutch championships.

Gerets was an offensively-minded right-back, known for his stamina, tactical discipline, grit and mental toughness. In combination with his physical appearance (hair blowing in the wind, a full but elegant beard, slumped trunk) he was soon nicknamed "The Lion".[2] He was also known for long distance throw-ins.

Standard Liège

[edit]
Eric Gerets in 1976

In the 1980s, a new generation of players emerged at Standard. Noted manager Ernst Happel was hired, and later the club brought Raymond Goethals back to Belgium. Players like Arie Haan, Guy Vandersmissen, Michel Preud'homme, Walter Meeuws, Jos Daerden and Simon Tahamata became key players, whilst Gerets was the captain of the team. In 1980, Standard finished runners-up in the league, before winning the 1981 National Cup with a 4–1 win over Lokeren SC. In 1982, Standard won the title by beating Waterschei SV Thor in the last match of the season. A few days later, they faced Barcelona in the European Cup Winners' Cup final, which they lost 2–1. The influence of Gerets on Standard's success was recognised when he was awarded the 1982 Belgian Golden Shoe. The following year he captained Standard to another league title, their ninth overall, which would prove to be their last until 2007–08.

With Standard, Gerets eventually won 2 national titles, a National Cup, a Super Cup and a League Cup.[3]

AC Milan

[edit]

Gerets signed with Italian giants AC Milan in 1983. However, his contract was terminated prematurely, but not for sporting reasons. It was discovered that, in order to secure the championship title and to spare players from injuries for the European final against Barcelona, Standard had approached the Waterschei players in 1982 to take it easy in their final league match against Standard. Several Standard players at the time and trainer Raymond Goethals were subsequently suspended for this.[4]

MVV

[edit]

MVV Maastricht contracted Gerets in 1984, but he would eventually only play four matches for the club. Three of those were against PSV, after which the Eindhoven club was convinced and quickly signed the Belgian to a contract in the summer of 1985.[5]

PSV

[edit]

In 1985, Gerets joined PSV playing together with Ruud Gullit, Frank Arnesen, Huub Stevens and Willy van de Kerkhof followed by Brazilian star Romário. In 1986, Gerets won the title with PSV, and after the departure of Gullit in 1987, Gerets became the new captain. Under Guus Hiddink PSV won the league and cup double three consecutive seasons, Gerets scoring twice in the 1987–88 cup final against Roda JC. In 1988, PSV reached the UEFA European Cup final after eliminating Real Madrid in the semi-finals. The score against Benfica was also 0–0 after 120 minutes; PSV eventually won on penalties.[6]

Gerets (left) and Frits Philips (right) posing with the European Cup

In 1990, Bobby Robson was appointed as Hiddink's successor. Under Robson, Gerets won another two titles with PSV then he retired at the end of the 1991–1992 season at the age of 38. In his seven seasons at the club, Gerets had won six national titles, three national cups and one European cup.[citation needed]

In the following years, Gerets would be regularly honored as a true club icon ("Best PSV team ever",[7] "PSV player of the century",[8] "PSV Walk of Fame"[9]).

International career

[edit]

Gerets registered 86 caps for the Belgium national team. He made his debut for the squad in 1975, and played at four major tournaments: the 1980 European Championship, 1982 World Cup, 1986 World Cup, and 1990 World Cup.

Ludo Coeck and Gerets during a training of Belgium in 1980

In 1980, Gerets played in his first European Championship in Italy. He scored the opening goal in a 2–1 win against Spain which ensured Belgium qualified as group winners. The tournament is remembered for the inspired performance of the offensively-minded Belgium (around rising stars such as Jan Ceulemans, Eric Gerets, Jean-Marie Pfaff and Erwin Vandenbergh) who unexpectedly reached the final, only losing to West Germany (1–2) by a Hrubesch goal two minutes from time.

At the 1982 World Cup, Belgium, captained by Gerets, recorded one of their most famous victories with a 1–0 win over defending champions Argentina in the first game of the tournament held at Camp Nou with a goal by Erwin Vandenbergh, and an excellent defensive display to hold off a young Diego Maradona. Four years later, they achieved their best World Cup run at that time in 1986 when they placed fourth under command of players like Jan Ceulemans, Jean-Marie Pfaff and captain Gerets. Belgium surprisingly won against favourites the Soviet Union with stars such as Igor Belanov and Rinat Dasayev (3–4) after extra time.

"The best right back in the world."

Johan Cruyff on Gerets [10]

Belgium also beat Spain on penalties, but they lost to eventual champions Argentina in the semi-final (0–2), inspired by Maradona.

Gerets trying to stop Maradona in the semi-finals of the 1986 World Cup

Despite their defeat, Belgium would end up in fourth place – their best finish in World Cup competition until it was surpassed in 2018 when they reached third place.

36 year-old Gerets would also captain his nation to the 1990 World Cup finals. Belgium failed to convert their chances against England in the second round. They lost in the last minute of extra time after a goal by David Platt. After a few qualification matches for the 1992 European championship, Gerets decided to quit international football early 1991 to focus on his club career with PSV Eindhoven.[11]

For decades, he was the third-most capped player for the Belgium national team, with 86 appearances and two goals.

Managerial career

[edit]

As a manager, Gerets worked successively for RFC Liège, Lierse, Club Brugge, PSV, 1. FC Kaiserslautern and VfL Wolfsburg before joining Galatasaray at the end of the 2004–05 season. In the 1996–97 season, he won the Belgian championships with Lierse, reprising the feat in the season 1997–98 with Club Brugge. He also won the Dutch championships twice (1999–2000 and 2000–01) with PSV. In the 2005–06 season, Gerets won the Turkish Premier Super League with Galatasaray. In May 2007, he left the club, and on 25 September became Marseille's coach.

In his first year with Marseille in 2007, he managed to get the team from the bottom of the league up to finish their 2007–08 season in third place. In 2009, Gerets turned down an offer of the RBFA to coach the Belgian national team after Rene Vandereycken was sacked.[12] On 29 April 2009, he confirmed that he would not be in charge of Marseille after the summer when his contract expired.[13] On 26 May 2009, he signed a contract to take over as head coach of Saudi club Al-Hilal for two years for an annual fee of €1.8 million.[14]

Gerets after the celebration of Al Hilal in the 2009–10 Saudi Pro League

On 6 July 2010, he signed a four-year contract with Morocco. He would do the job part-time until he completed the Asian Champions League campaign with Al Hilal but stranded in the semi-finals.[15] He was in charge of Morocco for almost two years. He was sacked on 15 September 2012 after a Morocco's 2–0 defeat against Mozambique in the first-leg of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.[16]

Less than a month after leaving Morocco, he accepted a contract offer to become the head coach of Qatari defending champions Lekhwiya on 9 October 2012.[17] In the 2013–14 season, he brought another Qatari championship title to Lekhwiya.

Gerets departed Lekhwiya and became the head coach of the United Arab Emirates team Al Jazira Club on 20 May 2014.[18] He completed his two-year contract and decided to retire as club coach.

He did hint that he might only be active as a coach of a country.[19] Gerets was subsequently regularly mentioned as a top candidate for the position of head coach of Belgium. But due to health problems, he would never become it.[20] In 2013, Gerets suffered a brain hemorrhage.[21] Since then, his health has gradually deteriorated and he has difficulty speaking and walking. In 2022, he was diagnosed with cerebral calcification.[22]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[23]
Club Season League National cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Standard Liège 1971–72 First Division 1 0 — — — 1 0
1972–73 9 0 2 0 — — 11 0
1973–74 30 1 — 12[c] 0 2[d] 0 44 1
1974–75 37 5 3 1 1[e] 0 2[d] 0 43 6
1975–76 34 6 — 1[e] 0 — 35 6
1976–77 31 1 2 0 6[e] 1 — 39 2
1977–78 25 2 3 0 6[f] 0 — 34 2
1978–79 33 4 3 0 4[f] 0 — 40 4
1979–80 27 3 6 0 9[g] 0 — 42 3
1980–81 29 0 6 0 10[h] 0 — 45 0
1981–82 31 3 — 10[i] 0 — 41 3
1982–83 33 2 1 0 1[j] 1 — 35 3
Total 320 27 26 1 60 2 4 0 410 30
AC Milan 1983–84 Serie A 13 1 7 0 — — 20 1
Total 13 1 7 0 0 0 0 0 20 1
MVV Maastricht 1984–85 Eredivisie 2 0 2 0 — — 4 0
Total 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
PSV Eindhoven 1985–86 Eredivisie 29 0 2 0 3[f] 0 — 34 0
1986–87 30 1 3 0 2[j] 0 — 35 1
1987–88 30 4 5 2 9[j] 0 — 44 6
1988–89 31 1 5 0 5[k] 0 2[l] 0 43 1
1989–90 33 1 5 0 6[j] 0 — 44 1
1990–91 24 0 3 0 1[m] 0 — 28 0
1991–92 23 1 1 0 3[j] 0 — 27 1
Total 200 8 24 2 29 0 2 0 225 10
Career total 535 36 59 3 89 2 6 0 689 41
  1. ^ In isolation, Gerets is pronounced [ˈɣeːrəts].
  2. ^ Includes Belgian Cup, Coppa Italia, KNVB Cup
  3. ^ 6 appearances in UEFA Cup, 6 appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  4. ^ a b Appearances in Belgian League Cup
  5. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  6. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Cup
  7. ^ 6 appearances in UEFA Cup, 3 appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  8. ^ 7 appearances in UEFA Cup, 3 appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  9. ^ 9 appearances in UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, 1 appearance in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  10. ^ a b c d e Appearances in European Champion Clubs' Cup
  11. ^ 4 appearances in European Champion Clubs' Cup, 1 appearance in UEFA Super Cup
  12. ^ Appearances in Intercontinental Cup
  13. ^ Appearances in UEFA Cup Winners' Cup

International

[edit]
National
Team 		Year Friendlies European Championships World Cup Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Belgium

[24]

1975 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
1976 0 0 2 0 1 0 3 0
1977 2 0 2 0 0 0 4 0
1978 2 0 0 0 2 0 4 0
1979 1 0 6 0 0 0 7 0
1980 4 0 4 1 3 0 11 1
1981 1 0 0 0 4 0 5 0
1982 4 0 2 0 3 0 9 0
1983 2 0 4 0 0 0 6 0
1984 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1985 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0
1986 3 0 2 1 6 0 11 1
1987 2 0 3 0 0 0 5 0
1988 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
1989 1 0 0 0 5 0 6 0
1990 4 0 0 0 3 0 8 0
1991 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Total 27 0 27 2 32 0 86 2
List of international goals scored by Eric Gerets
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 15 June 1980 Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan  Spain 1–0 2–1 Euro 1980
2. 14 October 1986 Stade Municipal, Luxembourg  Luxembourg 1–0 6–0 Euro 1988 qualifier

Managerial statistics

[edit]
Team From To Record
G W D L Win %
Liège July 1992 June 1994 71 20 19 32 028.17
Lierse July 1994 June 1997 113 55 29 29 048.67
Club Brugge June 1997 June 1999 91 60 15 16 065.93
PSV July 1999 May 2002 141 86 29 26 060.99
1. FC Kaiserslautern September 2002 February 2004 58 19 13 26 032.76
VfL Wolfsburg April 2004 May 2005 44 18 5 21 040.91
Galatasaray June 2005 May 2007 91 50 22 19 054.95
Marseille September 2007 June 2009 97 47 23 27 048.45
Al-Hilal July 2009 November 2010 48 35 7 6 072.92
Morocco July 2010 September 2012 18 7 5 6 038.89
Lekhwiya October 2012 May 2014 77 44 13 20 057.14
Al-Jazira June 2014 June 2015 27 16 3 8 059.26
Total 876 457 183 236 052.17

Honours

[edit]

Standard Liège[25]

PSV[28]

Belgium

Individual

Manager

[edit]

Lierse[51]

Club Brugge[52]

PSV[28]

1. FC Kaiserslautern

Galatasaray[54]

Marseille

Al Hilal[56]

Morocco[57]

Lekhwiya[58]

Al-Jazira

Individual

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Eric Gerets

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Eric Gerets (born 18 May 1954) is a Belgian former professional footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the country's greatest right-backs for his leadership, tenacity, and defensive prowess during a career spanning the to early 1990s. Gerets began his professional journey with in 1971 after starting as an amateur with local club AA Rekem, quickly establishing himself as a key defender and contributing to the team's successes in the late and early 1980s. During his 12-year tenure there, he helped secure two Belgian First Division titles (1981–82 and 1982–83), the (1980–81), and two Belgian Supercups (1981 and 1983), while winning the in 1982. After leaving Standard in 1983, he had brief spells at and before transferring to in 1985, where he formed part of a dominant squad under manager ; over seven seasons, Gerets won seven titles (1985–86, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, and 1991–92), three KNVB Cups (1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90), two Dutch Supercups (1986 and 1988), and most notably the 1988 European Cup against Benfica in a victory. He retired as a player in 1992 at age 38, having played over 500 club matches and scored sporadically as a defender. On the international stage, Gerets debuted for the Belgium national team in 1975 and went on to earn 86 caps—the third-most in Belgian history at the time—scoring two goals and serving as captain during the team's "Golden Generation." He participated in four major tournaments: the 1980 UEFA European Championship (runners-up), and the 1982, 1986, and 1990 FIFA World Cups, where his reliability and fighting spirit were pivotal in Belgium's quarter-final runs in 1986. Transitioning to management in 1992 with RFC Liège (1992–1994), Gerets built an illustrious coaching career across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasizing disciplined, attacking football and achieving domestic success in multiple leagues. His early triumphs came in Belgium with Lierse (1994–1997), where he won the Belgian First Division in 1996–97, followed by Club Brugge (1997–1999), securing another league title in 1997–98 and the Belgian Supercup in 1998. At PSV Eindhoven (1999–2002), he delivered back-to-back Eredivisie titles (1999–2000 and 2000–01) and two Dutch Supercups (2000 and 2001), before stints in Germany with 1. FC Kaiserslautern (2002–2004) and VfL Wolfsburg (2004–2005). Gerets then guided Galatasaray to the Turkish Süper Lig title in 2005–06, Olympique de Marseille to the 2008–09 Ligue 1 runners-up spot (earning Ligue 1 Manager of the Year), and Al-Hilal to the Saudi Pro League and Crown Prince Cup in 2009–10. Later roles included managing the Morocco national team (2010–2012; winners of the 2011 Arab Cup), Al-Duhail in Qatar (2012–2014; Qatar Stars League 2013–14 and Qatar League Cup 2012–13), and Al-Jazira in the UAE (2014–2015). With over 800 matches managed and a win rate above 50%, Gerets retired from coaching in 2015, leaving a legacy of tactical acumen and title-winning consistency across five countries.

Early years

Birth and background

Eric Maria Gerets was born on 18 May 1954 in Rekem, a small rural village in the Flemish province of Limburg, Belgium. His full name is Eric Maria Gerets, and he grew up in this close-knit community, which played a significant role in shaping his early years and introduction to football. Gerets earned the nickname "Leeuw van Vlaanderen" (Lion of Flanders), reflecting his fierce and combative playing style, combined with his Flemish heritage, long dark hair, and prominent beard that evoked the image of a . Details about his family background remain limited in public records, with little information available on his parents or siblings, though his upbringing in Rekem's local environment fostered a strong and regional pride. In his adolescence, Gerets attended local schooling in Rekem while developing physically into a robust figure suited for competitive sports. Initially playing as a striker in his , he transitioned to the right-back position during his early professional development, leveraging his physical growth and tenacity. This shift occurred around 1972 upon joining , where he made his professional debut.

Youth career

Eric Gerets began his organized football involvement in 1966 at the age of 12 with the local club V.C. Arbeid Adelt (AA) Rekem in his hometown, where he initially played as a striker. He remained with AA Rekem through 1971, developing his early skills in regional competitions. In July 1971, at age 17, Gerets joined the youth academy of after being scouted from lower leagues, marking his entry into professional club development. During his time in the youth setup, coaches recognized his speed and tackling ability, leading to a positional shift from striker to defender under the guidance of Vlatko Marković, who focused on honing his professional defensive techniques. This transformation emphasized his physical attributes and tactical awareness in youth training sessions. His adaptation culminated in a senior debut on April 16, 1972, against FC Diest, where he substituted as a striker at age 17, paving the way for his establishment as a right-back in the first team the following season. This early progression at Standard laid the foundation for his long-term professional tenure with the club.

Professional playing career

Standard Liège

Eric Gerets joined Standard Liège's youth setup in 1971 and made his senior debut on 16 April 1972, coming on as a substitute for Silvester Takač in a league match against FC Diest, where he initially played as a striker. Over the next 12 years, he established himself as a key player, transitioning to the right-back position and becoming renowned for his overlapping runs down the flank, defensive solidity, and early displays of leadership that marked him as a future captain. During his time at the club from 1971 to 1983, Gerets made 411 appearances and scored 30 goals across all competitions, contributing significantly to the team's resurgence in Belgian football. Gerets' development at highlighted his versatility and tactical intelligence, evolving from an attacking role to a dependable full-back who supported midfield transitions with precise crosses and recoveries. His qualities emerged prominently in the late , leading to his appointment as club captain in the early , where he guided the team through crucial domestic campaigns with a commanding presence on and off the pitch. Under coaches like , Gerets was instrumental in fostering a winning mentality, helping secure the Belgian First Division title in 1981–82, clinching it with a dramatic final-day victory over Club Brugge, and repeating the feat in 1982–83 to claim back-to-back championships. Additionally, he contributed to the 1980–81 triumph, defeating 4–1 in the final, as well as the 1975 Belgian win against (1–1 away, 3–2 home in the two-legged final), and the Belgian Supercups in 1981 and 1983. Key matches during Gerets' tenure underscored his impact, such as his role in the 1982 European Cup Winners' Cup final run, where Standard reached the final against , though they lost 2–1 after extra time amid a controversial late penalty. His captaincy in these years solidified his status as a club icon, inspiring teammates amid growing expectations for success. In 1983, amid the club's financial difficulties, Gerets transferred to for a reported fee of approximately €682,000, marking the end of his formative chapter at his boyhood club.

AC Milan

Gerets joined from on August 23, 1983, in a transfer that fetched a substantial fee of approximately €682,000, reflecting high expectations for the Belgian captain following his domestic successes. Under manager , Gerets faced a challenging adaptation to the tactical demands of Italian , a league known for its defensive rigor and physical intensity, which contrasted with the more open style he was accustomed to in . Competition for the right-back position was fierce, particularly from established Italian defender , limiting Gerets to 13 appearances in during the 1983–84 season, where he scored one goal and contributed to the team's defensive efforts in select matches without securing a regular starting role. He also featured in 7 games, adding to his overall involvement but underscoring his peripheral status amid the squad's depth. Gerets' tenure ended abruptly in March 1984 when terminated his contract midway through the season, a move triggered by revelations of his involvement in the 1982 Standard Liège-Waterschei bribery scandal, which came to light in 1984, rather than on-field performance. Gerets was handed a three-year ban from Belgian competitions (later reduced to two years on appeal). This episode marked a significant low point in his career, leading to a return to the with to rebuild his professional standing.

MVV Maastricht

After his contract termination at AC Milan due to the fallout from the 1982 Standard Liège-Waterschei bribery scandal, Gerets signed with Dutch club MVV Maastricht in the summer of 1984 as a means to revive his career. He joined the team in the Eredivisie, taking on the role of an experienced right-back to bolster the defense during a challenging season. Gerets made only four appearances for MVV during the 1984–85 season, all as a substitute or starter in the latter part of the campaign. Three of these matches were against PSV Eindhoven, where his solid defensive performances and leadership qualities stood out, contributing to a 1–1 draw in the final league game on May 18, 1985. Although his involvement was limited, MVV managed to avoid relegation by finishing 14th in the Eredivisie with 29 points from 10 wins, 9 draws, and 15 losses, securing their top-flight status in a tight battle at the bottom of the table. Gerets did not score any goals during his brief stint at MVV, focusing instead on stabilizing the backline with his tactical awareness and experience from top European clubs. His time at the club served as a crucial bridge, showcasing enough promise in those key fixtures to attract interest from bigger teams. In 1985, after just one season, he transferred to , where he would go on to achieve greater success and captain the side to multiple titles.

PSV Eindhoven

Gerets joined in 1985 from at the age of 31, marking a significant resurgence in his career after a brief stint in . Over the next seven seasons until 1992, he made 255 appearances and scored 10 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as a key defensive pillar for the club. Following Ruud Gullit's departure to in 1987, Gerets was appointed club captain, a role he embraced with notable authority during PSV's dominant era. Under his leadership, PSV achieved remarkable success, securing six titles in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, and 1992, alongside three KNVB Cups in 1988, 1989, and 1990. The pinnacle came in the 1987–88 season when Gerets captained PSV to their only European Cup triumph, defeating Benfica 6–5 on penalties after a 0–0 draw in the final at Neckarstadion in . These accomplishments highlighted PSV's domestic and continental dominance during the late , with Gerets' tenure overlapping his captaincy of the national team. Known as "The Lion" for his fierce demeanor, Gerets excelled as a right-back with aggressive tackling, precise crossing from the flank, and inspirational that motivated teammates amid high-stakes matches. His hard, emotional playing style—often provoking opponents while driving forward attacks—earned him recognition as one of Europe's premier right-backs of the era. Gerets retired at the end of the 1991–92 season at age 38, playing his final match on May 3, 1992, in an emotional farewell that underscored his enduring legacy at PSV.

International career

Belgium national team

Gerets made his debut for the national team on 27 September 1975 in a 1–2 friendly defeat to . Over the course of his international career, he accumulated 86 caps and scored 2 goals between 1975 and 1991. As a right-back, Gerets was renowned for his reliability and endurance, often anchoring the defense during crucial qualifying campaigns. His stamina allowed him to cover vast areas of the pitch, contributing to 's defensive solidity in international matches. He occasionally shifted to central defense when needed, showcasing his versatility. Gerets forged important on-field partnerships with prominent teammates such as captain and playmaker , forming part of Belgium's "golden generation" that elevated the team's competitiveness on the European stage. His consistent form at in the late 1980s bolstered his national team selection during that period. Gerets retired from international duty in early 1991 after the Euro 1992 qualifiers, with his final appearance coming on 27 March 1991 in a 1–1 draw against .

Major tournaments and captaincy

Gerets assumed the captaincy of the national team in 1980, guiding the squad through a period often regarded as the country's in international football. His leadership was evident at the 1980 , where he led to the final, securing a runners-up finish after a 2–1 defeat to in the title match. Gerets' robust defending helped advance unbeaten through the group stage, including a 2–1 victory over in which he scored the opener. Gerets captained at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, where the team reached the second round after a notable 1–0 group-stage victory over defending champions . Gerets captained at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in , where the team reached the semifinals for their best-ever finish, placing fourth after a 4–2 extra-time loss to France in the third-place match. He played every minute of the seven games, pivotal in group-stage wins over (2–1) and the (4–3 after extra time), as well as a 1–1 draw with and a round-of-16 penalty-shootout victory against . In the semifinal against , Gerets was instrumental in limiting Diego Maradona's influence, often marking the star forward effectively despite the 2–0 defeat, with commentators noting his tenacity in containing one of the tournament's most dangerous players. Gerets also captained at the , making his final major tournament appearance as the team exited in the group stage. Throughout his international tenure, Gerets embodied the resilience of 's 1980s generation, appearing in 86 caps and scoring two goals—one in the 1980 against Spain on 15 June 1980, and another in a qualifier against on 14 October 1986. His captaincy and on-field presence were central to elevating 's status in European and world football during this era.

Managerial career

Early roles in Belgium and Netherlands

Gerets began his managerial career in Belgium with , taking over as head coach in 1992 and remaining in the role until 1994. This initial stint provided him with foundational experience in leading a professional club in the , where he focused on building team cohesion and defensive structures during a period of club transition. In 1994, Gerets moved to Lierse S.K. as head coach, a position he held until 1997. Under his guidance, Lierse achieved significant success, culminating in the 1996–97 title—the club's first since 1959–60 and Gerets' breakthrough achievement in management. The team finished with 73 points from 34 matches, securing the championship ahead of Club Brugge by just two points, thanks to a robust defense that conceded only 38 goals. Gerets' next role was at Club Brugge from 1997 to 1999, where he guided the team to the 1997–98 title and second place in 1998–99, emphasizing an attacking style that propelled Brugge to European qualification. He then managed from 1999 to 2002, winning the in 1999–2000 and 2000–2001 while prioritizing the integration of young players like into the first team. These titles, the club's 14th and 15th respectively, were built on a balanced squad that combined veterans with academy prospects, reflecting Gerets' philosophy of sustainable success. After PSV, Gerets moved to , managing from September 2002 to February 2004. In his first season, he led the team to avoid relegation from the despite a points deduction, and in 2003–04, he guided them to promotion by winning the . He then took over from April 2004 to May 2005, stabilizing the side in the with mid-table finishes and focusing on defensive organization.

Success in Turkey and France

Gerets began his successful tenure in Turkey by taking over as manager of Galatasaray in July 2005, following a challenging period for the club after their 2000 UEFA Champions League triumph. He quickly revitalized the squad, leading them to victory in the 2005 Turkish Cup by defeating rivals Fenerbahçe 5-3 on penalties in the final after a 2-2 draw. The following season, Gerets guided Galatasaray to the 2005–06 Süper Lig title, securing the championship with a 1-0 win over Kayserispor on the final day, finishing with just three league defeats overall and marking their 14th national league crown. Under Gerets' leadership, Galatasaray demonstrated resilience in European competitions, reaching the group stage of the , where they competed against strong sides like and , though they exited in the first group phase. His time at the club, which ended in June 2007, was praised for rebuilding a post-dominance era squad by effectively integrating international talents such as and foreign signings like , fostering a balanced dynamic that emphasized defensive and quick transitions. Transitioning to France, Gerets was appointed manager of in September 2007, inheriting a team languishing at the bottom of after a poor start under Albert Emon. He orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, lifting Marseille to third place by the end of the 2007–08 season, their highest finish since 2003–04, with key victories including a historic 1-0 Champions League win at Liverpool's in his debut match. In the 2008–09 campaign, Gerets led Marseille to second place in , just three points behind champions , while also reaching the final, though they lost 1-0 to ; this runner-up finish ended an 11-year wait for a top-two position and qualified them for the . Gerets resigned from in May amid reported conflicts with club owner , but his 20-month spell was credited with restoring competitiveness and fan enthusiasm through disciplined training and motivational leadership. Throughout his stints in and , Gerets employed a tactical style centered on high pressing to regain possession quickly, coupled with organized defensive structures that minimized vulnerabilities, allowing fluid integration of diverse player profiles from and beyond to drive competitive success in demanding leagues.

Later positions in Asia and Africa

Following his time in Europe, Eric Gerets transitioned to coaching in the with Al-Hilal FC in , appointed in July 2009. Under Gerets' leadership until November 2010, Al-Hilal secured the 2009–10 title with a 1–0 victory over Ettifaq on January 28, 2010, clinching the championship at King Fahd Stadium. The team also won the 2009–10 , defeating Al-Wehda 5–0 in the February 2010 final. Gerets emphasized disciplined tactics and integration of experienced international talents to elevate the squad's performance in competitive domestic fixtures. In July 2010, shortly after departing Al-Hilal, Gerets assumed the role of for the national team, a position he held until September 2012. His tenure focused on rebuilding the squad for major tournaments, including qualification for and participation in the , where advanced from the group stage but suffered an early exit after losses to hosts and . Gerets was dismissed following a poor start in qualifying, amid criticism of tactical decisions and team selection. Gerets returned to club management in the Gulf with Al-Duhail SC (formerly Lekhwiya) in from October 2012 to May 2014, winning the 2012–13 Qatar League Cup and the 2013–14 title. He then joined in the UAE Pro-League, appointed on May 20, 2014, to replace mid-season. Over the next year until his dismissal on June 16, 2015, he oversaw 27 matches with 16 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses, achieving 1.89 points per match, but the team struggled with inconsistent results, including heavy defeats like a 4–2 loss to Al Shabab in May 2015. This marked his final club role, as Al Jazira reappointed Abel Braga amid a turbulent campaign that saw the club miss the league title. Throughout these later roles, Gerets navigated significant challenges, including adapting to diverse cultural environments, managing multicultural squads with varying playing styles, and addressing high expectations in resource-rich but volatile leagues. At age 61, he retired from full-time coaching after Al Jazira, opting to step away from club commitments while expressing openness to national team opportunities.

Personal life and legacy

Health challenges

In 2012, while serving as manager of Lekhwiya Sports Club in Qatar, Eric Gerets suffered a mild brain hemorrhage, which he initially did not recognize as he boarded a flight back to Europe before being diagnosed upon arrival. The condition required immediate medical intervention and led to a prolonged recovery period, during which Gerets experienced gradual deterioration in his speech and mobility. Gerets continued his coaching career for a few more years but retired in , with health concerns contributing to his decision to step away from the profession. In recent years, he has been diagnosed with , exacerbating his challenges with balance, walking, and cognitive functions such as speech, resulting in frequent falls and slowed communication. During a marking his 70th birthday, Gerets openly discussed his uncertain lifespan, stating, "I don't know how long I'll live anymore," while stressing his focus on cherishing with and avoiding unnecessary conflicts to maintain a positive outlook. These health issues have significantly limited his public engagements, leading him to embrace a quieter life in his hometown of Rekem, , where he prioritizes personal well-being over former high-profile activities.

Legacy and recognition

Eric Gerets is widely regarded as one of Belgium's greatest defenders, particularly noted for his commanding presence as a right-back during the nation's golden era in the . His leadership and tenacity earned him the nickname "The Lion of ," and he played a pivotal role in Belgium's successes at major tournaments, including captaining the side to the quarter-finals and fourth place at the . Gerets' club legacy is equally enduring, with significant honors at both Standard Liège and . He was inducted into the Standard Liège Hall of Fame for his contributions, including two Belgian league titles during his 12-year tenure from 1971 to 1983. At , where he captained the team to their only European Cup victory in 1988, supporters proclaimed him "PSV'er of the Century" in recognition of his 255 appearances and six Dutch titles. In 2024, further honored him by adding his name to the Walk of Fame at , alongside fellow club legend Adrie van Kraaij, cementing his status as a club icon. Additionally, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in November 2024, highlighting his impact on Belgian football. As a manager, Gerets built a remarkable legacy of success across multiple continents, becoming one of only six coaches worldwide to win top-flight league titles in at least four different countries: the with PSV, with Galatasaray, with Al-Hilal, and with Al-Duhail (formerly Lekhwiya). His tactical acumen and ability to adapt to diverse football cultures—spanning , the , , , , and the —paved the way for subsequent Belgian managers to pursue international opportunities. During his stint at PSV from 1999 to 2002, Gerets achieved back-to-back titles. In reflections on his career, Gerets has expressed no regrets, emphasizing the positive memories from giving his all at every stage. In a 2025 interview, he stated, "Voilà pourquoi je n’ai que de bons souvenirs," underscoring his fulfillment despite personal challenges, and hoped to have brought joy to fans while earning their respect throughout his journey in the sport.

Honours

As player

Gerets enjoyed a distinguished playing career, amassing several team trophies with his clubs and the Belgium national team, while also earning notable individual recognition.

Standard Liège

  • Belgian First Division: 1981–82, 1982–83
  • Belgian Cup: 1980–81
  • Belgian League Cup: 1974–75
  • Belgian Supercup: 1981, 1983

PSV Eindhoven

  • Eredivisie: 1985–86, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92
  • KNVB Cup: 1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90
  • European Cup: 1987–88

Belgium national team

  • UEFA European Championship runner-up: 1980

Individual

  • Belgian Golden Shoe: 1982
  • PSV Player of the Century: 1999
Gerets served as captain for key triumphs, including PSV's 1988 European Cup victory and Belgium's run to the 1980 final.

As manager

Gerets began his managerial career with notable success in Belgium, leading Lierse SK to the title in the 1996–97 season, marking the club's first national championship. He followed this by guiding Club Brugge to the in 1997–98 and the Belgian Supercup in 1998, securing back-to-back titles across two different clubs. In the , Gerets took charge of , where he won consecutive titles in 1999–2000 and 2000–01, along with the in 2000 and 2001. His tenure at PSV also included a runners-up finish in the 2001–02 . Moving to , Gerets managed Galatasaray to the title in 2005–06, ending Fenerbahçe's dominance and restoring the club's league supremacy. Although he departed before the 2007–08 season, his earlier impact contributed to the team's sustained competitiveness. At Al-Hilal in , Gerets delivered the championship in 2009–10 and the in the same year, achieving a domestic double during his brief stint. The team also reached the final of the in 2010 but finished as runners-up. In , while managing from 2007 to 2009, Gerets led the club to second place (runners-up) in during the 2008–09 season, though no major trophies were secured; claimed the title that year, with Marseille competing closely until the final matches. Later roles in with Al-Duhail SC yielded the in 2013–14 and the Qatari League Cup in 2012–13, while his time with the national team included victory in the . Over his career spanning more than 10 clubs, Gerets' honours emphasize his ability to deliver league successes in multiple countries.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Eric Gerets amassed 690 appearances and 41 goals across his senior club career with , , , and [PSV Eindhoven](/page/PSV Eindhoven). The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by club, encompassing all competitions:
ClubAppearancesGoals
41130
[PSV Eindhoven](/page/PSV Eindhoven)25510
201
40
Total69041
Gerets' club statistics break down further by competition type, with the majority of his appearances in domestic leagues, supplemented by and European matches; comprehensive yellow and red card data was not consistently tracked throughout his era. Aggregate totals by :
Competition TypeAppearancesGoals
Domestic Leagues51837
Domestic Cups452
European Competitions1082
Total67141
Discrepancies in totals arise from minor unclassified matches or other competitions (e.g., supercups, intertoto cups) not included in the above aggregates. His peak performance came at PSV, where he contributed significantly to multiple titles despite fewer goals relative to appearances.

International statistics

Eric Gerets earned 86 caps for the national team between 1975 and 1991, scoring 2 goals. He made his debut on 27 September 1975 in a 1-2 defeat to during a qualifier. His international appearances are broken down by competition as follows:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
120
41
World Cup qualifiers200
European Championship qualifiers231
Friendlies270
Total862
Gerets scored his first international goal on 15 June 1980 against in a 2-1 group stage victory. His second came on 14 October 1986 in a 6-0 win over during . No disciplinary cards are tracked in primary records of his international career.

References

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