Paul Van Himst Profile
A legend not only of Anderlecht, but of Belgian football in general, Paul Van Himst was one of Europe's greatest forwards in the 1960s and 1970s.
His 16 years at Anderlecht would see him win eight Belgian league titles, and his ratio of a goal-every-other-game more than contributed to the success of Les Mauves et Blancs. Van Himst's footwork and dribbling skills would often result in opposition players resorting to fouls in an effort to stop him, and this would lead to his unusual nickname of Polle Gazon, which translates as Paul Lawn - a reference to the amount of times he would end up on the turf because of the fouls!
As well as outstanding technique, Van Himst could finish as well, and his combination of goals and assists enabled him to play as both a striker or in a playmaking role. He became the youngest ever recipient of the Golden Shoe (Belgian football's most prestigious award) when he won the award as a 17 year-old in 1960, and he'd go on to win it four times, which remains a record to this day.
Paul Van Himst - Info
| Name: | Paul Van Himst |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth: | 2nd October 1943 |
| Nationality: | Belgium |
| Position(s): | Forward |
| Career: | 1959 to 1976 |
| Regular Shirt Number(s): | 10 |
| Nickname(s): | Polle Gazon (Paul Lawn) |
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