Franky Vercauteren 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.


Franky Vercauteren - Info


Franky Vercauteren profile pic

Name: Franky Vercauteren
Date of Birth: 28th October 1956
Nationality: Belgium
Position(s): Left Winger
Career: 1975 to 1993
Regular Shirt Number(s):
Nickname(s): The Little Prince