Anniversary: "Saint Michel", the first Belgium player in the history of Benfica

Michel Preud'homme was one of the great world names to play in Benfica's goal. He wore the Glorioso's jersey in the 90's, shining with great performances and saves. This Wednesday, the Belgium player commemorates his 59th anniversary.

Michel Georges Jean Ghislain Preud'homme was born in Ougrée, in Belgium, on January 24th, 1959. He arrived at Standard Liège with only 10 years of age, having made all his youth training at the Belgium club, until being promoted to the first team (1977). Four years later, he was a two-time champion in the 1981/82 and 1982/83 seasons. In 1986, he moved to KV Mechelen (also known as Malines), where he won the biggest titles of his career: The Cup Winner's Cup and the European Super Cup. He remained there until 1994.

After being considered the best goalkeeper of the World Cup 94 (played in the United States of America), Michel Preud’homme, winner of the Lev Yashin trophy, arrived in Lisbon with 35 years and baggage filled with promises.

Throughout five seasons – from 1994/95 to 1998/99 – and 199 official matches for Benfica, Michel Preud'homme not only met the expectation but also largely surpassed them, confirming all his qualities with unforgettable performances. The first foreign and the first Belgium goalkeeper in the history of Benfica had the misfortune of defending the Reds' goal in a less positive phase of the Club sportingly. Preud'homme would help the team win the Portuguese Cup in 1995/96.

Even without major titles, Preud'homme was a star at Benfica until 1999, when finished his career.

On August 10, 1999, happened the farewell of one of the best footballer who was ever played in Portugal. At the age of 40, "Saint Michel" hung up his gloves in a friendly match against Bayern Munich. He was replaced by the Argentinean Bossio and, in the following minutes, the nearly 80 thousand fans present in the stands of the old Estádio da Luz gave him a standing ovation, while he ran around the stadium. It was the end of a victorious career.

"Only at Benfica is there something like this", said Michel Preud'homme to the journalists still on the pitch of Luz.

In the time to say goodbye, Preud'homme highlighted the magnitude of the Club and the way the Portuguese supporters trill with football.

"Benfica is, without a doubt, the biggest of the three clubs I have represented. It has an impressive magnitude and the moves people in a way it does not happen in Belgium. It will always deserve my preference”, he assured at the farewell.

Still at Benfica, Preud'homme occupied the post of Director for International Relations, but in 2000 he returned to Standard Liège, as a coach and Sports Director, having won the Belgium Championship with that club in 2007/08 (after a 25-year drought).

Nowadays, Michel works as a coach.

Text: Filipa Fernandes Garcia

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica