Former top footballer and Anderlecht hero Gilbert 'Gille' Van Binst passed away in a care home in Zaventem on Thursday night, his family has confirmed.
Van Binst had suffered from Parkinson’s disease since 2016 and had also battled dementia in recent years. He died at the age of 73.
The football star played 262 matches for Anderlecht, winning two titles, four Belgian cups and two European supercups during that time.
Later in his career, he played for French club Toulouse (1980-1981) and Club Brugge (1981-1983). Between 1972 and 1977, he made 15 appearances for the Belgian national team, scoring once in a 4-0 win against Iceland.
He was part of the squad for the 1972 European Championship, where Belgium secured a bronze medal. Under new coach Guy Thys, he was not reselected for the national team.
'One of a kind'
Anderlecht's new sports director Luc Devroe and Gilles Van Binst in 2018. Credit: Belga / Virginie Lefour
Anderlecht said goodbye to the footballer via a social media post on Friday.
"RSC Anderlecht learns with great sadness of the passing of Gilbert - Gille - Van Binst," the club stated. "Gille played in purple and white from the age of 15 [...] He quickly worked his way up to become a permanent sports fixture of the 70s. For no less than 11 years, the Machelen native with a smirk made the most of the best club in the country."
"Gille was one of a kind," the statement continued. "Defensive, but always forward-looking. A special player [we] will never forget."
Van Binst retired from professional football in the summer of 1983. He briefly worked as an assistant at Club Brugge and later became head coach at Wallonia Namur, SC Lauwe, and SK Oostnieuwkerke.
Gilbert Van Binst with the UEFA cup after Anderlecht won the UEFA cup final vs West Ham in 1983. Credit: Belga
