Michel Preud’homme is a legendary Belgian football figure, celebrated for his illustrious career as a goalkeeper and later as a manager.
Below is a detailed breakdown of his personal life, career, and achievements.
Michel Preud’homme’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michel Georges Jean Ghislain Preud’homme |
| Nickname | Saint Michel |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1959 |
| Age | 66 years old |
| Place of Birth | Ougrée, Belgium |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft) |
| Turned Pro | 1977 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million |
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper |
| Spouse | Married |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Current team | Standard Liège |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Michel Preud’homme began his football journey at Standard Liège’s youth academy at the age of 10. He debuted professionally in 1977 after injuries to senior goalkeepers.
His early years were marked by his quick reflexes and solid performances, which earned him recognition as one of the most promising goalkeepers in Belgium.
Professional Career
Preud’homme’s professional career spanned over two decades, during which he played for three clubs: Standard Liège, KV Mechelen, and Benfica.
At Standard Liège, he won two Belgian First Division titles (1981–82 and 1982–83) and reached the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1982. His move to KV Mechelen in 1986 marked the peak of his club career.
With Mechelen, he won the Belgian Cup in 1987, the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1988, and the Belgian league title in 1989.
In 1994, he joined Benfica in Portugal, where he became a fan favorite and earned the nickname “Saint Michel” for his incredible saves.
Michel Preud’homme’s Net Worth Details
Michel Preud’homme’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025. This wealth stems from his successful playing career, managerial roles, and other ventures within football.
Contract
While Michel Preud’homme retired from active coaching in 2020 after managing Standard Liège, during his managerial career he signed lucrative contracts with clubs like Club Brugge and Al-Shabab Riyadh.
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For instance, he reportedly earned €1.5 million annually during his stint at Standard Liège.
Career Earnings
Here is an estimate of Michel Preud’homme’s earnings throughout his career:
| Club/Role | Years Active | Estimated Earnings (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Liège (Player) | 1977–1986 | €500,000–€1 million |
| KV Mechelen (Player) | 1986–1994 | €1 million–€2 million |
| Benfica (Player) | 1994–1999 | €2 million–€3 million |
| Managerial Roles | Various (2000–2020) | €15 million+ |
Endorsements
- Adidas (goalkeeper gloves during playing days)
Career Stats
Michel Preud’homme’s career was filled with remarkable achievements and encounters with top teams:
| Opponent/Team | Competition | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| FC Barcelona | UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup | Finalist (1982) |
| Ajax | European Cup Winners’ Cup | Winner (1988) |
| Germany | FIFA World Cup | Round of 16 (1994) |
FAQs
1. Who is Michel Preud’homme?
Michel Preud’homme is a retired Belgian footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his era. Born on January 24, 1959, in Ougrée, Belgium, he played for clubs like Standard Liège, KV Mechelen, and Benfica and represented the Belgian national team in 58 matches.
2. What are Michel Preud’homme’s major achievements as a player?
Preud’homme achieved numerous accolades during his career, including:
- Winning the Yashin Award as the best goalkeeper at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
- Being named IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper in 1994.
- Winning the Belgian Golden Shoe twice (1987, 1989).
- Securing titles like the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1988) and European Super Cup (1988) with KV Mechelen and the Portuguese Cup (1996) with Benfica.
3. What is Michel Preud’homme’s legacy in international football?
Preud’homme was a key figure for Belgium, earning 58 caps between 1979 and 1995. He played in two FIFA World Cups (1990 and 1994), with his standout performance at the 1994 tournament earning him the Yashin Award and a spot on the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.
4. Which clubs did Michel Preud’homme play for during his career?
Preud’homme played for three clubs:
- Standard Liège (1977–1986): Won 2 Belgian league titles and 2 Belgian Cups.
- KV Mechelen (1986–1994): Won the Belgian league title, Belgian Cup, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and European Super Cup.
- Benfica (1994–1999): Won the Portuguese Cup in 1996.
5. When did Michel Preud’homme retire as a player?
Preud’homme retired in 1999 at the age of 40 after five successful seasons with Benfica. His farewell match was a friendly against Bayern Munich at Estádio da Luz, where he received a standing ovation from nearly 80,000 fans.
6. What are Michel Preud’homme’s accomplishments as a manager?
As a manager, Preud’homme achieved significant success:
- Won the Belgian Pro League with Standard Liège (2007–08) and Club Brugge (2015–16).
- Secured domestic cup titles with Gent (Belgian Cup), Twente (KNVB Cup), and Club Brugge (Belgian Cup).
- Won the Saudi Professional League with Al-Shabab (2011–12).
He was also named Belgian Professional Manager of the Year multiple times.
7. What awards has Michel Preud’homme won throughout his career?
Preud’homme has received numerous individual honors, including:
- Yashin Award (1994).
- IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (1994).
- Belgian Golden Shoe (1987, 1989).
- Belgian Goalkeeper of the Year (four consecutive years: 1988–1991).
8. What is Michel Preud’homme’s connection to Benfica?
Preud’homme joined Benfica in 1994 after his stellar performance at the World Cup. Over five seasons, he played 199 matches and helped them win the Portuguese Cup in 1996. After retiring, he briefly served as Benfica’s technical director before returning to Belgium.
9. How did Michel Preud’homme perform at KV Mechelen?
At KV Mechelen, Preud’homme enjoyed immense success, winning:
- The UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1988).
- The European Super Cup (1988).
- The Belgian league title (1988–89).
He made 263 appearances for Mechelen between 1986 and 1994.
10. What makes Michel Preud’homme one of football’s greatest goalkeepers?
Preud’homme was renowned for his consistency, reflexes, and leadership on the field. He was one of the first goalkeepers to win major individual awards like the Yashin Award and IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper title. His performances at both club and international levels solidified his reputation as one of football’s all-time greats.
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