Beerschot and Belgium bid farewell to Coppens

Belgian football is mourning former international forward Rik Coppens, who has passed away at the age of 84.

The striker was most closely associated with VAC Beerschot, and the team's successors KFCO Beerschot Wilrijk said in a statement: "Our club shares in the sadness of the passing of this great gentleman, and wishes his wife Denise every strength."

Born on 29 April 1930, Henri François Louis Coppens joined Beerschot as a 16-year-old and became known as 'De koning van Het Kiel' – 'the King of Kiel Stadium', as the club's Olympic Stadium was popularly known. The top scorer in the Belgian top flight in 1952/53 (33 goals) and 1954/55 (36), Coppens was also the winner of the country's first ever player of the year award in 1954.

Scorer of 21 goals in 47 appearances for Belgium, Coppens stayed loyal to Beerschot despite strong interest from the likes of FC Internazionale Milano, AC Milan and FC Barcelona but did eventually depart in 1961. Spells at Olympic Charleroi, Royal Crossing Club Molenbeek, Berchem Sport and Tubantia Borgerhout VK were followed by retirement in 1970, before a coaching career that took in roles with former sides Beerschot, Berchem and Club Brugge KV.