- Former Hammer Francois van der Elst has passed away at the age of 62
- Forward made 70 appearances for West Ham United, scoring 17 goals between 1982-83
- Striker also excelled in the colours of Anderlecht and the Belgian national team
West Ham United are saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former Hammers and Belgium forward Francois Van der Elst, at the age of 62.
Francois suffered a cardiac arrest on New Year’s Eve and was placed in an induced coma in intensive care at hospital in Aalst, but sadly lost his battle for life this week.
Born in Opwijk on 1 December 1954, Francois first came to the attention of Hammers fans when he scored two goals against us for Anderlecht in the 1976 European Cup Winners’ Cup final.
His performance alongside the great Robbie Rensenbrink played a key role in a thrilling final that Anderlecht won 4-2 at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels.
He went on to win another Cup Winners’ Cup winners medal with Anderlecht in 1978, was given the nickname ‘Mister Europe’ by the club’s fans after scoring 20 goals in 43 European appearances.
In January 1982, after a brief spell with New York Cosmos in the USA, Francois arrived at Upton Park in a £400,000 deal.
He made his debut as a substitute for Alan Devonshire in a 1-0 defeat at Brighton on 16 January and went on to make a further 21 appearances that season, scoring five goals.
The following campaign, he became a regular in John Lyall’s team, making 40 appearances and scoring nine First Division goals. A skilful, intelligent forward, Francois became a firm favourite among the Upton Park faithful who appreciated his creativity and eye for goal.
In the summer of 1983, after 70 appearances and 17 goals for West Ham, he returned home to Belgium to sign for Lokeren, where he finished his playing career in 1986.
Francois won 44 caps for the Belgium national team, including an appearance in the 1980 UEFA European Championship final against West Germany. He also appeared at the 1982 FIFA World Cup finals in Spain and scored 14 goals for his country.
In retirement, Francois ran a billiards hall in his home country, where he remained in regular contact with the Belgian Irons supporters’ club, who incidentally have a group trip to London Stadium planned for this weekend’s Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Francois’ family at this sad time.
Further tributes to Francois will appear soon on whufc.com and in Saturday’s Official Programme.