Francois van der Elst was a member of the Belgian Irons Supporters’ Club, 50 of whose members will pay tribute to the forward, who passed away this week at the age of 62, at Saturday’s game at London Stadium…
Francois was a very humble person. Best described as a common man, he never forgot where he came from. He was always that best and most loyal friend you could imagine. He will be remembered for his humanity.
Here in Belgium, he played in his youth for Mazenzele and got scouted by Anderlecht, where he won many trophies, was the league’s top scorer in 1977, and was named ‘Mister Europe’ after scoring 20 goals in 43 European games, including two in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final win over West Ham in 1976.
Francois then played for New York Cosmos alongside Johan Neeskens and Franz Beckenbauer, before signing for West Ham in 1981.
In the summer of 1983, after 70 appearances and 17 goals for West Ham, he returned home to Belgium to sign for Lokeren, but a very bad knee injury forced him to retire in 1986.
He opened a Snooker Hall in his birth town of Opwijk where he stayed out of sight of the cameras and spotlights.
Nonetheless, Francois always stayed the same honest and humble person and he found comfort in watching his grandson grow up and he was keen on enjoying life again.
We, The Belgian Irons, have a 20-year long history of attending games, and have a lot to thank Francois for.
He was the main reason why so many Belgians found their way to Upton Park. Further, our current 50 Season Ticket Holders all came from our love of West Ham and Anderlecht.
Francois was due to attend the Crystal Palace game with us, but unfortunately life choose differently.
On Saturday, his funeral will be held in Opwijk, but his spirit will be with us, and Francois will always be remembered as one of our own!
Rest in peace.
Belgian Irons