Philippe Clement is a Belgian footballer and football coach known for his defensive skills on the field.
He is currently the head coach of EFL Championship club Norwich City.
Clement played for the Belgium national team, participating in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Biography
Early Life and Playing Career
Philippe Clement was born in Antwerp, Belgium, where he began his journey in football. He played as a centre-back and defensive midfielder, starting his professional career at K. Beerschot V.A.C. from 1992 to 1995. He then moved to K.R.C. Genk, where he played until 1998 before making a brief stint in the Premier League with Coventry City. Clement returned to Belgium to join Club Brugge K.V., where he enjoyed significant success, winning multiple league titles and cups. He also represented the Belgium national team from 1998 to 2007, earning 38 caps and participating in major tournaments like the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Transition to Coaching
After retiring from professional play in 2011, Clement transitioned into coaching, starting as the head of Club Brugge's U21 team. His coaching career took off when he became an assistant coach for the first team, eventually stepping in as interim manager on two occasions. His first permanent managerial role came in 2017 with Waasland-Beveren, followed by a return to Genk, where he led the team to a Belgian Pro League title in 2019.
Recent Achievements
Clement's coaching prowess continued to shine at Club Brugge, where he secured back-to-back league titles in 2020 and 2021, along with a Belgian Super Cup. His success earned him accolades such as Belgian Manager of the Season and the Raymond Goethals Award. Most recently, he took the helm at Norwich City in the EFL Championship, showcasing his adaptability and leadership in various football environments.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Assistant and interim manager of Club Brugge
At the end of his playing career in the summer of 2011, Clement became head of Club Brugge's U21s. Aimé Anthuenis, his coach at Genk in 1998–99 and one of his mentors, recalled: "At Genk as well as with the [national team], I noticed that he was predisposed for the job. He was interested, asked questions, gave his opinion, behaved like a leader and had a great sense of teamwork." For the 2012–13 season, Clement became assistant coach of the first team. In November 2012, he had his first experience as a manager on an interim basis for two games between the dismissal of Georges Leekens and the appointment of Juan Carlos Garrido. His debut as a senior manager on 8 November was a 2–2 home draw with Newcastle United in the UEFA Europa League group stage, and three days later lost 6–1 at leaders Anderlecht in the league. Clement then became Garrido's assistant. In September 2013, he took over as interim coach following the Spaniard's dismissal and then remained assistant to Michel Preud'homme, until the end of the 2016–17 season. Club Brugge won three titles (the Belgian Cup in 2015 and the Championship and Super Cup in 2016), four runners-up and a third place in the Pro League during Clement's stay.
Beveren and Genk
On 24 May 2017, Clement was hired on a three-year deal for his first job as a permanent head coach, at Waasland-Beveren. In December that year, he moved to Genk, where he had previously played. He guided…
Club
International
Scores and results list Belgium's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Clement goal.
Born in Antwerp, Clement played as a centre-back or defensive midfielder for Beerschot, Genk, Coventry City and Club Brugge. Aged 35, at the end of his contract, he returned to his hometown in June 2009 and joined Germinal Beerschot. Clement played 38 times with Belgium national team, and was in the team for the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, missing the 2002 World Cup through a hamstring injury. His debut was as a substitute in a 2–2 friendly draw with Norway on 25 March 1998, and his only goal on 7 June 2003 was in a 2–2 draw with Bulgaria in Euro 2004 qualification.
- Club
- Beerschot A.C. (2009–2011)
- Club
- K.R.C. Genk (1995–1998)
- Club
- K. Beerschot V.A.C. (1992–1995)
- Club
- Coventry City F.C. (1998–1999)
- Club
- Club Brugge K.V. (1999–2009)
- Club
- Belgium men's national football team (1998–2007)
- Club
- Beerschot A.C. (1992–1995)
- League
- Premier League
- National team
- Belgium
Legacy
Player
Genk
Belgian Cup: 1997–98 Club Brugge
Belgian First Division: 2002–03, 2004–05 Belgian Cup: 2001–02, 2003–04, 2006–07 Belgian Super Cup: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Manager
Genk
Belgian Pro League: 2018–19 Club Brugge
Belgian Pro League: 2019–20, 2020–21 Belgian Super Cup: 2021 Rangers
Scottish League Cup: 2023–24 Individual
Belgian Manager of the Season: 2018–19 Belgian Best Coach of the Year: 2019, 2020 Raymond Goethals Award: 2018, 2019 Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month: January 2024, February 2024
Clubs
- Beerschot A.C.1992–1995
- K. Beerschot V.A.C.1992–1995
- K.R.C. Genk1995–1998
- Belgium men's national football team1998–2007
- Coventry City F.C.1998–1999
- Club Brugge K.V.1999–2009
- Beerschot A.C.2009–2011
Played together with
Aaron MokoenaBeerschot A.C. · 2001–2001- Aaron MokoenaBeerschot A.C. · 2002–2002
- Aaron MokoenaK.R.C. Genk · 2003–2005
Abdoulay DiabyClub Brugge K.V. · 2015–2018- Abdoulaye DjireBeerschot A.C. · 2008–2008
- Abdoulaï DembaK. Beerschot V.A.C. · 1996–1998
Abdullahi Ibrahim AlhassanBeerschot A.C.- Abel MasueroK.R.C. Genk · 2011–2013
Adam ArmstrongCoventry City F.C. · 2015–2015
Adam BartonCoventry City F.C. · 2012–2015- Adam JacksonCoventry City F.C. · 2015–2015
Adam NemecK.R.C. Genk · 2008–2009
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Philippe Clement is a Belgian professional football manager and former player who is the head coach of EFL Championship club Norwich City.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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