Biography
Born in Antwerp, Belgium in 1974, Philippe Clement’s life has revolved around football for over two decades.
Establishing Himself as a Player (1992-2011)
Clement’s playing career, spanning from 1992 to 2011, saw him primarily occupy the defensive midfield or center-back positions. He began his professional journey at Belgian clubs Beerschot and Genk, showcasing his talent domestically. Clement then ventured abroad for a single season with England’s Coventry City, before returning to Belgium for a dominant ten-year run with Club Brugge. During this impressive stint, he solidified himself as a mainstay for the club, racking up 333 appearances.
Clement’s dedication to football extended beyond the club level, as he also represented Belgium on the international stage.
Wearing the Red Devils Jersey (1998-2007)
He earned 38 caps for his country between 1998 and 2007, even contributing a goal during this period. Clement participated in both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, unfortunately missing the 2002 World Cup due to an injury.
From Pitch to Coaching Box (2011-Present)
Following his retirement from playing in 2011, Clement seamlessly transitioned into the world of coaching. He began by joining Club Brugge’s U21 team, demonstrating his desire to remain involved in the sport. His talent was quickly recognized, leading to a promotion to assistant coach for the first team in 2012. This period also saw him take on the challenge of interim manager on two brief occasions, showcasing his leadership potential and laying the groundwork for his future success as a head coach.
Head Coach Journey: Building a Winning Reputation (2017-Present)
Clement’s first permanent head coach role came in 2017 at Waasland-Beveren. While his stay there was short, it marked the beginning of a successful coaching career.
Philippe Clement at Rangers
First Steps in Management (2017)
Later that year, he returned to familiar territory, taking the helm at his former playing ground, Genk. Under Clement’s leadership, Genk reached the 2018 Belgian Cup final and secured qualification for the Europa League. His most significant achievement with Genk came in the 2018-19 season, where he guided the team to the Belgian league title.
Returning to Club Brugge and Leaving His Mark (2019-2022)
In 2019, Clement received the call to return to Club Brugge, this time as head coach. His second stint with the club proved to be a golden one. Clement’s tactical decision-making and leadership qualities shone through, as he led Club Brugge to two consecutive Belgian league titles, adding a Belgian Super Cup victory to the club’s trophy cabinet.
Challenging Himself in a New League: AS Monaco (2022-2023)
Clement’s coaching talents then attracted the attention of AS Monaco in France’s Ligue 1. He took on the challenge in 2022, initially achieving a strong third-place finish in the league. However, his second season with Monaco proved to be less successful, with the team failing to qualify for European competitions. This ultimately led to Clement’s departure from the club.
Taking the Reins at Rangers FC (2023-Present)
Since October 2023, Clement has been taking charge of Scotland’s Rangers FC. He has wasted no time making his mark, already securing a Scottish League Cup win and maintaining an impressive unbeaten streak in most competitions.
Philippe Clement’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to football. His experiences as both a player and coach have provided him with a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the game. As he continues his coaching journey, it will be intriguing to see what further success he brings to the world of football.
