Former Belgian international Glede de Boek died today after a massive brain haemorrhage left him in a coma for three days, from which he never regained consciousness, the country's media reported.
The long-time Anderlecht captain collapsed at home on Friday before being rushed to Antwerp University Hospital. But the injuries were too severe for doctors to save him, his family confirmed. He died surrounded by his family, including his daughters Bo and Caro.
De Boek passed away at the age of 54, having played as a defender for 10 seasons for Anderlecht, as well as three seasons for Mechelen and a short time for the second division club Boom at the time. He played 36 times for the Belgian national team, two of which were against Bulgaria, in which he broke his nose in the 3-1 win at the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium. He was twice part of the Red Devils' squad for the World Cups in 1998 and 2002.
After the end of his competitive career, De Boek took up coaching, with his last club being Kortrijk in 2023.