Julien Cools (born 13 February 1947) is a Belgian former footballer who won the Belgian Golden Shoe in 1977 while at Club Brugge. He was discovered as a junior at SK Retie Branddonk of Antwerp and made his name with Beringen FC. He was signed by FC Bruges in 1973 where his reputation for non-stop runner in the midfield made him an international regular. Cools helped FC Bruges to win the Belgian league titles in 1975–76, 76–77 and 77–78 plus the Belgian Cup in 1977. In Europe, Cools was a runner-up in the 1976 U.E.F.A.Cup Final and 1978 European Cup Final, Bruges losing both finals to Liverpool. He was rated by World Soccer Magazine as Bruges' best player in that 1978 Final. At 32 Cools left Bruges to join Beerschot where he enjoyed a new lease of life, becoming Captain of the national team. At the 1980 European Championship in Italy Cools played in all four of Belgium's games including the Final where they lost to West Germany. He was capped 35 times and scored two goals for the Belgium national team.[1]

Julien Cools
Julien Cools in 1977
Personal information
Full name Julien Cools
Date of birth (1947-02-13) 13 February 1947 (age 77)
Place of birth Retie, Belgium
Position(s) Midfield
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1969–1973 Beringen 102 (7)
1973–1979 Club Brugge 201 (34)
1979–1981 Beerschot 59 (7)
1981–1983 Dessel 46 (6)
1984–1986 Westerlo 12 (1)
Total 420 (55)
International career
1974–1980 Belgium 35 (2)
Managerial career
2008– Brunei (assistant)
Medal record
Representing  Belgium
UEFA European Championship
Runner-up 1980 Italy
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

In April 2008, he accepted an offer to become the Assistant coach of the Brunei national football team.[citation needed]

Honours

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Player

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Club Brugge[2]

International

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Belgium

Individual

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References

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  1. ^ Mamrud, Roberto (29 October 2009). "Belgium – Record International Players". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation.
  2. ^ "Club Brugge | Palmares".
  3. ^ "UEFA Euro 1980".
  4. ^ "Nationale Trofee voor Sportverdienste".
  5. ^ "Winnaars Gouden Schoen".