Jacques Beurlet (21 December 1944 – 26 September 2020) was a Belgian professional footballer known for his time as a defensive player with R. Standard de Liège and for appearances with the national side. Born in Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium, Beurlet spent the bulk of his career at club level, where he earned a reputation for dependability and positional awareness.
Club career
Beurlet's senior career was centred on R. Standard de Liège, one of Belgium's traditional top-flight clubs. As a member of the first team he featured regularly in domestic league campaigns and in European fixtures when the club qualified. Contemporary reports and obituaries emphasize his steady presence in the back line and his contribution to the club's competitive standing during his years there.
International career
At international level Beurlet made appearances for the Belgium national team. While he was not among the most-capped players of his generation, his selection for the national squad indicates recognition of his quality at club level and his ability to perform under the different demands of international fixtures.
Style of play and role
Primarily deployed as a defender, Beurlet was described in contemporary coverage as reliable and disciplined. He focused on defensive duties—marking, tackling and maintaining team shape—rather than on attacking flair. Players with this profile often form the structural core of successful sides by providing consistency game to game.
Legacy and later life
Beurlet remained a remembered figure among supporters of his club for his long association with Standard de Liège. After retiring from the professional game he kept a lower public profile than some teammates, but his passing in September 2020 was noted in Belgian sports media and by the club's community, reflecting the esteem in which former long-serving players are held.
Jacques Beurlet died on 26 September 2020 at the age of 75. His career is an example of a dependable domestic professional who combined club service with the honour of representing his country.