Olivier Renard (born 24 May 1979) is a retired Belgian football goalkeeper who works as Sporting Director for RSC Anderlecht.
Career
Born in Haine-Saint-Paul in the city of La Louvière, Renard started his playing career as professional with Charleroi in 1996, moving to Udinese in 1999, but in six years at the Serie A club, never played once for them in the league, being loaned out to Charleroi again, Modena and Napoli.[1]
Renard returned to Belgium with Standard Liège, playing 40 times for the Rouches across the next two seasons, moving to Mechelen on loan during the 2007-08 season, making the move permanent the following year. Renard featured for Standard during their Championship-winning season of 2007-08.[2] After five years at Achter de Kazerne, Renard announced his retirement at the age of 34.[1]
First selected in 2008 by René Vandereycken, Renard was called-up 11 times for the Belgian national squad as understudy for Stijn Stijnen, but never got on the pitch. Contemporaries Brian Vandenbussche and Davy Schollen in contrast did end up playing for the Red Devils. After Stijnen finished playing for Belgium, Renard's chance was lost through suffering a number of injuries, with Gillet, Thibaut Courtois and Simon Mignolet becoming regular starters, sending Renard down to fourth-in-line.
In May 2012, he was selected for the last time in his professional career by national coach Marc Wilmots.
Management career
Having finished his playing career there, Renard was appointed KV Mechelen sporting director in January 2014.[7] He left the club in February 2016, to join Standard Liège, still as sporting director.[8] From the summer 2018, he became the head of scouting instead of sporting director.[9] He left the club by mutual consent on 20 May 2019.[10]
On June 9, 2022, CF Montréal elevated Olivier Renard to vice president and chief sporting officer in a new agreement for an indefinite period. Rather than signing a new contract, Renard was made a permanent employee of the club. He left in May 2024.[1][13]
On October 30, 2024, Renard returned to Belgium after five years away, being named Sporting Director at RSC Anderlecht, succeeding Sports CEO Jesper Fredberg.[14][15][16]
Controversies
Renard's name emerged in relation to the Operation Clean Hands investigation into Belgian football, in connection with his time at Standard Liege. Renard denied all allegations, and has yet to be charged in relation to the probe.[1][14]
