Great footballing nation

The great footballing nation of the Netherlands has produced some of the greatest football minds to ever play the game.

A football powerhouse

Rich in football history, many great names that shaped the game forever were Dutch. Let's take a look at the very best.

Marco van Basten

A striker of exceptional quality, Marco van Basten was instrumental for the Dutch national team, Ajax and Italian giant AC Milan. Van Basten's wonderful goal in the UEFA EURO 1988 final against the Soviet Union won his country the only trophy in its history.

Frank Rijkaard

A teammate of Van Basten at Milan, Frank Rijkaard had an impressive football career. Excelling at Ajax, the Rossoneri and the Dutch national team, the defensive midfielder won five Dutch and two Italian league titles and two European Cups, amongst other trophies.

Ruud Gullit

At the end of the 80s and the beginning of the 90s, the Dutch had a strong impact on AC Milan. Together with Van Basten and Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit was one of the key figures in San Siro, winning several trophies. At an international level, Gullit excelled as the Dutch national team's captain, guiding his country to European glory in 1988.

Dennis Bergkamp

Without a doubt one of the most gracious Dutch footballers ever, Dennis Bergkamp came through the Ajax youth academy before excelling in the first team. After a two-year spell at Internazionale, the 'non-flying Dutchman' joined Arsenal, where he would become a key figure.

Ronald Koeman

A set-piece expert, Ronald Koeman played for Dutch sides FC Groningen, Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord, with a successful Spanish spell at FC Barcelona as well. With La Blaugrana he won the 1991-92 European Cup, while he had crowned himself European champion with the Netherlands a couple of years earlier.

Johan Neeskens

Having excelled at Ajax and FC Barcelona, Johan Neeskens is considered one of the all-time greats of Dutch football. The midfielder won 49 caps for the Dutch national team and played in both the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cup finals.

Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League for Liverpool, winning the Premier League and Champions League.

Marc Overmars

Marc Overmars was one of the most electrifying wingers in the 1990s and 2000s. He tore up defences for Ajax, Barcelona, and Arsenal, winning numerous trophies. He made 86 appearances for the Netherlands.

Arjen Robben

Another legend of the Dutch football game, Arjen Robben is possibly the best left-footed player in Dutch football history. His club career saw him passing through the ranks of FC Groningen, PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, while he was also a key player of the national team for many years.

Edwin van der Sar

One of the best Dutch goalkeepers ever. There is no other way to describe Manchester United icon Edwin van der Sar.

Willem van Hanegem

Willem van Hanegem made a name for himself at Feyenoord, where he won the 1973-74 UEFA Cup, amongst other trophies. With 52 caps for the Netherlands, Van Hanegem also stood out for his country, having played in the 1974 FIFA World Cup final.

Clarence Seedorf

One of the most successful Dutch football players ever, Clarence Seedorf won the Champions League with three different clubs (Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan). Need we say more?

Wesley Sneijder

Wesley Sneijder was a player that oozed class. The Utrecht-born midfielder played for Ajax, Real Madrid and Internazionale, amongst other clubs. With the Nerrazurri, he won the Champions League and the Italian league and cup in 2010. Sneijder also earned 134 caps for the Netherlands, a part of which during the successful 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Rob Rensenbrink

One of the best Dutch wingers ever, Rob Rensenbrink excelled at Belgian side RSC Anderlecht. Rensenbrink won two UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and also played the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cup finals.

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Considered one of the best Dutch strikers ever, Ruud van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for Manchester United, according to Transfermarkt. He is arguably one of the best attackers of the early 2000s.

Faas Wilkes

With 35 goals in 38 caps for the Netherlands, striker Faas Wilkes was as clinical as they come. Wilkes was known for his gracious style and unique dribbling skills.

Jaap Stam

PSV, Manchester United, Lazio, AC Milan, Ajax... Jaap Stam has an impressive club record, winning at least one trophy at every club he played for.

Piet Keizer

An amazing left-winger in his time, Piet Keizer is a legend of Dutch side Ajax, for whom he made 489 official appearances.

Abe Lenstra

One of the greatest Dutch strikers ever. Abe Lenstra scored 684 goals during his career, the biggest part of which for Frisian club sc Heerenveen.

Patrick Kluivert

One of Europe's best strikers in his heyday, Patrick Kluivert excelled at Ajax and FC Barcelona. He also collected 79 caps for the Dutch national team, scoring 40 goals.

Ruud Krol

Ruud Krol played two World Cup finals with his country and made 339 appearances for Ajax, which earns him a more than deserved spot in this list.

Rafael van der Vaart

A player with exceptional technical qualities, Rafael van der Vaart played for Ajax, Real Madrid, Hamburger SV, and Tottenham Hotspur, amongst other clubs. The left-footed playmaker also won 109 caps for his country (25 goals).

Frank de Boer

An excellent defender in his time, Frank de Boer was instrumental for Ajax and FC Barcelona, winning five Dutch league titles and one Spanish one.

Ronald de Boer

Just like his brother, Ronald de Boer started his career at Ajax and also went on to play for FC Barcelona. De Boer ended up playing for Rangers after that, where he would win one league title, two Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup.

Willy van der Kuijlen

The Dutch league all-time top scorer, Willy van der Kuijlen deserves to be included in this list. The striker scored an astonishing 309 goals for PSV, where he is considered a club legend.

Arie Haan

A Dutch icon from the 70s and 80s, Arie Haan won several trophies with Ajax, RSC Anderlecht and Standard de Liège. Haan was also a part of the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cup campaigns of the Netherlands, losing the final on both tournaments.