Netherlands National Football Team Best Players of All Time

Andrew Kovacs

The Netherlands national football team is one of the most successful teams in international men’s soccer. Founded in 1905, they have gone on to win three major tournaments – the 1988 European Championship, 2010 World Cup and 2014 World Cup qualifiers – as well as numerous other accolades. The squad prides itself on its attacking brand of football, with players such as Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie leading their charge over the years. With a strong history of success and a promising future ahead, it’s no wonder why fans around the world are so passionate about this legendary side.

Table of Contents

1. Memphis Depay

Forward

Memphis Depay Career

  • 2000–2003: Moordrecht
  • 2003–2006: Sparta Rotterdam
  • 2006–2011: PSV Eindhoven
  • 2011–2015: PSV Eindhoven
  • 2015–2017: Manchester United
  • 2017–2021: Lyon
  • 2021: Barcelona
  • 2008–2009: Netherlands U15
  • 2009: Netherlands U16
  • 2010–2011: Netherlands U17
  • 2011–2013: Netherlands U19
  • 2013: Netherlands U21
  • 2013: Netherlands

Memphis Depay is a Dutch international footballer who currently plays for Barcelona. He made his professional debut with PSV Eindhoven in 2011 and went on to play for Manchester United before joining Barcelona in 2017.

Memphis is known for his speed, dribbling ability and goal-scoring abilities from inside the box. He has represented Netherlands at youth level, winning the U21 European Championship in 2016 and scoring against Spain during the final match of that tournament.

After impressing with Barcelona's B team, he was given his first start by Ernesto Valverde against Real Sociedad on 17 January 2018.

In May 2018, Depay signed a new contract with Barcelona until 2021 which will keep him at the club until 2024 should he not sign an extension beforehand. 

On 10 October 2018, Memphis scored his first career hat-trick in a 5–1 victory over Celta de Vigo,becoming only the fifth player ever to score three goals or more within their first ten appearances for Barça (after Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Kaka).

Also Played For: psv, atlético de madrid

2. Virgil van Dijk

Defender

Virgil van Dijk Career

  • 2009–2010: Willem II
  • 2010–2011: Groningen
  • 2011–2013: Groningen
  • 2013–2015: Celtic
  • 2015–2018: Southampton
  • 2018: Liverpool
  • 2011: Netherlands U19
  • 2011–2013: Netherlands U21
  • 2015: Netherlands

Virgil van Dijk is a Dutch central defender who currently plays for Liverpool. Van Dijk was born on 8 July 1991 in Breda, Netherlands. At 1.95 meters tall, van Dijk is one of the tallest players in the Premier League and internationally.

Van Dijk started his career at Willem II before moving to Groningen where he made over 100 appearances between 2010–2015 including loan spells at Feyenoord Rotterdam and Southampton during that time as well as making 22 appearances for Holland from 2014 onwards [he has since retired from international football.

On 2 January 2018, it was announced that van Dijk had signed with Liverpool for £75 million (€84 million).

Becoming their fourth-most expensive signing ever after Fernando Torres (£50 million), Luis Suárez (£65 million) and Neymar (£222 million).

 In total, van Dik ended up playing 401 games across all competitions for Feyenoord Rotterdam, Groningen, Southampton and Liverpool scoring 10 goals.

Virgil van Dijk is a world-class defender who has spent his entire career at Southampton. Van Dijk was an important part of the Netherlands' run to the UEFA Nations League championship in 2019. 

He has been described as one of the best defenders in Europe, and he will be an essential piece for Liverpool this season. 

Van Dijk is known for his strong aerial ability and ball possession skills on the defensive side of the field, which makes him a difficult player to beat. 

He has also shown himself to be a powerful striker from set pieces, having scored many crucial goals throughout his career thus far.

His loyalty and dedication to Southampton have endeared him to both fans and teammates alike, making it likely that he will continue playing football at the club level for many years to come.

3. Frenkie de Jong

Midfielder

Frenkie de Jong Career

  • 2003–2005: ASV Arkel
  • 2005–2009: RKC
  • 2005–2015: Willem II
  • 2015: Willem II
  • 2015–2017: Jong Ajax
  • 2016–2019: Ajax
  • 2019: Barcelona
  • 2012: Netherlands U15
  • 2014–2015: Netherlands U18
  • 2015–2016: Netherlands U19
  • 2016: Netherlands U20
  • 2017: Netherlands U21
  • 2018: Netherlands

Frenkie de Jong is a Dutch midfielder who currently plays for Barcelona. De Jong was born in Gorinchem, Netherlands on May 12th 1997 and started his career with ASV Arkel before moving to RKC in 2005.

He made his professional debut for Willem II in 2015 and has since played a total of 142 games for the club, scoring 22 goals along the way. 

In July 2019, it was announced that De Jong had signed a 5-year contract extension with Barcelona which will keep him at the club until 2021.

Dejong has represented Holland at U19 level as well as making 3 appearances for their U21 side; he also scored 2 goals during this time. 

Outside of football, Frenkie likes spending time with friends and family, playing video games and going out drinking - something which he attributes to his healthy lifestyle habits off the pitch.

Frenkie de Jong is a talented footballer who has represented his country at various levels. He has already made an impact in the Netherlands with Ajax and subsequently Barcelona, where he has been a key player. 

De Jong is highly-rated both domestically and internationally, and looks set to continue his impressive career for some time to come.

4. Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo Career

  • 2007–2016: PSV
  • 2016–2019: Jong PSV
  • 2018–2022: PSV
  • 2023: Liverpool
  • 2016–2017: Netherlands U18
  • 2018: Netherlands U19
  • 2018: Netherlands U20
  • 2019–2021: Netherlands U21
  • 2021: Netherlands
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 09:13, 1 January 2023 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23

Cody Gakpo is a Dutch-born winger who currently plays for Liverpool. He began his youth career with NEC Nijmegen before moving to Feyenoord in 2016. He made his senior debut for Feyenoord in 2017 and went on to make 10 appearances for the club that season.

In 2018, he joined Liverpool and has made six appearances so far this season, scoring one goal. Cody Gakpo is a midfielder who has spent his entire senior career with Dutch club PSV. 

He has made 106 appearances for the club and scored 36 goals. Cody Gakpo was born in the United States but moved to Indonesia as a child and then to Netherlands at the age of 10.

Cody Gakpo played for Jong PSV before joining PSV in 2016, where he has become an important part of their squad. Cody Gakpo has represented Holland at youth levels, including playing 3 times for the U18 team and 5 times for the U19 team before making his debut for the senior side in 2017. 

In 2019, he helped Netherlands qualify for Euro 2020, scoring 5 goals during qualifying play which saw them top their group ahead of Hungary and Sweden on goal difference.

After helping Netherlands win silverware at both the domestic level (Eredivisie) and the international level (U21 European Championship), Cody is now looking forward to representing his country at Euro 2020 itself later this year.

5. Dennis Bergkamp

Forward

Dennis Bergkamp Career

  • 1981–1986: Ajax
  • 1986–1993: Ajax
  • 1993–1995: Inter Milan
  • 1995–2006: Arsenal
  • 1989: Netherlands U21
  • 1990–2000: Netherlands
  • 2011–2017: Ajax (assistant)

Dennis Bergkamp is a Dutch professional footballer who played as a forward for Ajax, Inter Milan and Arsenal. Bergkamp was born on 10 May 1969 in Amsterdam and started his career at Ajax before moving to Inter Milan in 1993.

He spent the majority of his time at Arsenal, winning three Premier League titles and two FA Cups with the club. After leaving Arsenal in 2006, he had brief spells with Barcelona and Parma before retiring from football later that year.

In 2011, Bergkamp was named as head coach of AZ Alkmaar but left the position after one season due to personal reasons. He has since been working as an ambassador for several clubs including Ajax, Inter Milan, Feyenoord Rotterdam and FC Utrecht.

On 26 November 2014, it was announced that he would be honored with a statue outside the Emirates Stadium following his retirement from playing football.

Also Played For: arsenal f.c

6. Johan Cruyff

Midfielder

Johan Cruyff Career

  • 1964–1973: Ajax
  • 1973–1978: Barcelona
  • 1979: Los Angeles Aztecs
  • 1980: Washington Diplomats
  • 1981: Levante
  • 1981: Washington Diplomats
  • 1981–1983: Ajax
  • 1983–1984: Feyenoord
  • 1966–1977: Netherlands
  • 1985–1988: Ajax
  • 1988–1996: Barcelona
  • 2009–2013: Catalonia

Cruyff is one of the most famous footballers in history and was a key player for Ajax, Barcelona and Los Angeles Aztecs during his career. 

He is considered to be one of the best players ever to play the game and won numerous trophies, including three European Cups with Ajax, two La Liga titles with Barcelona and two Copa del Reys with Madrid.

Cruyff retired from professional football in 1983 but continued to coach teams until 1991. He later became a television commentator on Dutch matches. Cruyff died at the age of 68 after a long battle against cancer. 

Johan Cruyff is one of the most influential and celebrated footballers in history. He was a key part of Ajax's success during the 1970s and 1980s, winning 36 trophies in total.

Cruyff also had a successful managerial career, managing Ajax from 1985 to 1988 before moving on to manage Barcelona for nine years between 1989 and 2003. 

His playing style - characterized by quick passing and clever movement - has been widely copied by other players since his retirement as a player. 

Cruyff received numerous awards following his illustrious career, including three FIFA World Cups (1974, 1978, 1982) as well as two European Championships (1976, 1984).

7. Marco van Basten

Marco van Basten Career

  • 1970–1971: EDO
  • 1971–1980: Utrecht
  • 1980–1981: Elinkwijk
  • 1981–1987: Ajax
  • 1987–1995: AC Milan
  • 1981–1983: Netherlands U21
  • 1983–1992: Netherlands
  • 2003–2004: Jong Ajax (assistant)
  • 2004–2008: Netherlands
  • 2008–2009: Ajax
  • 2012–2014: Heerenveen
  • 2014: AZ Alkmaar
  • 2014–2015: AZ Alkmaar (assistant)
  • 2015–2016: Netherlands (assistant)

Van Basten is a Dutch footballer who played as a striker for Ajax and AC Milan. He was once voted the best European player of all time by French magazine L'Equipe, and he also won four Ballon d'Or Awards.

After leaving Milan in 1995, Van Basten spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain before retiring from professional football at the age of 37. 

In 2006, Van Basten became manager of Ajax, but was fired after just six months in charge due to poor results.

He later returned to coaching, taking over at FC Barcelona in 2013 where he led them to their first-ever La Liga title in 2014–15 season On 30 May 2016.

It was announced that van Basten would take over as head coach of the Netherlands national team following Dick Advocaat's resignation after the country failed to qualify for Euro 2016 finals.

Under his leadership, they reached the semi-finals of World Cup 2018 held on home soil.

8. Davy Klaassen

Midfielder

Davy Klaassen Career

  • 1999–2003: HVV de Zebra's
  • 2003–2004: HSV Wasmeer
  • 2004–2012: Ajax
  • 2011–2017: Ajax
  • 2013: Jong Ajax
  • 2017–2018: Everton
  • 2018–2020: Werder Bremen
  • 2020: Ajax
  • 2008–2009: Netherlands U16
  • 2009–2010: Netherlands U17
  • 2010–2011: Netherlands U19
  • 2013: Netherlands U21
  • 2014: Netherlands
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:30, 12 November 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23

Davy Klaassen is a Dutch footballer who plays for Ajax. He has also played for HSV Wasmeer and HVV de Zebra's in his youth career. Davy Klaassen was born on 21 February 1993 in Hilversum, Netherlands and started playing football at the age of five with local club HVV de Zebra's.

After impressing during his time at youth level, Klaassen joined Dutch giants Ajax in July 2009 and made his debut three years later against Groningen in the Eredivisie. 

Since joining Ajax, Davy Klaassen has become one of the most popular players within the squad and has won two successive Eredivisie titles as well as being crowned Johan Cruijff Klasseman (a title given to the best player within Holland) twice consecutively between 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 season respectively.

In addition to winning trophies with Ajax, Davy Klaassen has also represented Netherlands national team at under-19s, under-21s, senior level and was part of their successful 2017 FIFA World Cup campaign where they reached quarter-finals before losing to France1. 

Having spent six seasons with Amsterdam side since 2009, it was announced by manager Peter Bosz that he would be leaving after talks over a new contract failed to materialize following their run to the Champions League semifinals this past season which ended up losing 4–1 on aggregate against Liverpool FC.

9. Robin van Persie

Forward

Robin van Persie Career

  • 1988–1999: Excelsior
  • 1999–2001: Feyenoord
  • 2001–2004: Feyenoord
  • 2004–2012: Arsenal
  • 2012–2015: Manchester United
  • 2015–2018: Fenerbahçe
  • 2018–2019: Feyenoord
  • 2000: Netherlands U17
  • 2001: Netherlands U19
  • 2002–2005: Netherlands U21
  • 2005–2017: Netherlands
  • 2020: Feyenoord (assistant)

Robin van Persie is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester United and the Netherlands national team. Van Persie began his career at Excelsior, before joining Feyenoord in 1999.

He spent most of his career with Arsenal, making 194 appearances between 2004 and 2012. In January 2013, he moved to Manchester United where he has since made 86 appearances. 

Van Persie represented the Netherlands at youth level before making his senior international debut in 2006.

He has won 58 caps and scored 25 goals, including two World Cup finals victories in 2010 and 2014. On 27 May 2018, Van Persie announced that he would be leaving Fenerbahçe after two seasons with the Turkish side. 

Robin van Persie was born on 6 August 1983 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

After starting out playing football for local amateur sides before signing for Excelsior aged 15, Van Persie went on to represent Feyenoord from 1999 until 2001 scoring 56 goals during this time.

Having played 191 matches for Arsenal across all competitions (96 Premier League starts), it came as no surprise when Manchester United signed him up following an auction process that yielded bids from Chelsea FC (£20 million) and Barcelona FC (£24 million).

His move saw him reunite with former Feyenoord coach Louis van Gaal who had recently been appointed manager of Old Trafford; however, it wasn't long into their partnership that they parted ways due to differing philosophies - though they remain friends today.

Signed by Arsene Wenger just days later, VanPersie went on to score 49 goals over three seasons at The Emirates Stadium – 28 of them coming league fixtures – helping guide.

Arsenal back into Champions League contention each season while also winning both FA Cups in 2005-06 & 2007-08.

With David Beckham’s departure from LA Galaxy towards the end of December 2009, English football's headline-grabbing ‘big four’ were now down to just one member: Man Utd.

Liverpool FC (Fernando Torres), Chelsea FC (Roman Abramovich) & Newcastle Jets AFC(Papiss Cisse). 

It seemed only natural then that speculation about what might happen next started immediately especially considering how well QPRFC performed throughout much of last season despite being relegated.

10. Edwin van der Sar

Goalkeeper

Edwin van der Sar Career

  • 1980–1985: Foreholte
  • 1985–1990: VV Noordwijk
  • 1990–1999: Ajax
  • 1999–2001: Juventus
  • 2001–2005: Fulham
  • 2005–2011: Manchester United
  • 1995–2008: Netherlands

Edwin van der Sar is a Dutch goalkeeper who played for Ajax and Manchester United. Van der Sar has made over 300 appearances in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and World Cup.

He was named Ajax Player of the Year in 1998 and 2003, as well as being named Man Utd Player of the Year in 2005. After retiring from playing professionally, he served as CEO of Ajax until his departure in 2016.

Edwin van der Sar was born on October 29th 1970 in Voorhout, Netherlands to Jan and Margaretha. Edwin began his career at Foreholte before moving to VV Noordwijk where he would make 189 appearances between 1985–1990.

In 1990 he signed with Manchester United helping them win their first ever Premier League title that season, while also appearing at UEFA Champions League semi-finals, Copa America final, Euro 1996 final, and 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup Final.

In total Van Der Sar appeared 416 times for Manchester United scoring 24 goals across all competitions whilst winning 5 major trophies including 3 league titles., 2 FA Cups 1 Intercontinental cup, and 2 European Super cups. 

On July 14th 2004 after 12 years with Man Utd; during which time they had won 4 more Premier Leagues & The Uefa champions trophy (1997), Edwin announced his retirement due to an Achilles tendon injury sustained against Newcastle United on November 26th 2003.

However just 9 months later on May 30 2006 following new signing David De Gea’s debut v Blackburn Rovers; Edwin came off the bench replacing De Gea 83rd minute & conceded a goal leading to a 3–1 defeat ending their 19 game unbeaten run.

This proved to be Van Der Sar’s last competitive appearance for MAN UTD., making 383 apps overall (+282) totaling 301 clean sheets.

Also Played For: manchester united f.c, fulham fc

11. Patrick Kluivert

Patrick Kluivert Career

  • 1983–1984: Schellingwoude
  • 1984–1994: Ajax
  • 1994–1997: Ajax
  • 1997–1998: AC Milan
  • 1998–2004: Barcelona
  • 2004–2005: Newcastle United
  • 2005–2006: Valencia
  • 2006–2007: PSV
  • 2007–2008: Lille
  • 1990–1991: Netherlands U16
  • 1991–1992: Netherlands U17
  • 1992: Netherlands U18
  • 1992–1994: Netherlands U19
  • 1994–2004: Netherlands
  • 2008–2010: AZ (assistant)
  • 2010: Brisbane Roar (assistant)
  • 2010–2011: NEC (assistant)
  • 2011–2012: Jong FC Twente
  • 2012–2014: Netherlands (assistant)
  • 2015–2016: Curaçao
  • 2016: Ajax (youth)
  • 2018–2019: Cameroon (assistant)
  • 2021: Curaçao (interim)

Kluivert is a former Dutch international and Barcelona forward who spent most of his career at Ajax. After leaving Ajax, Kluivert moved to AC Milan before joining Barcelona in 1998.

He won three La Liga titles with Barça, as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2006 and 2007. In January 2007, Kluivert transferred to Valencia for €10 million but he was released by the club later that year after just 16 appearances. 

Kluivert subsequently returned to PSV where he played until his retirement in May 2009. He made one appearance for the Netherlands national team, scoring against Belarus in 2002.

Kluivert announced his retirement from professional football on 1 September 2013.
Kluivert is currently working as a sports commentator for Eurosport Netherlands.

Also Played For: european championship

12. Andries Noppert

Career

  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2013–2014: Heerenveen: 0: (0)
  • 2014–2018: NAC Breda: 6: (0)
  • 2018–2019: Foggia: 8: (0)
  • 2019–2020: Dordrecht: 2: (0)
  • 2021–2022: Go Ahead Eagles: 15: (0)
  • 2022–: Heerenveen: 15: (0)
  • 2022–: Netherlands: 5: (0)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12:17, 8 January 2023 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 09:32, 10 December 2022 (UTC)

Andries Noppert is a goalkeeper who currently plays for Heerenveen in the Dutch Eredivisie. Andries started his senior career at AZ Alkmaar before moving to Heerenveen in 2016.

Andries made his debut for Heerenveen during the 2016-17 season and has since gone on to make 50 appearances for the club. In addition to playing as a goalkeeper, Andries also holds Netherlands U21 caps and has represented his country at youth international level on several occasions.

With regards to personal accolades, Andries was named player of the year by Fanshare during their 2017 awards ceremony and he also won three Johan Cruyff Prizes (the Dutch equivalent of the Ballon d'Or) while with AZ Alkmaar between 2014 and 2016.

Senior career refers to competitive football only - including but not limited to matches played in domestic competitions like Holland's Eredivisie or Spain's La Liga.

13. Arjen Robben

Forward

Arjen Robben Career

  • 1989–1996: vv Bedum
  • 1996–2000: Groningen
  • 2000–2002: Groningen
  • 2002–2004: PSV
  • 2004–2007: Chelsea
  • 2007–2009: Real Madrid
  • 2009–2019: Bayern Munich
  • 2020–2021: Groningen
  • 1999: Netherlands U15
  • 1999–2000: Netherlands U16
  • 2000: Netherlands U17
  • 2001–2002: Netherlands U19
  • 2001–2003: Netherlands U21
  • 2003–2017: Netherlands

Arjen Robben is a Dutch footballer who plays for Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga. He has also played for PSV, Chelsea and Real Madrid. Arjen Robben was born on 23 January 1984 in Bedum, Netherlands.

At age 38, Arjen Robben is still playing football at a high level and he will continue to do so with Bayern Munich until 2021. In 2000, Arjen Robben joined Groningen from Bedum and made 46 appearances over two seasons with them before moving to PSV in 2004.

Where he would make 56 appearances over the next three years before signing for Chelsea in 2007 where he enjoyed great success winning 3 Premier League titles (2007-2010) as well as 2 FA Cups (2008-09).

After leaving Chelsea following their victory in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final against Manchester United, Arjen signed for Real Madrid where he spent four successful seasons making 50 appearances while also helping his team win both La Liga (2013-14) and Copa del Rey (2014). 

On 1 July 2019 it was announced that Arjen Robben had signed a new contract with Bayern Munich which will keep him at the club until 2021.

During his time at Bayern Munich, ArhenRobbens's main contribution has been through assists rather than goals; nevertheless hes netted 99 times during 201 league matches.

Arjen Robben has represented Holland 73 times scoring 16 goals including 3 internationals against Spain(2005), Brazil(2010), Argentina(2015).

14. Daley Blind

Defender

Daley Blind Career

  • 1995–1998: Amsterdamsche FC
  • 1998–2008: Ajax
  • 2008–2014: Ajax
  • 2010:  Groningen (loan)
  • 2014–2018: Manchester United
  • 2018–2022: Ajax
  • 2023: Bayern Munich
  • 2004: Netherlands U15
  • 2006: Netherlands U16
  • 2006–2007: Netherlands U17
  • 2007–2009: Netherlands U19
  • 2009–2013: Netherlands U21
  • 2013: Netherlands

Daley Blind is a Dutch international defender who currently plays for Bayern Munich. Blind made his professional debut with Ajax in 2008, and went on to make 102 appearances for the club over three seasons before joining Groningen on loan in 2010.

In 2014, Blind transferred to Manchester United where he has since played 146 games and scored five goals. A versatile defender capable of playing at either centre-back or left-back, Blind was part of the Netherlands team that finished runners-up at UEFA Euro 2016.

Daley Blind is a Dutch international footballer who currently plays for English side Manchester United.

Daley Blind has represented his home nation Netherlands at multiple youth levels and made his senior debut in 2009. After impressing with Ajax, he moved to Premier League club Manchester United in 2014 where he has since become an important member of the team. 

In 2019, Blind helped Manchester United reach the UEFA Nations League Final where they narrowly lost against Portugal on penalties after a goalless draw in the semi-final stage.

The midfielder has also appeared for Netherlands at both the FIFA World Cup (2014) and European Championship (2016). 

With over 90 appearances for Manchester United, Daley Blind ranks as one of their longest-serving players and remains an integral part of their squad going into the 2020 season.

On 2 July 2018, it was announced that blind had signed a new contract with Manchester United until 2022 which will keep him at Old Trafford until at least 30 June 2023.

15. Denzel Dumfries

Defender

Denzel Dumfries Career

  • 2002–2013: Smitshoek
  • 2013–2014: BVV Barendrecht
  • 2014–2017: Sparta Rotterdam
  • 2017–2018: Heerenveen
  • 2018–2021: PSV
  • 2021: Inter Milan
  • 2014: Aruba
  • 2016: Netherlands U20
  • 2016–2018: Netherlands U21
  • 2018: Netherlands

Denzel Dumfries is a Dutch right-back who currently plays for Italian club Inter Milan. Denzel Dumfries started his career with Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands before moving to Smitshoek and then Barendrecht later on in his development.

Dumfries made his senior debut for Sparta Rotterdam in 2014 and has since played 65 times for the team, scoring two goals. Internationally, Denzel Dumfries has represented Holland at under-21 level as well as making one appearance for the full national side.

In 2017, he signed a new contract with Inter Milan that will keep him at the club until 2020 Heerenveen captain Dumfries is an experienced campaigner at club level and has racked up 33 appearances for the Dutch side since 2017. 

Denzel Dumfries was born in Aruba but played youth football with Feyenoord Rotterdam before moving to Holland to join Heerenveen.

The defender made his international debut for the Netherlands in 2016 and went on to feature at Under-20 and U21 levels, amassing five caps total between those two squads. 

Dumfries has been a regular starter for Heerenveen this season - helping them secure third place in the Eredivisie table - and looks set to continue playing top-level football well into his thirties.

Internationally, Denzel Dumfries represented Aruba at senior level before switching allegiances to the Netherlands during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.

Also Played For: football right back

16. Matthijs de Ligt

Defender

Matthijs de Ligt Career

  • 2005–2009: Abcoude
  • 2009–2016: Ajax
  • 2016–2017: Jong Ajax
  • 2016–2019: Ajax
  • 2019–2022: Juventus
  • 2022: Bayern Munich
  • 2014–2015: Netherlands U15
  • 2014–2015: Netherlands U16
  • 2015–2016: Netherlands U17
  • 2016: Netherlands U19
  • 2017: Netherlands

Matthijs de Ligt is a Dutch centre-back who currently plays for Bayern Munich. De Ligt started his youth career at Abcoude and then moved to Ajax before making his senior debut in 2016.

He has been capped by Netherlands at under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels. With Bayern Munich, he has won the Bundesliga title three times (2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20). In September 2019, he was named in Holland's squad for the World Cup in Russia. 

Matthijs de Ligt is often compared to Barcelona defender Gerard Pique due to their similar playing styles.

Outside of football, De Ligt enjoys music and reading books.[5] He married his long-term girlfriend Amalia Geertruida van Ginkel on 8 December 2020.

Matthijs de Ligt is a young, talented Dutch footballer who has been a standout for Ajax since he was just 17 years old. 

De Ligt made his international debut in March of 2018 and has since gone on to make 40 appearances for the Netherlands, including at UEFA Nations League tournaments. 

He is considered one of the most promising defenders in football and looks poised to have a long and successful career ahead of him.

Also Played For: youth soccer, football manager 2019

17. Wout Weghorst

Forward

Wout Weghorst Career

  • 2011: DETO
  • 2011–2012: Willem II
  • 2012–2014: Emmen
  • 2014–2016: Heracles Almelo
  • 2016–2018: AZ
  • 2018–2022: VfL Wolfsburg
  • 2022: Burnley
  • 2022: Beşiktaş (loan)
  • 2014: Netherlands U21
  • 2018: Netherlands
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 00:16, 8 January 2023 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 9 December 2022

Wout Weghorst is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a striker for Turkish club Beşiktaş and on loan from English side Burnley. He began his career at Dutch club NEO, before moving to Eredivisie giants Feyenoord in July 2011.

He made his debut for Feyenoord aged just 18 months later, scoring the winning goal in their 3–2 victory over NEC Nijmegen in the KNVB Cup final. 

Weghorst was named PFA Young Player of the Year following his season with Feyenoord and helped them win both the Eredivisie championship and the Johan Cruyff Shield (Dutch Supercup).

In January 2013, Weghorst joined Premier League side Burnley on a six-and-a-half-year deal worth £8 million. He made an immediate impact upon joining the Clarets, scoring twice on his debut against Swansea City and helping them reach the 2014 FA Cup Final.

Where they lost 2–1 to Manchester United after extra time;[6] this was also Weghorst's first ever Wembley appearance.

On 9 August 2017, Weghurst signed for Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg on a four-year contract, becoming their tenth signing of pre-season. On 28 November 2018, he scored two goals in VfL Wolfsburg's 7–0 home victory against FC Ingolstadt.

Also Played For: vfl wolfsburg

18. Marten de Roon

Midfielder

Marten de Roon Career

  • 1997–1999: ASWH
  • 1999–2006: Feyenoord
  • 2006–2010: Sparta Rotterdam
  • 2010–2012: Sparta Rotterdam
  • 2012–2015: Heerenveen
  • 2015–2016: Atalanta
  • 2016–2017: Middlesbrough
  • 2017: Atalanta
  • 2009: Netherlands U19
  • 2016: Netherlands

De Roon is a Dutch midfielder who has played for Atalanta since the summer of 2016. De Roon started his career at ASWH before moving to Feyenoord in 2006.

He had a successful three-year spell with Sparta Rotterdam, winning two Eredivisie titles and the UEFA Europa League in 2009 and 2010 respectively. In August 2016, de Roon moved to Italy to join Serie A side Atalanta on a four year contract worth €10 million (£8 million).

De Roon was born in Zwijndrecht and made his debut for the Netherlands U21s in October 2007 against Poland. 

He made his full international debut versus Slovakia later that same month and has since gone on to make 38 appearances for his country including at Euro 2012 where they reached the semi-finals as runners up behind Spain.

De Roon is a Dutch international footballer who plays as a midfielder for Italian club Atalanta. De Roon made his professional debut with Sparta Rotterdam in 2010 before moving to Heerenveen two years later. 

In 2015, De Roon was signed by Serie A side Atalanta and has since helped them gain promotion to the top division twice, most notably scoring 36 goals in 2016-17 season which saw him crowned league's best player.

Internationally, de Roon has represented the Netherlands at U19 level and won silver medals at the UEFA European Championship 2017 helping them reach their first-ever semi-final appearance there. 

Ranked fourth in Middlesbrough's all-time appearance list after making his debut for them back in 2009, Marten de Roon will be hoping to add another title winners medal to his collection when he lines up against Heerenveen this weekend.

Also Played For: atalanta fc

19. Steven Berghuis

Forward

Steven Berghuis Career

  • 2007: Vitesse/AGOVV
  • 2007–2008: WSV Apeldoorn
  • 2008–2009: Go Ahead Eagles
  • 2009–2011: Twente
  • 2011–2012: Twente
  • 2012: VVV-Venlo (loan)
  • 2012–2015: AZ
  • 2015–2016: Watford
  • 2016–2021: Feyenoord
  • 2021: Ajax
  • 2009–2011: Netherlands U19
  • 2012: Netherlands U20
  • 2011: Netherlands U21
  • 2016: Netherlands
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:26, 12 November 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23

Steven Berghuis is a Dutch footballer who plays for Ajax. He made his professional debut with Vitesse in 2007 and spent three seasons there before joining Go Ahead Eagles in 2009.

After a year at AEK Athens, he joined Ajax in the summer of 2013 and has since played more than 250 matches for the club, scoring 30 goals. In 2016, Berghuis helped Netherlands win their first ever European Championship title.

He was named Dutch Footballer of the Year for both 2015 and 2016[5][6] and also won two Eredivisie titles (with Ajax) as well as two KNVB Cups (both with AEK).

On 28 November 2017,[7] Berghuis scored his 100th goal for Ajax during a 5–0 victory over Excelsior Rotterdam. With 78 caps to his name, he is currently the fourth-highest-capped player in Netherlands' history behind Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, and Robin van Persie.

20. Luuk de Jong

Forward

Luuk de Jong Career

  • 2001–2008: De Graafschap
  • 2008–2009: De Graafschap
  • 2009–2012: Twente
  • 2012–2014: Borussia Mönchengladbach
  • 2014: Newcastle United (loan)
  • 2014–2019: PSV
  • 2019–2022: Sevilla
  • 2021–2022: Barcelona (loan)
  • 2022: PSV
  • 2008–2009: Netherlands U19
  • 2009–2013: Netherlands U21
  • 2011: Netherlands

De Jong is a prolific striker who has been with PSV since 2014. De Jong represented Switzerland at youth level, before moving to Holland to play for De Graafschap in 2001.

After two seasons with Twente, he moved to PSV where he has become one of the most important players in their squad over the past few years. 

Jong is known for his goalscoring ability and quick feet which allow him to beat defenders easily; this has made him an attractive target for top clubs around Europe.

He will hope that things continue on this path when he represents Switzerland at the 2016 European Championships later this year. 

De Jong is married and father of two children; both of whom are involved in football either as parents or athletes themselves. 

De Jong is a talented and versatile footballer who has experience playing at both club and international level.

De Jong started his career at Borussia Mönchengladbach before moving to PSV in 2014 where he became one of the most consistent players in their squad. De Jong joined Newcastle United on loan for the 2016–17 season, impressing while helping them reach the FA Cup Final. 

In 2019, de Jong signed with Sevilla ahead of their UEFA Champions League campaign, but failed to make an impact as they were knocked out in the group stage.

Dejong returned to PSV midway through the 2019–20 season and has been ever-present since then, providing important contributions both on and off the field.

Also Played For: fc twente

21. Nathan Aké

Defender

Nathan Aké Career

  • 2003–2007: ADO Den Haag
  • 2007–2011: Feyenoord
  • 2011–2012: Chelsea
  • 2012–2017: Chelsea
  • 2015: → Reading (loan)
  • 2015–2016: → Watford (loan)
  • 2016–2017: → AFC Bournemouth (loan)
  • 2017–2020: AFC Bournemouth
  • 2020–: Manchester City
  • 2009–2010: Netherlands U15
  • 2010–2011: Netherlands U16
  • 2011–2012: Netherlands U17
  • 2012–2013: Netherlands U19
  • 2013–2016: Netherlands U21
  • 2017–: Netherlands

Nathan Aké is a Dutch international footballer who currently plays for Manchester City. He spent his early career playing in the Netherlands with ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord before joining Chelsea in 2012.

After making over 70 appearances for Chelsea, he moved to Reading on loan in 2015 where he made 5 appearances before returning to Chelsea the following year. 

Nathan Aké has represented Holland at under-21 level and was part of their team that won the 2017 European Championship Final against France Nathan Aké is a Dutch-born footballer who currently plays for Manchester City in the Premier League.

Nathan Aké first came to prominence when he played for Netherlands at youth level and has since represented his country on several occasions, including at the UEFA Nations League tournament where they reached the final but were narrowly beaten by Portugal. 

Nathan Aké is known for his versatility and ability to play both as a defensive midfielder and forward, which has seen him be deployed in a number of different positions for Manchester City over the years.

In 2019, Nathan Aké was named runner-up in the PFA Players' Player of Year award after helping Manchester City finish as champions of England once again. 

After signing a new contract with Manchester City earlier this year, it looks like Nathan Aké will continue playing football well into the future.

Also Played For: manchester city f.c

22. Stefan de Vrij

Defender

Stefan de Vrij Career

  • 1997–2002: VV Spirit
  • 2002–2009: Feyenoord
  • 2009–2014: Feyenoord
  • 2014–2018: Lazio
  • 2018: Inter Milan
  • 2007–2008: Netherlands U16
  • 2008–2009: Netherlands U17
  • 2010–2011: Netherlands U19
  • 2012: Netherlands U20
  • 2011–2013: Netherlands U21
  • 2012: Netherlands

De Vrij is a Netherlands international defender who currently plays for Italian side Inter Milan. De Vrij made his senior debut with Feyenoord in 2009 and went on to play 135 matches for the Rotterdam-based club before joining Lazio in 2014.

He helped Lazio win the Serie A title in the 2017/2018 season, becoming the first Dutch player to do so since Ruud Gullit in the 1987/1988 season. 

In 2018, he joined Inter Milan on a free transfer and has since played 136 times for the Nerazzurri, scoring eight goals over that period of time.

De Vrij was named La Liga Defender of the Season in 2018–19 after helping Inter clinch their fourth consecutive league championship title under manager Luciano Spalletti. 

De Vrij was born and raised near Amsterdam and represented his country at every youth level from U17 through to U21 levels before making his senior international debut against Spain back in 2010.

23. Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber Career

  • 2014: Feyenoord
  • 2014–2018: Ajax
  • 2018–2021: Jong Ajax
  • 2019: Ajax
  • 2015: Netherlands U15
  • 2016–2017: Netherlands U16
  • 2017–2018: Netherlands U17
  • 2018–2019: Netherlands U19
  • 2020: Netherlands U21
  • 2021: Netherlands

Jurrien Timber is a 21-year-old Dutch centre back who currently plays for Ajax. He started his career at DVSU before moving to Feyenoord in 2014 and then to Ajax the following year.

In 2018, he made 39 appearances for Jong Ajax - helping them reach the Eredivisie play-offs that season. Jurriën has also been capped at youth level by Netherlands, making five appearances between 2014 and 2018.

Timber is a midfielder who joined Ajax in 2019 and has made 66 appearances for the club so far. Timber started his career with Netherlands youth teams before making his international debut in 2015. 

He has since played at under-16, under-17, and under-19 levels before making his senior team debut this year.

Timber is known for being an attacking midfielder who can create chances for himself and others on the pitch. 

His performances have caught the eye of several top European clubs, including Barcelona and Juventus, and he may soon be looking to take that next step in his footballing career by joining one of those sides.

24. Steven Bergwijn

Steven Bergwijn Career

  • : ASC Waterwijk
  • 2005–2011: Ajax
  • 2011–2014: PSV
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2014–2017: Jong PSV: 31: (14)
  • 2014–2020: PSV: 112: (29)
  • 2020–2022: Tottenham Hotspur: 60: (7)
  • 2022–: Ajax: 14: (8)
  • 2013–2014: Netherlands U17: 12: (8)
  • 2015: Netherlands U18: 1: (0)
  • 2014–2016: Netherlands U19: 16: (8)
  • 2016: Netherlands U20: 4: (2)
  • 2016–2018: Netherlands U21: 10: (3)
  • 2018–: Netherlands: 28: (7)

Bergwijn is a Netherlands international winger who currently plays for Ajax. Bergwijn started his career at Ajax before moving to PSV in 2014. After two seasons with PSV, he joined Jong PSV in 2016 where he has since played 112 games and scored 29 goals.

Bergwijn was called up to the Dutch national team for the first time in 2017 and made his senior debut that year against Luxembourg. 

He is known as an attacking winger who can play on either flank or as a No 10 behind the striker Bergwijn is a versatile and attacking midfielder who has impressed for club and country over the past few years.

He started his career at PSV before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in England in 2017. Bergwijn has since established himself as one of the best young midfielders in Europe, helping Ajax reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals this season. 

The Netherlands international was part of the Dutch side that won Euro 2016, scoring an important goal against Spain en route to glory.

Bergwijn is also a regular for Holland at U21 level, where he has helped his team win silverware on multiple occasions including runners-up medals at both the European Under-17 Championship and UEFA European Under-20 Championship. 

With plenty of experience under his belt, Bergwijn will be looking to help Spurs achieve their first major trophy since 2013 when they take on Ajax in tomorrow's Europa League final.

25. Teun Koopmeiners

Teun Koopmeiners Career

  • 2009–2016: AZ
  • 2016–2018: Jong AZ
  • 2017–2021: AZ
  • 2021: Atalanta
  • 2015: Netherlands U17
  • 2015–2016: Netherlands U18
  • 2016–2017: Netherlands U19
  • 2017–2018: Netherlands U20
  • 2018–2021[2]: Netherlands U21
  • 2020: Netherlands
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:19, 9 January 2023 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 9 December 2022

Teun Koopmeiners is a Dutch midfielder who currently plays for Atalanta. He made his professional debut in 2015 with Vitesse, and has since played for Ajax, Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven and Atalanta.

In 2018/19 he scored six goals in Serie A as Atalanta finished runners-up to Juventus. He was named the Netherlands' Young Footballer of the Year in 2017 and was part of the Dutch squad that won silver at the European U21 Championship later that year.

Teun Koopmeiners is known for his accurate passing ability and hardworking attitude on the field Teun Koopmeiners is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Italian Serie A club Atalanta. 

He made his senior debut with Jong AZ in the 2009–10 season and went on to play 116 games for the club before joining Italian side Atalanta in 2021.

Koopmeiners has represented Netherlands at U17, U18, U19 and U21 level, making five appearances between 2015 and 2020. Teun is married to fellow Dutch international Corinne De Vries, with the pair having two children together.

Also Played For: euro u21

26. Noa Lang

Noa Lang Career

  • 2003–2005: HION
  • 2005–2013: Feyenoord
  • 2013–2017: Ajax
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2017–2021: Jong Ajax: 47: (12)
  • 2019–2021: Ajax: 9: (3)
  • 2019–2020: → Twente (loan): 7: (1)
  • 2020–2021: → Club Brugge (loan): 29: (16)
  • 2021–: Club Brugge: 49: (9)
  • 2014–2015: Netherlands U16: 6: (0)
  • 2017–2018: Netherlands U18: 2: (3)
  • 2017–2019: Netherlands U19: 6: (3)
  • 2018–2019: Netherlands U20: 8: (2)
  • 2019–2021: Netherlands U21: 8: (1)
  • 2021–: Netherlands: 6: (1)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:03, 13 November 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 9 December 2022

Lang is a Dutch winger who joined Belgian club Club Brugge in 2017. Lang started his youth career at HION before joining Feyenoord in 2013. He then spent three seasons with Ajax, winning the Eredivisie title and scoring 19 goals during that time.

In 2017, Lang signed for Belgian side Club Brugge after being released by Ajax. Lang was born on November 8th, 1997 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Lang started her career with Jong Ajax before joining Ajax in 2019. 

Lang has made nine appearances for Ajax so far this season and she is currently with the club until 2021.

Lang also played for the Netherlands U20 team from 2017 to 2019 and she had a total of eight caps during that time period. Lang represented her country at international level once in 2018 when she scored two goals during a friendly against Spain.

27. Tyrell Malacia

Tyrell Malacia Career

  • 2008–2017: Feyenoord
  • 2017–2022: Feyenoord
  • 2022–: Manchester United
  • 2014–2015: Netherlands U16
  • 2015–2016: Netherlands U17
  • 2016: Netherlands U18
  • 2018: Netherlands U20
  • 2019–2021: Netherlands U21
  • 2021–: Netherlands
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:32, 31 December 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 21

Tyrell Malacia is a Dutch left-back who joined Manchester United in 2019. He made his debut for the Red Devils against Leicester City in the League Cup, and has since appeared regularly in the Premier League.

Malacia began his career with Feyenoord, before moving to Manchester United as part of a £15 million deal in 2019. 

Tyrell is known for his attacking play from left-back, and has been linked with moves to Juventus and Barcelona during his time at Old Trafford so far Tyrell Malacia is a Dutch-born footballer who currently plays for English club Manchester United.

He made his senior debut with Feyenoord in 2008 and has since played for Manchester United, Netherlands U21s, and the Netherlands national team. 

A versatile defender, Malacia can play at both centre back and full back and his impressive technique has seen him become a key player for many clubs he's played for. 

In May 2019, Malacia was named in the Netherlands' preliminary squad for the UEFA Nations League Finals tournament but did not make an appearance as they were eliminated in the group stage.

However, he was later called up to replace injured captain Virgil van Dijk for their final game of Euro 2020 qualifying against Estonia which saw them win 3–0 to seal their place at Russia 2018; making his international debut aged just 19 years old.

28. Vincent Janssen

Forward

Vincent Janssen Career

  • 2000–2002: SV TOP
  • 2002–2006: TOP
  • 2006–2009: NEC
  • 2009–2013: Feyenoord
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2013–2015: Almere City: 69: (29)
  • 2015–2016: AZ: 34: (27)
  • 2016–2019: Tottenham Hotspur: 31: (2)
  • 2017–2018: → Fenerbahçe (loan): 16: (4)
  • 2019–2022: Monterrey: 77: (15)
  • 2022–: Antwerp: 18: (10)
  • 2008–2009: Netherlands U15: 4: (2)
  • 2009: Netherlands U16: 6: (1)
  • 2011: Netherlands U18: 1: (0)
  • 2014: Netherlands U20: 2: (2)
  • 2014–2015: Netherlands U21: 10: (8)
  • 2016–: Netherlands: 22: (7)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:02, 27 December 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 29 November 2022

Vincent Janssen is a forward for Antwerp and was born in the Netherlands. He began his career with SV TOP before joining NEC in 2009. In 2013, he moved to Feyenoord where he played until 2016 when he joined Antwerp.

Janssen has represented the Netherlands at youth level and scored two goals at the U-21 European Championship in 2017. 

Vincent is known as an accurate finisher who can score from distance, which makes him dangerous on either side of the pitch Vincent Janssen is a Dutch international footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the Netherlands national team.

Vincent Janssen started his career at hometown side Almere City before moving to AZ in 2015. He scored 34 goals in all competitions during his two years with the club, including 27 in league play. 

In 2016, he signed with English side Tottenham Hotspur and has since been an important part of their attack, leading the EPL in both goals (31) and assists (27). 

In 2017, Vincent joined Fenerbahçe on loan until June 2018; while at the Turkish side he helped them win the Süper Lig title that season and was named MVP of Europe's top cup competition, the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matches against. 

Monaco CF which Spurs won 3-1 on aggregate after losing 2-0 away first leg The following year saw him join Belgian champions Antwerp where he made 18 appearances scoring 10 times overall before returning to England once again to sign for Monterrey midway through 2019 Mexican Clausura tournament.

29. Justin Bijlow

Justin Bijlow Career

  • 2016: Feyenoord
  • 2016: Feyenoord
  • 2014: Netherlands U16
  • 2014–2015: Netherlands U17
  • 2015–2017: Netherlands U19
  • 2017: Netherlands U20
  • 2017–2021: Netherlands U21
  • 2021: Netherlands
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13 November 2022, ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 13 November 2021

Justin Bijlow is a goalkeeper who currently plays for Feyenoord. Bijlow was born on 22 January 1998 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He has played for Feyenoord since the age of 16 and has made over 100 appearances for the club.

In 2018, he helped Feyenoord win their first Dutch Cup title in 25 years and was named as the MVP of the final match against Ajax.[3] Justin Bijlow is also eligible to play for Australia due to his ancestry[4]. 

However, he has not yet opted to represent either country at international level and instead intends to focus on playing football with his home country of The Netherlands.[5] On 14 July 2020, it was announced that Bijlow had signed a new contract with Feyenoord until 2022.

Justin Bijlow is considered one of the most promising goalkeepers in European football and is often compared favourably with current world-class performers like Gianluigi Buffon and David De Gea.

30. Xavi Simons

Xavi Simons Career

  • 2008–2010: Tháder
  • 2010–2019: Barcelona
  • 2019–2022: Paris Saint-Germain
  • 2021–2022: Paris Saint-Germain
  • 2022: PSV
  • 2018: Netherlands U15
  • 2019: Netherlands U16
  • 2019: Netherlands U17
  • 2021: Netherlands U19
  • 2022: Netherlands U21
  • 2022: Netherlands
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:40, 12 November 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 17

Xavi Simons is a talented midfielder who has played for PSV since he was just 16 years old. Xavi Simons helped PSV win the Eredivisie in both of his seasons with them, and also reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2016–17.

He represented Spain at youth level, but switched to play for Netherlands at senior level in 2014. Xavi Simons is currently contracted to PSV until 2021, after which he may move on to another club if he desires. 

Xavi Simons is highly rated by many football experts and could potentially be one of the best midfielders of his generation; watch him closely over the next few years.

Xavi Simons is a world-renowned Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and the Spain national team. Xavi was born on May 7th, 1988 in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. 

At just 16 years old, Xavi made his professional debut with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven before moving to FC Barcelona two years later in 2002. 

After winning three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns during his time at Barcelona, he joined French side Paris Saint-Germain in 2012 where he has continued to be one of the most influential players both on and off the pitch.

In November 2018 he announced that he would retire from international football after representing Spain at every level barring under-21s action. 

Outside of playing professionally, Xavi is also heavily involved within charitable work; most notably working with Unicef since 2006 and becoming their global ambassador in 2016/17 season.

31. Jeremie Frimpong

Jeremie Frimpong Career

  • 2010–2019: Manchester City
  • 2019–2021: Celtic
  • 2021–: Bayer Leverkusen
  • 2018–2019: Netherlands U19
  • 2019: Netherlands U20
  • 2021–: Netherlands U21
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12 November 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 12 November 2022 (UTC)

Jeremie Frimpong is a Dutch footballer who currently plays for German club Bayer Leverkusen. He made his professional debut with Ajax in 2015 and has also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Charlton Athletic and Arsenal.

Frimpong was born on 10 December 2000 in Amsterdam, Netherlands to Ghanaian parents.[4] In 2016 he received the Golden Boy Award,[5] which is given annually to the best young player in Europe under the age of 21.

Frimpong has represented Ghana at youth level and captained them at U20 level before making his senior international debut against Swaziland in 2017.

As of 2019, he has won two Bundesliga titles (with Bayern Munich in 2018–19 and Leverkusen in 2019–20) as well as featuring in four UEFA Europa League finals – including winning it with Leverkusen last season – while being named African Footballer of the Year twice (2017 and 2018).

Also Played For: bayer 04 leverkusen

32. Kenneth Taylor

Kenneth Taylor Career

  • –2010: SV De Foresters
  • 2010–: Ajax
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2018–: Jong Ajax: 60: (14)
  • 2020–: Ajax: 28: (6)
  • 2017: Netherlands U15: 5: (0)
  • 2017–2018: Netherlands U16: 6: (1)
  • 2018–2019: Netherlands U17: 14: (4)
  • 2022–: Netherlands: 3: (0)

Kenneth Taylor is a Dutch footballer who currently plays for Ajax. He made his debut for Ajax in the Eredivisie in 2016 and has since become a key player for the club.

Kenneth Taylor has represented the Netherlands at youth level and was part of their team that won the U17 European Championship in 2015. 

In October 2018, he captained Ajax to victory in the KNVB Cup final, becoming just the fourth player ever to win three domestic cup titles with two different clubs (Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, PSV).

Kenneth Taylor is considered one of Amsterdam's most promising young talents and could be an important figure for Ajax over coming years After starting his career with Jong Ajax, Kenneth Taylor moved to Dutch giants Ajax in 2020. 

In total, he has made 60 appearances for the club and scored 14 goals. He is also a member of the Netherlands Under-17 team who won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2019.

Outside of football, Kenneth Taylor is studying business at Erasmus University Rotterdam where he plans to work as an accountant after completing his education.

33. Frank de Boer

Defender

Frank de Boer Career

  • 1984–1988: Ajax
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 1988–1999: Ajax: 328: (30)
  • 1999–2003: Barcelona: 144: (5)
  • 2003–2004: Galatasaray: 15: (1)
  • 2004: Rangers: 15: (2)
  • 2004–2005: Al-Rayyan: 16: (5)
  • 2005–2006: Al-Shamal: 1: (0)
  • Total: : 519: (43)
  • 1990–2004: Netherlands: 112: (13)
  • 2006–2010: Ajax (youth)
  • 2008–2010: Netherlands (assistant)
  • 2010–2016: Ajax
  • 2016: Inter Milan
  • 2017: Crystal Palace
  • 2018–2020: Atlanta United
  • 2020–2021: Netherlands

Frank de Boer is a Dutch football manager and defender who has spent most of his managerial career with Ajax, winning the Eredivisie title twice in 2011 and 2015.

De Boer made his professional debut for Ajax in 1988, going on to make 328 appearances for the club over 14 seasons before moving to Barcelona in 1999. At Barcelona, he won two La Liga titles and was part of their victorious 1998–99 Champions League squad, as well as reaching the UEFA Cup Final that year.

He left Barça after just one season to join Turkish side Galatasaray, but unhappy with life in Istanbul decided to retire at the end of his contract there four years later. 

After retiring from playing De Boer took up coaching positions with Rangers (2005-2006), Al-Rayyan (2006) and Al-Shamal (2007). 

In November 2011 he was appointed head coach of Ajax following Ruud Gullit's departure from the post and led them back into European competition by finishing second in his first season at helm.

They went on to win both domestic trophies during the 2012/13 campaign – including runners up spot behind PSV Eindhoven – before repeating this feat again in 2015/16 securing three consecutive league titles overall between 2014/15 & 2016/17 seasons.

On 2 July 2018 it was announced that Frank de Boer would leave Ajax at the conclusion of their pre-season tour due to “personal reasons” leaving speculation rife about whether or not he will manage another club next term.

34. Ruud van Nistelrooy

Ruud van Nistelrooy Career

  • 1993–1997: Den Bosch
  • 1997–1998: Heerenveen
  • 1998–2001: PSV Eindhoven
  • 2001–2006: Manchester United
  • 2006–2010: Real Madrid
  • 2010–2011: Hamburger SV
  • 2011–2012: Málaga
  • 1997–1998: Netherlands U21
  • 1998–2011: Netherlands

Ruud van Nistelrooy is a former Dutch international striker who played for PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United. He was named the Premier League Player of the Year in 2006–07, and won two league titles with United.

Van Nistelrooy began his career at club side Nooit Gedacht before moving to RKSV Margriet in 1990. He made his senior debut for Den Bosch in 1993, where he spent six seasons before joining PSV Eindhoven in 1997. 

Van Nistelrooy helped PSV win two league championships during his time at the club, and also lifted the Champions League trophy twice – first with United in 2007–08, and then again with the Netherlands later that same year.

In 2018 he announced his retirement from professional football after 17 years at PSV Eindhoven as their head coach. 

Van Nistelrooy represented Holland on 83 occasions between 1995 and 2013, scoring 41 goals along the way; including three major tournaments. 

Euro 2000 (where he finished as a joint-top scorer), Euro 2004 (winning both the Golden Boot and Man of The Match awards) and World Cup 2010 (scoring twice).

35. Phillip Cocu

Midfielder

Phillip Cocu Career

  • 1988–1990: AZ Alkmaar
  • 1990–1995: Vitesse
  • 1995–1998: PSV
  • 1998–2004: Barcelona
  • 2004–2007: PSV
  • 2007–2008: Al Jazira
  • 1996–2006: Netherlands
  • 2008–2012: Netherlands (assistant)
  • 2012: PSV (caretaker)
  • 2013–2018: PSV
  • 2018: Fenerbahçe
  • 2019–2020: Derby County
  • 2022: Vitesse

Phillip Cocu was born on October 29, 1970 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. He is a Dutch football midfielder who played for AZ Alkmaar and PSV before moving to Barcelona as a professional player in 2004.

Cocu won the Spanish League title with Barcelona in 2006 and 2007 before joining Qatar's Al Jazira club in 2008. In July 2014 he signed with Vitesse Arnhem of the Netherlands' Eredivisie league after leaving his previous team without playing a game due to an injury sustained two years earlier.

Cocu has been capped 104 times by the Netherland national team since making his debut against Wales on November 21, 1996. 

He represented his country at Euro 2000 and World Cup 2002 where they reached their first ever semi-final stage respectively; however they were eliminated from both competitions by eventual winners France and Brazil respectively.

Phillip Cocu currently manages Ajax Amsterdam youth teams following his retirement from playing at senior level last year aged 50 years old after 9 seasons with 4 different clubs including 2 spells at Camp Nou (Barcelona).

Also Played For: sbv vitesse

36. Ronald Koeman

Ronald Koeman Career

  • 1980–1983: Groningen
  • 1983–1986: Ajax
  • 1986–1989: PSV
  • 1989–1995: Barcelona
  • 1995–1997: Feyenoord
  • 1983–1994: Netherlands
  • 1997–1998: Netherlands (assistant)
  • 1998–1999: Barcelona (assistant)
  • 2000–2001: Vitesse
  • 2001–2005: Ajax
  • 2005–2006: Benfica
  • 2006–2007: PSV
  • 2007–2008: Valencia
  • 2009: AZ Alkmaar
  • 2011–2014: Feyenoord
  • 2014–2016: Southampton
  • 2016–2017: Everton
  • 2018–2020: Netherlands
  • 2020–2021: Barcelona
  • 2023: Netherlands

Ronald Koeman is a Dutch football manager and defender who has played for Ajax, Barcelona and PSV. Koeman was born on March 21st, 1963 in Zaandam, Netherlands.

After playing for VV Helpman as a youngster he joined Groningen before moving to Ajax in 1983 where he would play 94 times over the next three years including winning the Eredivisie title in 1986-87 season.

He then moved to Spain joining Barcelona where he won two La Liga titles (1992–93 & 1993–94) and the Copa del Rey (1995). He also reached the UEFA Champions League final of 1994 against AC Milan but lost 2-1 after extra time.

In 1995 he returned to Holland signing for PSV until his retirement at age 39 in 1999 having made 192 appearances across all competitions. 

Koeman began managing Feyenoord Rotterdam in 2002 before being appointed head coach of AZ Alkmaar later that year where he remained until 2006 when he signed with Southampton FC as their new manager replacing Nigel Adkins who had left to take charge of Reading FC midseason.

Koeman led Southampton into Europe for the first time in 12 years during his second spell at helm which ended with relegation back down to England's Championship division at the end of 2011/12 campaign.

However, they bounced back up again under Koeman's management via playoffs during 2013/14 season. 

On 1 July 2014 it was announced that Ronald Koemans would be taking over from Louis van Gaal as manager of the Netherlands national team following Van Gaal's dismissal from his post just 10 months into his tenure due to World Cup Qualifying failure.

Also Played For: fc groningen, feyenoord

37. Ruud Gullit

Midfielder

Ruud Gullit Career

  • 1967–1975: ASV Meerboys
  • 1975–1979: DWS
  • 1979–1982: HFC Haarlem
  • 1982–1985: Feyenoord
  • 1985–1987: PSV
  • 1987–1994: AC Milan
  • 1993–1994: Sampdoria (loan)
  • 1994–1995: Sampdoria
  • 1995–1998: Chelsea
  • 1979: Netherlands U-21
  • 1981–1994: Netherlands
  • 1996–1998: Chelsea (player-manager)
  • 1998–1999: Newcastle United
  • 2004–2005: Feyenoord
  • 2007–2008: LA Galaxy
  • 2011: Terek Grozny

Ruud Gullit was born on September 1, 1962 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He played for ASV Meerboys and DWS before joining Feyenoord in 1979. 

Gullit then starred for PSV from 1985 to 1987 before moving to AC Milan and becoming one of the most successful Dutch players of all time.

In 1993 he joined Sampdoria on a loan but returned to AC Milan later that year after they bought his contract outright. Between 1994 and 1995, he played for Newcastle United in England where he won two Premier League titles as well as the UEFA Champions League. 

After finishing his playing career with Sampdoria in 1997, Gullit took up coaching positions with Chelsea (1998–2001), Real Madrid (2002) and Holland national team (2003).

He retired from coaching at the end of 2006 season having won 4 Eredivisie titles with Ajax.[1] Ruud Gullit is currently a football commentator working alongside former teammate Phillip Cocu during broadcasts of Serie A matches on Fox Sports Asia.

In November 2013 Ruud was inducted into the Dutch Football Hall Of Fame by current Feyenoord manager Ronald Koeman.[5] On May 2nd 2014 it was announced that Ruud would be taking over as head coach at AEK Athens following Marcelo Bielsa's resignation due to health concerns.

38. Wesley Sneijder

Midfielder

Wesley Sneijder Career

  • 1990–1991: DOS
  • 1991–2002: Ajax
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2002–2007: Ajax: 126: (43)
  • 2007–2009: Real Madrid: 52: (11)
  • 2009–2012: Inter Milan: 76: (13)
  • 2013–2017: Galatasaray: 124: (35)
  • 2017–2018: Nice: 5: (0)
  • 2018–2019: Al-Gharafa: 22: (15)
  • Total: : 405: (117)
  • 2000–2001: Netherlands U17: 6: (2)
  • 2001–2002: Netherlands U19: 8: (3)
  • 2003: Netherlands U21: 1: (0)
  • 2003–2018: Netherlands: 134: (31)

Wesley Sneijder is a Dutch footballer who plays for Turkish club Galatasaray, and previously played for Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Inter Milan. He spent his entire career at Ajax, making 126 appearances in all competitions for the Amsterdam-based side before moving to Real Madrid in 2007.

After two seasons with Los Blancos, he moved on to Italian side Inter Milan where he won the Serie A title twice during his time there, as well as being named in the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League Team of the Year. 

In January 2017, Sneijder joined Turkish giants Galatasaray after agreeing to a three-and-a-half year deal worth €15 million euros per season).

The following May 2018 saw him return to former club Nice on a five-month loan spell.[4] However this stint was cut short due to injury.[5] 

Wesley Sneijder made his international debut aged 17 years and 111 days,[6] coming on as a late substitute for Wim Kieft in Netherlands' 2–1 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park on 11 November 2002.

He has since scored 34 goals from 101 caps, helping Holland win back-to-back World Cups (2010 & 2014).

39. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Forward

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar Career

  • 1988–1994: VV H. en K.
  • 1994–2000: De Graafschap
  • 2000–2002: PSV Eindhoven
  • 2002–2004: PSV Eindhoven
  • 2003: De Graafschap (loan)
  • 2003–2004: AGOVV (loan)
  • 2004–2006: Heerenveen
  • 2006–2009: Ajax
  • 2009: Real Madrid
  • 2009–2010: Milan
  • 2010–2017: Schalke 04
  • 2017–2021: Ajax
  • 2021: Schalke 04
  • 2002–2006: Netherlands U21
  • 2006–2015: Netherlands

Dirk Jan Klaas Huntelaar is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a striker for Spanish club Valencia and the Netherlands national team. He began his career at VV H.

en K., before moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2002. After two seasons with PSV, he moved to Ajax where he won three successive league titles between 2006 and 2009. 

In September 2011, Huntelaar joined Spanish side Valencia on a five-year deal; he made his debut for the club on 24 October of that year against Real Sociedad in La Liga, scoring the winning goal in a 3–2 victory.

He was joint top scorer at UEFA Euro 2016 with six goals, including the winner in the final against France. At the international level, Huntelaar has represented Holland since making his senior debut in 2003 and has scored 73 total goals representing his country,[6] including 11 international hat-tricks.

Dirk Jan Klaas Huntelaar was born on 12 August 1983 in Voor-Drempt, Netherlands.[1] His older brother Ronald also played football professionally.[9] As of May 2018 , following eight years playing for Valencia CF, 54 caps and 23 goals for The Oranje (the national team).

It was announced that at 41 years old – having surpassed Ruud van Nistelrooy's record of 60 caps without ever scoring an own goal – Dirk Jan Klaas would retire from internationals after participating at UEFA Nations League finals matches starting with 1 June 2020.

40. Remko Pasveer

Remko Pasveer Career

  • : SC Enschede
  • –2003: Twente
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2003–2006: Twente: 14: (0)
  • 2006–2014: Heracles Almelo: 134: (0)
  • 2008–2010: → Go Ahead Eagles (loan): 74: (0)
  • 2014–2017: PSV: 5: (0)
  • 2017–2021: Vitesse: 92: (0)
  • 2021–: Ajax: 34: (0)
  • 2022–: Netherlands: 2: (0)

Pasveer started his career at SC Enschede, before moving to Twente in 2003. Pasveer made his debut for Ajax in 2007 and has since been a regular starter in the team's goalkeeping corps.

He helped Ajax win silverware in both the Eredivisie (2007/08) and Europa League (2011/12). Pasveer was also part of the Netherlands squad that won the European Championship in 2016. In 2018, he signed a new contract with Ajax which will keep him at the club until 2020.

Remko is known for being quick off his line and possessing excellent reflexes, making him one of Europe's top goalkeepers Remko Pasveer is a Dutch professional footballer who plays for Ajax as a central defender. 

He has played for several clubs in the Netherlands, most notably Twente and Heracles Almelo where he won two Eredivisie titles apiece.

In January 2019, Pasveer was loaned to PSV until the end of the season. He made his international debut in March 2018 and has since represented the Netherlands at UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers and the World Cup qualification campaign. 

At club level, Pasveer is also an accomplished midfielder having spent time on loan at Go Ahead Eagles and Excelsior Rotterdam respectively in his career thus far; both clubs reached Europa League semi-finals stages during his stay there.

41. Louis van Gaal

Louis van Gaal Career

  • : RKSV de Meer
  • : Ajax
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • : RKSV de Meer: :
  • 1972–1973: Ajax: 0: (0)
  • 1973–1977: Royal Antwerp: 41: (7)
  • 1977–1978: Telstar: 25: (1)
  • 1978–1986: Sparta Rotterdam: 248: (26)
  • 1986–1987: AZ: 17: (0)
  • Total: : 331: (34)
  • 1986–1987: AZ (assistant)
  • 1988–1990: Ajax (youth)
  • 1989–1991: Ajax (assistant)
  • 1991–1997: Ajax
  • 1997–2000: Barcelona
  • 2000–2001: Netherlands
  • 2001: Netherlands U20
  • 2002–2003: Barcelona
  • 2004: Ajax (technical director)
  • 2005–2009: AZ
  • 2009–2011: Bayern Munich
  • 2012–2014: Netherlands
  • 2014–2016: Manchester United
  • 2021–2022: Netherlands

Louis van Gaal is a Dutch football manager who has been in charge of several top clubs over the years, most notably Ajax and Bayern Munich. Van Gaal was born on August 8th, 1951 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

He began his career as a player with RKSV de Meer before joining Ajax where he won three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups between 1973-77. 

Following spells at Royal Antwerp (1977-1978) and Telstar (1978-1986), Van Gaal took charge of Sparta Rotterdam for six seasons winning two more league titles before moving to AZ in 1987.

After another successful spell at AZ which included guiding them to their first-ever Champions League final appearance in 1994/95, Van Gaal moved onto Germany to take over Bayern Munich from former club coach.

Jupp Heynckes in 2005/06 season where he would remain until 2014/15 when he was sacked after just five months into his second full season at the helm due to poor results. In December 2016 it was announced that Van Gaal had signed a 2 year contract extension with advisory role with Manchester United.

42. Faas Wilkes

Faas Wilkes Career

  • 1940–1945: Xerxes Rotterdam
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 1945–1949: Xerxes: 71: (49)
  • 1949–1952: Internazionale: 95: (47)
  • 1952–1953: Torino: 12: (1)
  • 1953–1956: Valencia: 62: (38)
  • 1956–1958: VVV: 64: (23)
  • 1958–1959: Levante: 34: (20)
  • 1959–1962: Fortuna '54: 88: (33)
  • 1962–1964: Xerxes: 28: (10)
  • Total: : 454: (221)
  • 1946–1961: Netherlands[1]: 38: (35)
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Faas Wilkes was a Dutch forward who played in the 1940s. He joined Xerxes Rotterdam and scored 16 goals in 42 appearances during his youth career. After World War II, he made 153 appearances for Feyenoord, scoring 60 goals before retiring in 1964.

Faas Wilkes is best remembered for his time at Feyenoord where he helped them win eight Eredivisie titles and two European Cups between 1956 and 1965. 

In 2006, Faas Wilkes passed away at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer Faas Wilkes was a Dutch international footballer who played as a defender.

He spent most of his career with Feyenoord, playing in the Netherlands and Spain before retiring in 1961. Wilkes won 34 caps for the Netherlands between 1946 and 1961, scoring one goal. 

After retiring from football, he worked as a coach at Feyenoord and later managed Spanish clubs Valencia and Zaragoza. Wilkes died in 2006 at the age of 81 after suffering from cancer.

43. Maarten Stekelenburg

Goalkeeper

Maarten Stekelenburg Career

  • : Zandvoort '75
  • : VV Schoten
  • 1997–2002: Ajax
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 2002–2011: Ajax: 191: (0)
  • 2011–2013: Roma: 48: (0)
  • 2013–2016: Fulham: 19: (0)
  • 2014–2015: → Monaco (loan): 1: (0)
  • 2015–2016: → Southampton (loan): 17: (0)
  • 2016–2020: Everton: 19: (0)
  • 2020–: Ajax: 19: (0)
  • 2002–2003: Netherlands U21: 4: (0)
  • 2004–2021: Netherlands: 63: (0)

Maarten Stekelenburg is a goalkeeper for Ajax. He has been with the club since 1997 and played over 350 games for them. Stekelenburg was part of the Netherlands' successful side at Euro 2012, where they reached the semi-finals before losing to Spain.

In 2013, he helped Ajax reach their fourth consecutive Dutch championship and his 100th appearance in all competitions came against Feyenoord in March of that year. 

Having made his international debut back in 2002, Stekelenburg represented his country at three World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) as well as two European Championships (2008, 2012).

On 16 January 2016 it was announced that Stekelenburg would be out for six months after fracturing his ankle whilst on international duty with Holland.[4] Senior career starts from 1 July 2007.

44. Giovanni van Bronckhorst

Defender

Giovanni van Bronckhorst Career

  • 1982–1993: Feyenoord
  • 1993–1998: Feyenoord
  • 1993–1994: RKC Waalwijk (loan)
  • 1998–2001: Rangers
  • 2001–2004: Arsenal
  • 2003–2004: Barcelona (loan)
  • 2004–2007: Barcelona
  • 2007–2010: Feyenoord
  • 1996–2010: Netherlands
  • 2015–2019: Feyenoord
  • 2020: Guangzhou R&F
  • 2021–2022: Rangers

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a midfielder or left-back for Spanish club Barcelona. Van Bronckhorst began his career at Feyenoord, and made over 100 appearances for the Rotterdam side before joining Rangers in 1998.

He spent two years with Arsenal, helping them win the Premier League title in 2003–04 before signing for Barcelona on loan the following season. After returning to Arsenal, he departed after one more year playing mainly reserve team football. 

Since then, van Bronckhorst has played regularly for Barcelona's B team and occasionally featured in La Liga matches during the 2011–12 campaign; however, he announced his retirement from professional football at age 35 due to persistent injury concerns.

In May 2014 it was announced that van Bronckhorst would take up an assistant coaching role with Ajax under new manager Frank de Boer until the end of the season.

45. Clarence Seedorf

Clarence Seedorf Career

  • : VV AS' 80
  • : Real Almere
  • : Ajax
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 1992–1995: Ajax: 65: (11)
  • 1995–1996: Sampdoria: 32: (3)
  • 1996–2000: Real Madrid: 121: (15)
  • 2000–2002: Inter Milan: 64: (8)
  • 2002–2012: AC Milan: 300: (47)
  • 2012–2014: Botafogo: 72: (23)
  • Total: : 654: (107)
  • 1994–2008: Netherlands: 87: (11)
  • 2014: AC Milan
  • 2016: Shenzhen
  • 2018: Deportivo La Coruña
  • 2018–2019: Cameroon
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Clarence Seedorf was born on April 1st, 1976 in Paramaribo, Suriname. He started his career at VV AS' 80 before moving to Real Almere in the Netherlands where he played for Ajax from 1996-2002.

After a short spell with Milan, Seedorf joined Barcelona where he won 2 La Liga titles and 3 Spanish Cups between 2003-2006 as well as the Champions League in 2005. 

In 2007, Seedorf moved back to Italy to play for AC Milan but after just one season he joined Schalke 04 where he has since helped them win the German Bundesliga twice (2008 & 2012) and also lifted their first European trophy when they won the UEFA Cup in 2010.

Clarence retired from professional football following Schalke's victory over Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 DFB-Pokal Final which secured their place in next year's Champions League competition; this would be his last game of any kind.

July 2021 will mark Clarence Seedorf’s eleventh year anniversary as a professional footballer - an impressive achievement considering how high profile some of his clubs have been throughout that time.

46. Bas Dost

Forward

Bas Dost Career

  • 1995–2001: CVV Germanicus
  • 2001–2007: Emmen
  • 2007–2008: Emmen
  • 2008–2010: Heracles Almelo
  • 2010–2012: Heerenveen
  • 2012–2016: VfL Wolfsburg
  • 2016–2019: Sporting CP
  • 2019–2020: Eintracht Frankfurt
  • 2021–2022: Club Brugge
  • 2022: Utrecht
  • 2009–2011: Netherlands U21
  • 2015–2018: Netherlands
  • *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:38, 12 November 2022 (UTC)

Bas Dost is a Dutch professional footballer who plays for Utrecht in the Netherlands, and formerly played for VfL Wolfsburg. Bas Dost was born on 31 May 1989 in Deventer, Netherlands.

Bas Dost started his playing career at CVV Germanicus before moving to Emmen in 2001 where he spent six seasons with the club. 

In 2007, Bas Dost joined Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg where he has since made over 200 appearances and won two Bundesliga titles (2011-12 and 2013-14).

On 2 July 2016, Bas Dost signed a three year contract with Dutch side Utrecht after leaving Wolfsburg following their relegation from the Bundesliga last season. 

Having previously represented Holland at under-18 level and captained them at under-21 level, Bas Dost made his debut for the senior team against Sweden on 11 November 2009 which ended in a 1–1 draw.

He has since earned 50 caps for Holland scoring 10 goals including appearances at UEFA Euro 2012, FIFA World Cup 2014 and UEFA European Championship 2016.

Also Played For: sporting cp

47. Georginio Wijnaldum

Midfielder

Georginio Wijnaldum Career

  • 1997–2004: Sparta Rotterdam
  • 2004–2007: Feyenoord
  • 2007–2011: Feyenoord
  • 2011–2015: PSV
  • 2015–2016: Newcastle United
  • 2016–2021: Liverpool
  • 2021: Paris Saint-Germain
  • 2022: Roma (loan)
  • 2005–2007: Netherlands U17
  • 2007–2009: Netherlands U19
  • 2009–2013: Netherlands U21
  • 2011: Netherlands

Wijnaldum is a Dutch footballer who currently plays for Roma on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Wijnaldum made his debut in the Eredivisie with Sparta Rotterdam in 2007, before joining Feyenoord two years later.

He went on to make 109 appearances for PSV over the course of four seasons, scoring 40 goals along the way. 

In 2015, Wijnaldum moved to France and signed for Paris Saint-Germain; he spent two seasons at the club before moving to Roma this year.

A versatile midfielder, Wijnaldum has been used primarily as a central or defensive player by both clubs he's played for throughout his career so far - an attribute which may give him an advantage playing alongside more attacking players at Roma.

Having represented Netherlands at youth level, Wijnaldum became eligible to represent his country internationally in 2014 and made his full international debut that same year against Luxembourg.

Known for his strong passing ability and workrate off the ball, Wijnaldum is considered one of Holland's most promising young talents.

With 26 caps under his belt (including 3 starts), he is well on track to becoming regular captain of Netherlands' national team in future years.

Despite being 32 years old now - making him somewhat older than many of Europe's top midfielders - Georginio still has plenty left in terms of potential; we can only hope that he continues developing at such a rapid rate.

48. Jasper Cillessen

Goalkeeper

Jasper Cillessen Career

  • 1996–2001: De Treffers
  • 2001–2010: NEC
  • 2010–2011: NEC
  • 2011–2016: Ajax
  • 2013–2014: Jong Ajax
  • 2016–2019: Barcelona
  • 2019–2022: Valencia
  • 2022: NEC
  • 2013: Netherlands

Jasper Cillessen is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for NEC. Jasper was born in Nijmegen, Netherlands on April 22nd 1989 and started playing football at the age of six with local side De Treffers.

He made his debut for NEC in 2010 and has since played over 200 games for the club, helping them to promotion from Dutch Eredivisie during the 2016-17 season. 

In July 2017 it was announced that Cillessen had signed a contract extension with NEC until 2020 which marks his fourth spell at the club overall.

Outside of football, Jasper works as an accountant and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
As of January 2019, Jasper ranks first in appearances (334) and goals against average (1:0) among all goalkeepers currently active in Europe's top five leagues.

Despite being relatively inexperienced when compared to some other world-class goalkeepers such as David de Gea or Gianluigi Buffon.

Jasper has nonetheless managed to establish himself as one of the best custodians in European football over the past few years - thanks largely to his consistent performances between the sticks for NEC.

Also Played For: jong ajax

49. Edgar Davids

Midfielder

Edgar Davids Career

  • 1985–1991: Ajax
  • 1991–1996: Ajax
  • 1996–1998: Milan
  • 1998–2004: Juventus
  • 2004: Barcelona (loan)
  • 2004–2005: Internazionale
  • 2005–2007: Tottenham Hotspur
  • 2007–2009: Ajax
  • 2010: Crystal Palace
  • 2012–2014: Barnet
  • 1992–1994: Netherlands U-21
  • 1994–2005: Netherlands
  • 2012–2014: Barnet
  • 2020–2021: Telstar (assistant)
  • 2021: Olhanense
  • 2022: Netherlands (assistant)

Davids is a former Dutch international and assistant manager who played for Ajax and Milan before joining Juventus. Davids was born in Suriname, but grew up in the Netherlands.

After leaving Juve, Davids moved to Barcelona where he spent two seasons on loan before returning to Italy with Internazionale. 

He retired from football in 2006 at the age of 29 after playing 159 league games for Juventus, Ajax and Milan combined as well as representing his country at various levels including three World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2010).

Since retiring from playing football, Davids has worked as an assistant manager with both Ajax and the Netherlands national team although he left his role at Barca earlier this year due to injury.

Edgar Steven Davids was elected into the Amsterdam Sports Hall of Fame in December 2017. In September 2018 it was announced that Edgar Steven Davids would become Assistant Manager of FC Groningen starting from October 1st.

50. Frank Rijkaard

Frank Rijkaard Career

  • –1973: SC Buitenveldert
  • 1973–1976: Blauw-Wit Amsterdam
  • 1976–1979: DWS
  • 1979–1980: Ajax
  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 1980–1987: Ajax: 205: (47)
  • 1987–1988: Sporting CP: 0: (0)
  • 1987–1988: → Real Zaragoza (loan): 11: (0)
  • 1988–1993: AC Milan: 142: (16)
  • 1993–1995: Ajax: 56: (12)
  • Total: : 414: (75)
  • 1981–1994: Netherlands: 73: (10)
  • 1998: Netherlands (assistant)
  • 1998–2000: Netherlands
  • 2001–2002: Sparta Rotterdam
  • 2003–2008: Barcelona
  • 2009–2010: Galatasaray
  • 2011–2013: Saudi Arabia

Frank Rijkaard is a Dutch football player and manager. He played for Ajax, AC Milan, Real Zaragoza, Barcelona and Internazionale. As a midfielder or defender, he was known for his vision on the pitch as well as his passing ability.

In 2006, he retired from professional football after managing Barcelona to two La Liga titles in three years. After retiring from playing professionally, Rijkaard took up management positions with both Valencia and PSV Eindhoven before coaching Saudi Arabia's national team in 2018. 

He is one of the most successful managers in Dutch football history, with a total of 414 wins from 75 games.

He also has an international career as assistant manager to Guus Hiddink and led Sparta Rotterdam to their first ever Dutch title in 2003. In 2008 he was appointed manager of Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles before retiring at the end of the 2011-12 season. 

In 2013 he returned to management as Saudi Arabia's head coach, but his tenure was short lived and ended after just three months due to health concerns.

51. Johan Neeskens

Johan Neeskens Career

  • Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
  • 1968–1970: RCH: 68: (1)
  • 1970–1974: Ajax: 124: (33)
  • 1974–1979: Barcelona: 140: (35)
  • 1979–1984: New York Cosmos: 94: (17)
  • 1984–1985: Groningen: 7: (0)
  • 1985: South Florida Sun: 1: (1)
  • 1985–1986: Kansas City Comets (indoor): 23: (1)
  • 1986–1987: Löwenbrau (amateurs): :
  • 1987–1990: Baar: 23: (5)
  • 1990–1991: FC Zug: 1: (0)
  • 1970–1981: Netherlands: 49: (17)
  • 1991–1993: FC Zug
  • 1993–1995: Stäfa
  • 1995–1996: Singen
  • 1995–2000: Netherlands (assistant manager)
  • 2000–2004: NEC
  • 2005–2006: Australia (assistant manager)
  • 2006–2008: Barcelona (assistant manager)
  • 2008–2009: Netherlands B
  • 2009–2010: Galatasaray (assistant manager)
  • 2011–2012: Mamelodi Sundowns

Johan Neeskens was a midfield player who spent most of his career with Ajax. He won three Dutch championships with the club, and also played for Barcelona and New York Cosmos in Europe.

After retiring from football, Johan started working as a coach at various clubs across the Netherlands. In 2006 he became manager of Jong Ajax Amsterdam, an amateur team that competes in the Dutch second division (Eredivisie).

In 2013 he took over as head coach of Feyenoord Rotterdam following the departure of Bert van Marwijk, but was sacked after just eight games in charge due to poor results. 

Since then Johan has been working as a television analyst for matches involving his former clubs Ajax and Barcelona. On 17 July 2017 it was announced that Johan would be inducted into the Dutch Football Hall of Fame.[4] Senior competitive appearances only.

Final Words

. . The Netherlands national football team has been one of the most successful teams in international men’s football, having won a total of 34 official matches.

The best players to have represented the Netherlands include Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten and Patrick Kluivert.

Photo of author

Andrew Kovacs

I am a Head Boys Soccer Coach at Amherst Regional Public Schools in Massachusetts. I have coached for the past five years and I am currently working on my master's degree in Exercise Science. I coach soccer because I love the game and I enjoy being around the kids. It is rewarding to see them develop their skills and grow as individuals. LinkedIn

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