Marco Van Basten

Marcel “Marco” van Basten is a former Dutch international football player who used to feature prominently during the 1980s and 1990s. He played as a striker and is known as one of the greatest ever strikers in the world. Van Basten was named the European Player of the Year three times and the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1992. He was also named by Pele in March 2004 as one of the 125 greatest living footballers. Van Basten is currently the coach of Dutch powerhouse Ajax.

Marco van Basten commenced his professional club career at Dutch powerhouse Ajax and made his debut for them in April 1982 against NEC Nijmegen and scored on his debut too. He became a legend at Ajax and was the top scorer in 1984,1985,1986 and 1987. He won the European Golden Boot in the 1982-1983 season and won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup that year, scoring the winner against FC Lokomotiv Leipzig in the final.

Marco van Basten was signed by AC Milan in 1987 and he became an even better player at the San Siro. He won the European Footballer of the Year for the 1988-1989 season with Milan and won the European Cup in 1989, scoring twice in the final against Steaua Bucharest. He won the European Cup again with Milan in 1990 and also finished the top scorer in the Italian Serie A in the 1989-1990 season. Van Basten went onto play for Milan until 1993, winning the Serie A in 1992 and 1993. It was at Milan that he decided to retire.

Marco van Basten made his international debut for the Netherlands in 1983 and played for his nation until 1993. He scored 24 goals in 58 international matches for his nation, winning Euro ‘88.

Marco van Basten took up coaching after he ended his playing career. He was the coach of Jong AFC Ajax for the 2003-2004 season and was then appointed the coach of the Dutch national team. He led the Dutch national side to the last 16 stage of the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany and to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008. He was appointed the coach of Ajax in July 2008.