Contents
Marco van Basten
Scoring the celebrated Euro 1988 final volley and winning three Ballons d’Or.
European Championship · European Cups
- Born
- 31 October 1964
- Birthplace
- Utrecht, Netherlands
More people
Marco van Basten
A Dutch striker known for close control, finishing and difficult first-time strikes. His success with Ajax, Milan and the Netherlands was cut short by ankle injuries.
Early life
Utrecht football
Played for local youth clubs before joining Ajax.
Senior debut
Entered Ajax’s first team in 1981 while still a teenager.
Career
- 1980s
Ajax goalscorer
Won domestic honours and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
- 1987
Move to Milan
Joined the team built around Dutch stars and an organised pressing game.
- 1988–1992
International recognition
Won Euro 1988 and three Ballons d’Or.
- 1995
Retirement
Retired after injuries had prevented him playing since 1993.
Achievements
European Championship
Scored five goals as the Netherlands won its first major tournament.
European Cups
Helped Milan win consecutive titles.
Ballon d’Or
Received the individual award three times.
Beyond football
Coaching
Later managed the Netherlands and Ajax.
Rule discussions
Worked in football development and proposed changes to the laws of the game.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Ballon d’Or award record ↗Photo: Paul Blank. CC BY 2.5 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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