Here are some facts you need to know about Marco Van Basten
Marco Van Basten (Full Name – Marcel “Marco” van Basten) is a Dutch striker born on 31 October 1964 in Utrecht, Netherlands. His father’s name is Joop Van Basten and mother’s name is Leny Van Basten. He has a sister – Carla Van Basten and a younger brother – Stanley Van Basten.
Childhood
Marco Van Basten showed his passion for becoming a professional footballer at an early age of six. So he registered with a local club in Utrecht called EDO. When he was 7, he joined UVV Utrecht and gave his best for next nine years at the youth levels of the club.
In 1981, he was signed by Amsterdam, a club associated with AFC Ajax. He made his debut for the club in a match in which he scored a goal and finally set his footsteps for becoming one of the greatest players of all time.
Career
In 1982-83 season, Marco van Basten made his debut for Ajax’s senior team as he scored nine goals in the league. He went on to emerge as the top scorer in the Dutch league in subsequent four seasons.
In 1985-86 season, he netted 36 goals in the league for Ajax and won his first European Golden Boot. He left the club at the start of the 1986-87 season, leaving his legacy at the club that saw him score 128 goals in 133 games.
Marco scored 5 goals and led Netherlands to the European Championships title in 1988. He scored 24 goals in 58 games for his country. He was signed by AC Milan in 1987 and won the league title in the first season for them, not to mention he didn’t play much games.
In 1991-92 season, AC Milan went unbeaten the entire season as Marco scored 25 goals. He suffered a knee injury which brought his time at AC Milan to an end after eight years stint, scoring 90 goals in 147 league appearances.
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Following his retirement, he served as the assistant manager of Ajax for a year. In 2004, he was appointed the manager of the Dutch national team. He returned to Ajax in 2008 but was sacked in just a year as the club failed to reach the Champions League places.
In 2012, he became the manager of Heerenveen but left the club in 2014 following his managerial job for Dutch club AZ. The following year he became the assistant coach of the Dutch national team.
Awards & Achievements
- THE BEST FIFA MEN’S PLAYER X1
- BALLON DÓR X3
- UEFA EURO XUP X1
- UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE X2
- SERIE A X3
- SUPERCOPPA ITALIANA X2
- EREDIVISIE X3
- DUTCH CUP X3
- INTERCONTINENTAL CUP X2
- EUROPAPOKAL DER POKALSIEGER SIEGER X1
- UEFA SUPERCUP X2
Personal Life
Marco van Basten got married to Liesbeth van Cappelleveen in 1993. The couple has two daughters – Rebecca and Deborah and a son Alexander.
