Famous Dutch Football Players

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

Find out more about the greatest Dutch Football Players, including Robin van Persie, Guus Hiddink, Louis van Gaal, Arjen Robben and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Vote for Your Favourite Dutch Football Players
 1 
Virgil van Dijk
(Dutch Professional Football Centre-Back)
Virgil van Dijk
17
Birthdate: July 8, 1991
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Breda, Netherlands

Dutch footballer Virgil van Dijk plays as a defender for Liverpool and has won several titles, such as a Premier League, with them. Starting his senior career with Groningen, he later played for teams such as Celtic and Southampton. He is the only defender to be named the UEFA Men's Player of the Year.

 2 
Robin van Persie
(Regarded as One of the Best Football Strikers of His Generation)
Robin van Persie
13
Birthdate: August 6, 1983
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Rotterdam, Netherlands

Once one of the world’s highest-paid athletes, Dutch football coach and retired footballer Robin van Persie is also known as one of the greatest strikers of his time. He had successful stints with Arsenal and Manchester United and was also part of the Dutch squad that was the 2010 FIFA World Cup runner-up.

 3 
Dennis Bergkamp
(Dutch Retired Football Forward)
Dennis Bergkamp
14
Birthdate: May 10, 1969
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Amsterdam

Dutch football coach and retired player Dennis Bergkamp had a successful playing career with clubs such as Ajax, Arsenal, and Inter Milan. Initially a midfielder, he later played as a striker. The 2-time FIFA World Player of the Year bronze winner also gained the nickname the Non-Flying Dutchman for his fear of flying.

 4 
Marco van Basten
(One of the Greatest Strikers of All Time)
Marco van Basten
11
Birthdate: October 31, 1964
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Utrecht, Netherlands
Dutch footballer Marco van Basten is known for his successful stints at Ajax and Milan and won the Champions League thrice with the latter. However, an ankle injury cut his career short. The three-time Ballon d'Or winner later took over as the manager of Ajax and the Dutch national team.
 5 
Hakim Ziyech
(Dutch Football Attacking Midfielder or Winger)
Hakim Ziyech
10
Birthdate: March 19, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Dronten, Netherlands

Dutch footballer Hakim Ziyech, or The Wizard, now represents Chelsea as an attacking midfielder/winger. After beginning his senior career with Heerenveen, he had a successful stint with Ajax, winning titles such as the Eredivisie with them. After representing the Dutch youth teams earlier, he now plays for the Moroccan national team.

 6 
Georginio Wijnaldum
(Dutch Football Midfielder)
Georginio Wijnaldum
8
Birthdate: November 11, 1990
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Rotterdam, Netherlands

Dutch footballer Georginio Wijnaldum plays as a midfielder for the Italian club Roma and the French club Paris Saint-Germain. Starting his youth career with Feyenoord, as the youngest-ever player of the club, he later had successful stints with Liverpool and PSV and was the 2014 FIFA World Cup third-place-winning Dutch squad.

 7 
Frenkie de Jong
(Dutch Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Frenkie de Jong
7
Birthdate: May 12, 1997
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gorinchem, Netherlands

Frenkie de Jong is a Dutch football player who is currently playing for his national team. In 2019, he was part of the team that won the runner-up trophy at the UEFA Nations League. Renowned for his technique, attacking prowess, passing, and dribbling skills, Frenkie de Jong has also been an important player for Barcelona since 2019.

 8 
Matthijs de Ligt
(Dutch Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
Matthijs de Ligt
8
Birthdate: August 12, 1999
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Leiderdorp, Netherlands

Dutch footballer Matthijs de Ligt currently plays for Serie A club Juventus and the Netherlands national team as a center-back. Making his debut in 2016, he became the youngest player ever to play in a major European final the following year. Football pundits consider him to among the most highly regarded young prospects in world football.

 9 
Louis van Gaal
(Retired Dutch Football Midfielder Who Later Turned Into a Successful Coach)
Louis van Gaal
6
Birthdate: August 8, 1951
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Retired Dutch footballer Louis van Gaal was a midfielder and now serves the Dutch national team as its head coach. While he began his playing career with Ajax, he later had an immensely successful managerial career with Ajax, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, and was named the 1995 World Soccer Manager of the Year.

 10 
Johan Cruyff
(One of the Greatest Football Players & One of the Best Managers Ever)
Johan Cruyff
18
Birthdate: April 25, 1947
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Died: March 24, 2016
Dutch midfielder/forward Johan Cruyff pioneered the idea of Total Football, along with coach Rinus Michels. The first three-time Ballon d'Or-winner was known for his signature move, the Cruyff Turn. He made it to FIFA 100 and ranked second only to Pele in an official World Player of the Century poll.
 11 
Wesley Sneijder
(Considered One of the Best Midfielders of His Time)
Wesley Sneijder
8
Birthdate: June 9, 1984
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Utrecht, Netherlands

Retired Dutch footballer Wesley Sneijder was known as one of the best midfielders of his time. Starting his senior career with Ajax, he later had successful stints with Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Galatasaray. He was also part of the Dutch squad that became the 2010 FIFA World Cup runner-up.

 12 
Patrick Kluivert
(Retired Dutch Football Striker)
Patrick Kluivert
5
Birthdate: July 1, 1976
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Patrick Kluivert was one of the star Dutch footballers of his time who played as a striker for clubs such as Ajax, Barcelona, and AC Milan. The UEFA Euro 2000 Golden Boot winner has also managed teams such as Netherlands and Cameroon. He later held administrative positions at Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

 13 
Nathan Aké
(Dutch Footballer Who Plays as a Defender)
Nathan Aké
5
Birthdate: February 18, 1995
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: The Hague, Netherlands

Nathan Aké is a Dutch football player who plays for the Netherlands national football team and Manchester City. In 2019, he helped his national team win the runner-up trophy at the UEFA Nations League. Nathan Aké was also part of the Manchester City Football Club that won the Premier League in 2021 and 2022.    

 14 
Ruud Gullit
(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Ruud Gullit
12
Birthdate: September 1, 1962
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Ruud Gullit is a Dutch former football player. Considered one of the greatest players in the history of football, Gullit was known for his versatility as he could play as an attacking midfielder, forward, or midfielder. During the 1988 UEFA European Football Championship, he led his national team to its first title.

 15 
Arjen Robben
(Dutch Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Winger)
Arjen Robben
7
Birthdate: January 23, 1984
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bedum, Netherlands

Widely considered one of the best Dutch soccer players of all time, Arjen Robben is known for his long-range shots, ball control, speed, and dribbling skills. He helped his national team reach the finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which they lost to Spain.

 16 
Klaas Jan Huntelaar
(Retired Dutch Football Striker)
Klaas Jan Huntelaar
4
Birthdate: 1983 AD
Birthplace: Bronckhorst

Retired Dutch footballer Klaas Jan Huntelaar, who played as a striker, had successful stints with club such as Ajax and Schalke 04, winning the KNVB Cup thrice with the former, among other championships. He was also part of the Dutch squad that became the runner-up at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

 17 
Tahith Chong
(Dutch Professional Football Winger)
Tahith Chong
4
Birthdate: December 4, 1999
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Willemstad, Curaçao
Though born to a Curaçao-based footballer, Dutch footballer Tahith Chong had never watched football before the 2006 World Cup. He left for the Netherlands to train at 8 and never looked back. The Manchester United winger, who is currently on loan with Club Brugge, is of African and Chinese descent. 
 18 
Ryan Babel
(Dutch Footballer Who Can Play as a Striker or Left Winger)
Ryan Babel
5
Birthdate: December 19, 1986
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dutch footballer Ryan Babel who plays as both a striker and a midfielder, currently represents the Turkish club Eyüpspor. Starting his senior career with Ajax, he won both the KNVB Cup and the Eredivisie twice with them. He was also part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup runner-up Dutch team.

 19 
Guus Hiddink
(Former Dutch Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Guus Hiddink
4
Birthdate: November 8, 1946
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Varsseveld

Guus Hiddink is a Dutch retired footballer who played as a midfielder. He retired as a player in 1982 and started focusing on his career as a manager. Hiddink achieved immense success as a manager as he guided many clubs and countries to achieve various titles. In 2005 and 2006, Guus Hiddink was honored with the prestigious Rinus Michels Award.

 20 
Dirk Kuyt
(Former Dutch Footballer Who Played as a Striker and Winger)
Dirk Kuyt
5
Birthdate: July 22, 1980
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Katwijk

Dirk Kuyt is a Dutch retired football player who played for the Netherlands national football team from 2004 to 2014. He represented his country at important tournaments, including the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups. In 2006, he was named Dutch Footballer of the Year. Dirk Kuyt was also an important player for popular clubs like Liverpool and Fenerbahçe. 

 21 
Ruud van Nistelrooy
(Former Dutch Football Striker)
Ruud van Nistelrooy
8
Birthdate: July 1, 1976
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Geffen, Netherlands

Ruud van Nistelrooy is a Dutch former football player who is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the history of football. In 2004, he was included in Pele's FIFA 100 list. Ruud van Nistelrooy played for the Netherlands national football team from 1998 to 2011, during which he represented the team in several important tournaments.

 22 
Jaap Stam
(One of the Greatest Football Defenders of His Time)
Jaap Stam
3
Birthdate: July 17, 1972
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Kampen, Netherlands

Dutch football coach and retired footballer Jaap Stam is regarded as one of the greatest defenders of his time. Starting his senior career with FC Zwolle, he later had successful stints with clubs such as Manchester United, Ajax, and PSV. Post-retirement, he has also coached teams such as Reading and PEC Zwolle.

 23 
Xavi Simons
(Footballer Midfielder)
Xavi Simons
1
Birthdate: April 21, 2003
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
 24 
Frank Rijkaard
(Dutch Former Football Player and Former Manager Who Played as a Defensive Midfielder)
Frank Rijkaard
1
Birthdate: September 30, 1962
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dutch footballer and former manager Franklin Rijkaard has represented clubs such as Ajax, Real Zaragoza, and A.C. Milan. He has also coached clubs such as Barcelona and Sparta Rotterdam and the Dutch and Saudi Arabian national teams. He has also earned the 2005-2006 UEFA Manager of the Year honor.
 25 
Marc Overmars
(Former Dutch Footballer Who Played as a Winger)
Marc Overmars
3
Birthdate: March 29, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Emst

Marc Overmars is a Dutch retired footballer who played as a midfielder for the Netherlands national football team from 1993 to 2004. He was part of the 2000 and 2004 UEFA European Championship, helping Netherlands win bronze medal on both occasions. Renowned for his technical skills and speed, Marc Overmars was also part of the 1994 and 1998 World Cup.       

 26 
Steven Bergwijn
(Surinamese-Origin Dutch Footballer Who Is a Winger)
Steven Bergwijn
5
Birthdate: October 8, 1997
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dutch footballer Steven Bergwijn is best known as a winger for Ajax. He has been a 3-time Eredivisie winner with PSV and an EFL Cup runner-up with Tottenham Hotspur. The Surinamese-origin player also plays for the Dutch national team and has been the 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Championship Golden Player.
 27 
Clarence Seedorf
(Dutch Professional Football Manager and Former Player Who is Considered One of the Best Midfielders of His Generation)
Clarence Seedorf
7
Birthdate: April 1, 1976
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Paramaribo, Suriname

Clarence Seedorf is a Dutch former football player. Widely considered one of the best midfielders of his era, Seedorf was included in Pelé's FIFA 100 list in 2004. Having won several continental and domestic titles for clubs in the Netherlands, Brazil, Italy, and Spain, Clarence Seedorf is one of the most celebrated and decorated Dutch players of all time.

 28 
Edwin van der Sar
(Former Dutch Football Goalkeeper)
Edwin van der Sar
3
Birthdate: October 29, 1970
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Voorhout, Netherlands

Ajax CEO and retired Dutch footballer Edwin van der Sar began his senior career with Ajax, winning countless titles with them, such as the Eredivisie and the UEFA Champion’s League. The talented goalkeeper later had successful stints with Juventus, Fulham, and Manchester United. He has also been a 2-time Best European Goalkeeper.

 29 
Ibrahim Afellay
(Retired Moroccan-Dutch Football Attacking Midfielder/Winger)
Ibrahim Afellay
3
Birthdate: April 2, 1986
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Utrecht, Netherlands

Retired Moroccan-Dutch footballer Ibrahim Afellay played as an attacking midfielder/winger. Starting his senior career with PSV Eindhoven, he later had successful stints with Barcelona and Olympiacos. He was also part of the Dutch squad that became the runner-up at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

 30 
Edgar Davids
(Retired Surinamese-Dutch Football Defensive Midfielder)
Edgar Davids
4
Birthdate: March 13, 1973
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Paramaribo, Suriname

Born in Suriname, footballer Edgar Davids moved to the Netherlands as an infant and grew up to start his youth football career with Ajax. The retired Dutch defensive midfielder had successful stints with Ajax, Juventus, and Inter Milan. He also played for the Dutch national team, which he now serves as an assistant coach.

 31 
Maarten Stekelenburg
(Dutch Football Goalkeeper)
Maarten Stekelenburg
3
Birthdate: September 22, 1982
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Haarlem, Netherlands

Dutch footballer Maarten Stekelenburg, the goalkeeper for Ajax, has had a successful stint with the club, winning both the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup with them 4 times. He was also part of the Dutch squad that became the runner-up at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

 32 
Nordin Amrabat
(Dutch-Born Moroccan Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Nordin Amrabat
4
Birthdate: March 31, 1987
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Naarden, Netherlands

Nordin Amrabat is a Dutch-born Moroccan football player. After representing the Dutch national team at youth levels, Amrabat went on to play for the Morocco national team from 2011 to 2019. He played for Morocco in important tournaments like Africa Cup of Nations and the 2012 Summer Olympics. Nordin Amrabat currently plays for AEK Athens.

 33 
Memphis Depay
(Dutch Football Forward)
Memphis Depay
7
Birthdate: February 13, 1994
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Moordrecht, Netherlands

Dutch footballer Memphis Depay is best known as a forward for Barcelona. Starting his senior career with PSV Eindhoven, he later also played for Manchester United and Lyon. He was also part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup third-place-winning Dutch squad and was the Eredivisie top scorer in 2014-15.

 34 
Dick Advocaat
(Dutch Former Football Midfielder and Defender)
Dick Advocaat
3
Birthdate: September 27, 1947
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: The Hague

Dutch football coach and former footballer Dick Advocaat was a midfielder and defender in his playing days. He was 18 when he began his senior career and later had successful stints with clubs such as PSV Eindhoven and Rangers. His 2008 UEFA Cup with with Zenit earned him an honorary citizenship of St. Petersburg.

 35 
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
(Former Dutch Footballer Who Played as a Striker)
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
3
Birthdate: March 27, 1972
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Paramaribo, Suriname

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a Dutch former football player who played for the Netherlands national football team from 1998 to 2002. He also played for popular clubs like Chelsea and Atlético Madrid. After retiring as a player, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink pursued a career as a football manager. He has managed teams like Burton Albion, Queens Park Rangers, and Northampton Town.

 36 
Justin Kluivert
(Footballer winger)
Justin Kluivert
2
Birthdate: May 5, 1999
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
 37 
Vivianne Miedema
(One of the World's Greatest Football Strikers)
Vivianne Miedema
6
Birthdate: July 15, 1996
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Hoogeveen, Netherlands

Dutch footballer Vivianne Miedema is a forward for Arsenal Women FC. She is regarded as one of the world’s greatest strikers and has also had a successful stint with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga twice with them. She was named the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year in 2021.

 38 
Patrick van Aanholt
(Dutch Footballer Who Plays as a Left-Back)
Patrick van Aanholt
3
Birthdate: August 29, 1990
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Patrick van Aanholt is a Dutch footballer who plays for the Netherlands national team. In 2019, he was part of the team that won the silver medal at the UEFA Nations League. He also represented his country at UEFA Euro 2020. Patrick van Aanholt has also played for popular clubs like Sunderland and Crystal Palace. He currently plays for Galatasaray.

 39 
Cody Gakpo
(Footballer winger)
Cody Gakpo
1
Birthdate: May 7, 1999
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Eindhoven, Netherlands
 40 
Gregory van der Wiel
(Former Dutch Footballer Who Played as a Right-Back)
Gregory van der Wiel
4
Birthdate: February 3, 1988
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Gregory van der Wiel is a Dutch retired football player who played for the Netherlands national football team from 2009 to 2015, during which he represented his country at important tournaments including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they won the runner-up trophy. A versatile defender, Gregory van der Wiel also played for popular clubs like Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain.
 41 
Sofyan Amrabat
(Footballer midfielder)
Sofyan Amrabat
5
Birthdate: August 21, 1996
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Huizen, Netherlands
 42 
Johan Neeskens
(Former Dutch Footballer Who is Considered One of the Greatest Midfielders of All Time)
Johan Neeskens
2
Birthdate: September 15, 1951
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Heemstede, Netherlands

Johan Neeskens is a Dutch former football player who played as a midfielder for the Netherlands national football team from 1970 to 1981. He helped his team win the runner-up trophy at the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cup. In 1976, Johan Neeskens was part of the team that won the bronze medal at the UEFA European Championship.

 43 
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
(Former Dutch Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder and Defender)
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
3
Birthdate: February 5, 1975
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Rotterdam, Netherlands

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is a Dutch former football player who played as a midfielder and defender for the Netherlands national football team from 1996 to 2010. He helped his team win the runner-up trophy at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Apart from his national team, Giovanni van Bronckhorst also played for popular clubs like Barcelona and Arsenal.

 44 
Ronald Koeman
(Dutch Professional Football Manager and Former Player Who Played as a Defender and as a Midfielder)
Ronald Koeman
24
Birthdate: March 21, 1963
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Zaandam, Netherlands

Dutch formerfootball  player Ronald Koeman was one of the stars of the Netherlands national team during his playing days. After his retirement, he became a professional football manager and is currently the head coach of La Liga club Barcelona. Tremendously successful as a head coach, he was made the manager of Barcelona in 2020.

 45 
Rafael van der Vaart
(Former Dutch Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Rafael van der Vaart
4
Birthdate: February 11, 1983
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Heemskerk, Netherlands

Rafael van der Vaart is a Dutch retired footballer who played for the national football team from 2001 to 2013. He represented his country in important tournaments, including the 2010 World Cup, where his team received the runner-up trophy. After retiring from football, Rafael van der Vaart joined the British Darts Organisation in 2019 and started a professional darts career.

 46 
Quincy Promes
(Dutch Footballer Who Plays as a Forward or Midfielder)
Quincy Promes
3
Birthdate: January 4, 1992
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Quincy Promes is a Dutch football player who plays for the Netherlands national football team as an attacking midfielder or striker. In 2019, he helped his team win the silver medal at the UEFA Nations League. In 2017, Quincy Promes was named Futbol Footballer of the Year, Sport Express Footballer of the Year, and Soccer Footballer of the Year.

 47 
Denzel Dumfries
(Football player - Right-back, wing-back)
Denzel Dumfries
1
Birthdate: April 18, 1996
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Rotterdam, Netherlands
 48 
Noussair Mazraoui
(Footballer right back)
Noussair Mazraoui
0
Birthdate: November 14, 1997
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Leiderdorp, Netherlands
 49 
Danny Blind
(Former Dutch Footballer Who Played as a Defender)
Danny Blind
3
Birthdate: August 1, 1961
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Oost-Souburg, Netherlands

Danny Blind is a Dutch former footballer who played as a defender for the Netherlands national football team from 1986 to 1996. An important player for the Netherlands, Blind competed at major tournaments including two World Cups and two European Championships. After retiring as a player, Danny Blind established himself as a manager for teams like Ajax and the Netherlands.

 50 
Lieke Martens
(Dutch Football Winger/Midfielder)
Lieke Martens
4
Birthdate: December 16, 1992
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Bergen, Netherlands

Dutch footballer Lieke Martens plays as a winger/midfielder for the French club Paris Saint-Germain Féminine. She was 5 when she began training in football. She has won the 2020-21 UEFA Women's Champions League with Barcelona and was part of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup runner-up Dutch squad.