Famous Dutch Sportspersons

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 1 
Max Verstappen
(Belgian-Dutch Motorsports Racing Driver)
Max Verstappen
18
Birthdate: September 30, 1997
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hasselt, Flanders, Belgium

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing competes under the Dutch flag in Formula One. He made his first entry at 2015 Australian Grand Prix. Son of former Formula One racing-driver Jos Verstappen, Max has emerged as the most successful Dutch driver who has scored most career points, won a Formula One World Championship in 2021 and achieved a pole position.  

 2 
Johan Cruyff
(One of the Greatest Football Players & One of the Best Managers Ever)
Johan Cruyff
12
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.
 3 
Patrick Kluivert
(Retired Dutch Football Striker)
Patrick Kluivert
10
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.

 4 
Alistair Overeem
(First Fighter to Hold World Titles in MMA and K-1 Kickboxing at the Same Time)
Alistair Overeem
11
Birthdate: May 17, 1980
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: London, England
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
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 5 
Michael van Gerwen
(Darts player)
Michael van Gerwen
6
Birthdate: April 25, 1989
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Boxtel, Netherlands
 6 
Ruud Gullit
(One of the Greatest Football Players of All Time)
Ruud Gullit
9
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.

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 7 
Arjen Robben
(Dutch Former Professional Football Player Who Played as a Winger)
Arjen Robben
8
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.

 8 
Marco van Basten
(One of the Greatest Football Strikers of All Time)
Marco van Basten
4
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.
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 9 
Wesley Sneijder
(Retired Footballer Who Was One of the Best Midfielders of His Time)
Wesley Sneijder
2
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.

 10 
Clarence Seedorf
(Dutch Professional Football Manager and Former Player Who is Considered One of the Best Midfielders of His Generation)
Clarence Seedorf
6
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.

 11 
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.
 12 
Raymond van Barneveld
(Darts player)
Raymond van Barneveld
3
Birthdate: April 20, 1967
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: The Hague, Netherlands
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 13 
Nathan Aké
(Dutch Footballer Who Plays as a Defender)
Nathan Aké
8
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 van Nistelrooy
(Former Dutch Football Striker)
Ruud van Nistelrooy
6
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.

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 15 
Fanny Blankers-Koen
(Dutch Track and Field Athlete)
Fanny Blankers-Koen
3
Birthdate: April 26, 1918
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Lage Vuursche, Netherlands
Died: January 25, 2004
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 16 
Dennis Bergkamp
(Dutch Retired Football Forward)
Dennis Bergkamp
5
Birthdate: May 10, 1969
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands

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.

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 17 
Peter Aerts
(One of the Greatest Heavyweight Kickboxers of All Time)
Peter Aerts
4
Birthdate: October 25, 1970
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Eindhoven, Netherlands
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 18 
Virgil van Dijk
(Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Centre-Back)
Virgil van Dijk
14
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.

 19 
Dirk Kuyt
(Former Dutch Footballer Who Played as a Striker and Winger)
Dirk Kuyt
5
Birthdate: July 22, 1980
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Katwijk, Netherlands

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. 

 20 
Jaap Stam
(One of the Greatest Football Defenders of His Time)
Jaap Stam
4
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.

 21 
Lucia Rijker
(Dutch Professional Boxer and Kickboxer)
Lucia Rijker
3
Birthdate: December 6, 1967
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 22 
Remy Bonjasky
(Surinamese-Dutch Former Kickboxer)
Remy Bonjasky
4
Birthdate: January 10, 1976
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Paramaribo, Suriname
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 23 
Tahith Chong
(Dutch Professional Football Winger)
Tahith Chong
7
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. 
 24 
Aleister Black
(Wrestler)
Aleister Black
11
Birthdate: May 19, 1985
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Alkmaar, Netherlands
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 25 
Ryan Babel
(Dutch Footballer Who Can Play as a Striker or Left Winger)
Ryan Babel
7
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.

 26 
Luuk de Jong
(Dutch Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Striker)
Luuk de Jong
4
Birthdate: August 27, 1990
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Aigle, Switzerland
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 27 
Guus Hiddink
(Former Dutch Footballer Who Played as a Midfielder)
Guus Hiddink
5
Birthdate: November 8, 1946
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Varsseveld, Netherlands

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.

 28 
Edgar Davids
(Retired Surinamese-Dutch Football Defensive Midfielder)
Edgar Davids
0
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.

 29 
Robin van Persie
(One of the Best Football Strikers of His Generation)
Robin van Persie
7
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.

 30 
Gökhan Saki
(Dutch-Turkish Kickboxer)
Gökhan Saki
4
Birthdate: October 18, 1983
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Schiedam, Netherlands
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 31 
Bert Blyleven
(Baseball player)
Bert Blyleven
3
Birthdate: April 6, 1951
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Zeist, Netherlands
 32 
Germaine de Randamie
(Dutch Mixed Martial Artist and Former Kickboxer)
Germaine de Randamie
5
Birthdate: April 24, 1984
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Utrecht, Netherlands
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 33 
Edwin van der Sar
(Former Dutch Football Goalkeeper)
Edwin van der Sar
2
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.

 34 
Ronald Koeman
(Dutch Professional Football Manager and Former Player Who Played as a Defender and as a Midfielder)
Ronald Koeman
28
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.

 35 
Bas Rutten
(Dutch-American Actor, Former Mixed Martial Artist, Kickboxer and Professional Wrestler)
Bas Rutten
1
Birthdate: February 24, 1965
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Tilburg, Netherlands

Bas Rutten is a Dutch–American actor, former kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and professional wrestler. A former UFC Heavyweight Champion and a King of Pancrase world champion, Rutten finished his career on a high as he remained unbeaten for the last 22 fights of his career. In 2015, Bas Rutten was made an inductee of the UFC Hall of Fame.

 36 
Didi Gregorius
(Baseball shortstop)
Didi Gregorius
6
Birthdate: February 18, 1990
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 37 
Ramon Dekkers
(Dutch Professional Kickboxer)
Ramon Dekkers
3
Birthdate: September 4, 1969
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Breda, Netherlands
Died: February 27, 2013
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 38 
Nordin Amrabat
(Dutch-Born Moroccan Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Nordin Amrabat
5
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.

 39 
Dick Advocaat
(Dutch Former Football Midfielder and Defender)
Dick Advocaat
3
Birthdate: September 27, 1947
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: The Hague, Netherlands

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.

 40 
Jelle Klaasen
(Dutch Professional Darts Player)
Jelle Klaasen
3
Birthdate: October 17, 1984
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Alphen, Netherlands
 41 
Rico Verhoeven
(Dutch professional kickboxer who is the Reigning Glory Heavyweight Champion)
Rico Verhoeven
0
Birthdate: April 10, 1989
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands

Touted by the media as The King of Kickboxing, Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven is the current Glory Heavyweight Champion. Inspired by his karate black belt father, he stepped into martial arts at age 5 and was competing against adults by age 16 due to his huge frame.

 42 
Jos Verstappen
(Retired Dutch Formula One Racer Who Later Turned to Coaching)
Jos Verstappen
4
Birthdate: March 4, 1972
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Montfort, Netherlands

Retired Dutch racing driver Jos Verstappen, who had an illustrious career with Formula One, had begun his career with karting at age 8. He raced for 7 teams, including Benetton and Minardi. He later turned to coaching and trained his son Max Verstappen, who became a Formula One World Champion in 2021.

 43 
Cody Gakpo
(Dutch Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Cody Gakpo
0
Birthdate: May 7, 1999
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Eindhoven, Netherlands
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 44 
Klaas Jan Huntelaar
(Retired Dutch Football Striker)
Klaas Jan Huntelaar
6
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.

 45 
Mathieu van der Poel
(Dutch Cyclist)
Mathieu van der Poel
3
Birthdate: January 19, 1995
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kapellen, Belgium
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 46 
Andy Souwer
(Dutch Former Welterweight Kickboxer)
Andy Souwer
3
Birthdate: November 9, 1982
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Den Bosch, Netherlands
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 47 
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
(Former Dutch Footballer Who Played as a Striker)
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
5
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.

 48 
Ernesto Hoost
(Dutch Retired Professional Kickboxer)
Ernesto Hoost
3
Birthdate: July 11, 1965
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Heemskerk, Netherlands
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 49 
Arie Luyendyk
(Dutch Former Auto Racing Driver)
Arie Luyendyk
0
Birthdate: September 21, 1953
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Sommelsdijk, Netherlands
 50 
Patrick van Aanholt
(Dutch Footballer Who Plays as a Left-Back)
Patrick van Aanholt
4
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.