Marco Van Basten – The Gem of Dutch Football

Legendary Dutch football player and coach Marco van Basten was born in Utrecht, Netherlands, on October 31, 1964.

During his playing career, he became well-known for his incredible skill and ability to score goals. He is regarded as one of the all-time great football players.

Who Is Marco Van Basten?

Van Basten made his first-division debut in 1982 after starting his professional career in 1981 with Ajax. His rapid rise to popularity as a striker saw him top the Eredivisie in goals scored for four continuous seasons, from 1983 to 1987. He won three Eredivisie titles and three Dutch Cups while he was a player at Ajax.

He moved to AC Milan in 1987, and there he carried on his winning ways, taking home two more Serie A titles and three European Cups.

Van Basten’s career internationally was similarly noteworthy; he was the leading scorer. He is remembered for his fantastic shot against the Soviet Union in the 1988 European Championship final, which helped the Dutch team win.

Tragically, he sustained an awful ankle injury that put an end to his career. His ankle ligaments had been seriously damaged, and even after multiple surgeries, his chronic suffering remained unresolved.

If this injury wasn’t there, then he could have achieved many more things in the world of football. But in the end, he had to retire from the injury just at the age of 28.

How Old Is Marco Van Basten?

In 2024, Marco Van Basten is currently 59 years old.

Is Marco Van Basten Dead?

No, Marco Van Basten is not dead, he is living all fit and fine.

Marco Van Basten Family

On June 21, 1993, he married Liesbeth van Capelleveen. Together, they have three children: a son named Alexander and two girls, Rebecca and Deborah. In addition, Van Basten’s siblings Stanley and Carla, as well as his parents Joop and Leny van Basten, make up the family.

Joop, his father, was a football player who participated in games for UVV and DOS Utrecht but did not go on to play professionally. Regretfully, Marco’s parents divorced when he was a little child, his father passed away in 2014, and his mother in 2007.

Marco grew up with his two elder siblings despite their split.

Marco Van Basten Son

Alexander van Basten is the son of Marco van Basten. He was born on May 16, 1997.

Marco Van Basten’s Achievements

Though he retired at the age of 30 only, even in that period he achieved a lot of big and prestigious achievements.

• He became FIFA World Player of the Year in 1992.

• Van was awarded the Ballon d’Or three times, in 1988, 1989, and 1992. And it made him the best player in the world of football during those years.

• He became the European Footballer of the Year in 1985.

• Golden Boot Winner in the 1985-86 season, while he was playing for Ajax, moreover, he was the top scorer.

• He won the UEFA European Championship in 1988 with the Netherlands.

• Won UEFA Champions League twice with AC Milan, in the 1988-89 and 1989-90 seasons.

• Basten won Serie A Champion for AC Milan three times, in the 1987-88, 1991-92, and 1992-93 seasons.

• With Ajax, he won the Eredivisie title three times in the Dutch Championship, in the seasons of 1981-82, 1982-83, and 1984-85.

• Basten won the KNVB Cup with Ajax three times, in the seasons of 1982-83, 1985-86, and 1986-87.

• He won the UEFA Super Cup with Milan two times in the 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons.

How Many Champions Leagues Did Marco Van Basten Win?

During his brilliant career with AC Milan, Marco van Basten won the UEFA Champions League twice. In the 1988–1989 season, he earned his first Champions League title and the 1989–1990 season saw him win his second.

Van Basten was a key player in AC Milan’s victories during that time, which greatly increased their authority in European football.

Did Marco Van Basten Win The World Cup?

Marco Van Basten played in the 1990 FIFA World Cup with the Netherlands but didn’t win it. That year, the Netherlands was eliminated in the Round 16.

Did Marco Van Basten Win The Ballon D’or?

Yes, Marco Van Basten won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award three times. The years he received the award were 1988, 1989, and 1992.

When Did Van Basten Retire?

The legend of Dutch football officially retired from the game on August 17, 1995, after suffering a long struggle with ankle injuries.

Van Basten played his last match in the year 1993 and was waiting for his recovery until he announced his retirement. He was doing very well in his career, but due to the injury, he retired at the age of 28 only.

Final Words

In his small career in football, Marco Van Basten achieved a lot of things and made his team and fans proud. Van Basten will always be popularly known for his versatile and multiple styles of playing football.