Overview
Marco van Basten won three Ballons d'Or in five years and scored what is generally regarded as the greatest goal in a major final: a volley from an almost impossible angle on the right byline against the Soviet Union in the Euro 1988 final.
He was the centre-forward in Arrigo Sacchi's Milan side alongside Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard, winning consecutive European Cups. A chronic ankle injury forced him to retire at twenty-eight, after two years of failed surgery — the shortest career of any player of his standing.
Clubs
International record: 58 caps and 24 goals for Netherlands.
Ajax1981–1987
AC Milan1987–1995
Honours
Major team and individual honours.
UEFA Euro 1988
Ballon d'Or 1988, 1989, 1992
European Cup 1989, 1990
Serie A ×4
World Cup Appearances
Marco van Basten was named in the squad for one FIFA World Cup.
1990
Other Netherlands Internationals
Other players profiled for this national team.