Marco van Basten - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Marco van Basten was born on October 31, 1964, in Utrecht, Netherlands. He started playing football at a young age with his local club, EDO, and later joined UVV Utrecht. By the age of 16, Van Basten had transferred to Ajax's youth team, where he began to showcase his abilities.
Beginning of Professional Career
The young striker made his professional debut for Ajax in 1982, scoring in his first match. He went on to have a highly successful career with the club, scoring 128 goals in 133 appearances. His incredible scoring ability and technical skills made him one of the most feared forwards in the European football.
ACE Milan Years
In 1987, Van Basten moved to the Italian club AC Milan, where he would solidify his reputation as one of the greats. During his career at the club, he won numerous individual and team awards. He helped the team to two European Cup titles in 1989 and 1990, and three Serie A titles in 1988, 1992 and 1993. He also won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1992, and he secured Ballon d'Or three times in 1988, 1989, and 1992.
National Team Career
Van Basten had a stellar career with the Dutch national team as well. He made his debut in 1983 and was a key player for the team in the 1988 European Championship, helping them to their first major international title. In the finals, Van Basten scored one of the most memorable goals in football history - a volley from an impossible angle that is still widely regarded as one of the greatest goals ever scored.
Injuries and Retirement
Despite his great achievements, Van Basten's career was plagued by injuries. He underwent two major surgeries due to an ankle injury, but his condition did not improve. As a result, he was forced to retire prematurely in 1995, at the age of 30. His premature departure from the game has been one of the most significant losses in football history.
Coaching Career
After retiring, Van Basten found a new passion in coaching. He began his coaching career with Ajax, where he managed the team's youth squad. He later moved on to coach the Dutch national team, leading them to the quarterfinals of the 2006 World Cup and to the UEFA Euro 2008. Since leaving the Dutch team, Van Basten has coached several other clubs and currently serves as the assistant coach of the Dutch national team.
Legacy
Although his career was cut short by injury, Marco van Basten's legacy as one of the greatest strikers of all time remains intact. His scoring ability, technical skills, and vision on the field made him a joy to watch. Even today, he stands as a symbol of Dutch dominance in football during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
