10 greatest Dutch players of all time

#3 Marco van Basten (Forward)

Marco van Basten

Ravaged by injury, Marco van Basten could have eventually been mentioned in the same sentences as Diego Maradona, Pele, Alfredo Di Stefano, and Lionel Messi. The former AC Milan forward retired aged 28 having won three Ballon d'Or titles before leaving the game too soon.

Having made his debut for Ajax in 1981 aged 17, van Basten became an iconic figure - and widely considered the greatest forward in Dutch football history - after scoring 152 goals in 172 games until he moved to AC Milan in 1987.

Scoring the winning goal in 1988 European Championships ensured he is guaranteed a place in Dutch football's history. Van Basten was one of the famous Dutch trio, which included Frank Rijkaard and Ruud Gullit, that guided AC Milan through the most symbolic period in their history. But after two years of injury to his ankle, van Basten retired in 1995. 125 goals in 201 appearances for Milan leave him with iconic status at the San Siro.

In his 14-year career, van Basten claimed 3 Serie A titles and 2 European Cups The forward also won 3 Eredivisie titles, 3 KNVB Cups and the Cup Winners' Cup during his time with Ajax.