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The Netherlands has produced some of the most forward-thinking and creative footballers in history. While most of them made a lasting impact on the game as players, some repeated the trick as managers too.
Several renowned tactics have originated from the nation's rich footballing heritage. Dutch teams in the 1970s and 1980s - led by Ajax - were masters of versatility, with players being able to interchange positions seamlessly. That allowed them to take the game to the opposition and dominate.
In the 1970s, Ajax won the European Cup (now called the UEFA Champions League) three consecutive years. Master tactician Rinus Michels was the mastermind behind the inspirational 'total football' tactic. He was the first to popularise the 4-3-3 formation.
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With a great system come great talents who are products of the success of prior efforts. There have been many such Dutch players who have showcased their sensational abilities in games worldwide.
On that note, here's a take at the five most entertaining Dutch footballers in history who impressed with their skills and goals.
#5 Wesley Sneijder
Wesley Sneijder was born in Utrecht, Netherlands, in 1984. Playing mainly as a central attacking midfielder, Sneijder had prominent spells at Ajax and Real Madrid in the 2000s. Following that, he hit the peak of his career while at Inter Milan, between 2009 and 12.
Sneijder was also instrumental in guiding the Netherlands to the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time. He scored five goals and provided an assist in that campaign. Sneijder also won the Silver Ball and the Bronze Boot in that edition of the World Cup.
Wesley Sneijder was also key in Inter's triumphant run in the UEFA Champions League in 2009-10. Here is a video of the Dutchman providing an assist for Diego Milito in the final against Bayern Munich, which Inter won 2-0 in Madrid.
Sneijder didn't shy away from taking aim from distance, scoring some stunning long-range goals in his career. Here's one such stunner from a game in the 2008 UEFA Euros against France, which the Netherlands won 4-1.
Sneijder retired from international football in 2018 as the most capped player for the Dutch national team with 134 caps. He retired from club football the following year in 2019 after a spell with Al-Gharafa in Qatar.
#4 Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in 1983. Regarded as one of the best strikers of his era, Van Persie is the all-time top scorer for the Dutch national team with 50 goals in 102 games. Although not as prolific as other greats of his time, van Persie scored some unbelievable goals.
The Dutchman enjoyed his peak years playing in the Premier League for giants Arsenal and Manchester United between 2004 and 2015. He won one FA Cup and one Premier League title during that period, scoring 190 goals.
While playing for Arsenal, the 'flying Dutchman' scored a stunning volley against Charlton Athletic in 2006. Van Persie latched onto a cross by Emmanuel Eboue to finish off a legendary goal.
Some of his 50 goals for the Netherlands were astounding finishes too. The most iconic and important one being the equaliser for the Dutch against Spain in their 2014 FIFA World Cup opener.
Van Persie made a darting run into the box and, was found by Daley Blind with an exquisite long-ball. RvP dived and made contact with the ball mid-air, sending it looping over Spain 'keeper Iker Casillas' head and into the net to make it 1-1 on the night.
The Dutchman was known for his incredible volleys and clutch goals. He was an important part of Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United side, who won the Scotsman 13th and final Premier League title. Van Persie scored 26 and assisted 16 goals that season in United's title run.
That included a stunning volley against Aston Villa, where van Persie slotted away a delicious pass by Wayne Rooney.
Van Persie ended his career at boyhood club Feyenoord, with 272 goals in 593 club games. Since 2020, he has been the assistant manager at the club where he first became a professional player.
#3 Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Nicolaas Maria Bergkamp was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 1969. He had prominent and successful spells at Ajax and Inter Milan, before establishing himself as a bonafide legend at Arsenal.
Bergkamp scored 201 goals in 552 club games, and was known for his ball control, vision, passing range and ability to trick defenders. While at Arsenal, in a game against Newcastle, Bergkamp produced one of the most exquisite turns to set himself up for a goal.
The Dutchman received the ball from his right side onto his left foot. Bergkamp flicked it the other way to his left, turned the defender from the right, and beat the goalkeeper with a cool finish.
Bergkamp also scored 37 goals in 79 appearances for the Dutch national team. He is currently joint fifth in their all-time top scorers' list, level with Arjen Robben.
Dennis Bergkamp's most iconic goal for jos national team came against Argentina in the quarter-final of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Bergkamp received a long ball onto his right foot, cushioned it and moved it to his left side before smashing home the winner with the outer part of his right boot. The commentary for that goal was almost as iconic as the goal itself.
In fact, Bergkamp scored a similar goal for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur a few years before the one he scored for the Netherlands. He cushioned a cross from the right wing in a chop motion and slotted past the goalkeeper to seal Arsene Wenger's first win (3-1) in the North London Derby.
Dennis Bergkamp was a striker with unbelievable grace and skill. His goal against Newcastle was voted the Premier League's greatest ever in 2017.
#2 Marco van Basten
Marcel 'Marco' van Basten was born in Utrecht, Netherlands, in 1965. He is one of the most well-acclaimed and decorated strikers in Dutch football history. Van Basten enjoyed two largely successful spells at Ajax and AC Milan - the only two clubs he represented in his career.
The Dutchman was incredibly prolific, netting 152 goals in 172 games for Ajax and 128 in 205 for Milan. That gave him a final tally of 282 in 379 club games. Van Basten also enjoyed his share of silverware. He won three league titles with Ajax, four with AC Milan and three Champions League titles with the Italian giants.
His exploits with Milan earned him three Ballon d'Or awards, in 1988, 1989 and 1992.
Van Basten produced a moment of sheer brilliance in the 1988 Euro final, volleying home a stunning goal against the Soviet Union.
Marco van Basten had to call time on an injury-strewn career at just 28, though, ending what was one of the most-decorated careers for a footballer. Think of what he could have done had he played for another five or six years!
#1 Johan Cruyff
Hendrik Johannes Cruijff (internationally spelt Cruyff) was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 1947. Cruyff arguably had the greatest combination of intelligence, finesse and physical ability among footballing greats.
Cruyff spent most of his illustrious club career with his hometown club Ajax. He scored 190 goals in 240 games for the club, winning eight league titles and three consecutive European Cups (1970-73). Cruyff also won the Ballon d'Or award three times (1971, 1973, 1974).
He believed that to be the best, one must behave like the best.
Cruyff also gave the sport one of the most innovative and deceptive skill moves. Such was the effectiveness and popularity of the turn that it has since been dubbed the 'Cruyff turn' and is taught as a basic move in football academies worldwide.
Johan Cruyff 'debuted' the move during a FIFA World Cup game between the Netherlands and Italy in 1974 at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund.
Cruyff scored 33 goals in 48 appearances for the Netherlands. He also managed Ajax and Barcelona in his managerial career.
Johan Cruyff passed away in 2016, but has left behind an immortal legacy for others to admire and follow.
