Biography
Who is Marco van Basten?
Early life and career beginnings
Marco van Basten was born in Utrecht, Netherlands, on October 31, 1964, and grew up in the Oog In Al neighborhood. He started playing football at a young age for a local team named EDO before moving to UVV Utrecht where he spent nine years. He then briefly played for another local club called Elinkwijk before his talent was noticed by major scouts.
In 1981, AFC Ajax signed the young player for the 1981 to 1982 season. Marco made his official debut for Ajax on April 3, 1982, coming on as a substitute for Johan Cruyff and scoring a goal in a 5 to 0 victory against NEC. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the primary attacker for the team.
Success with Ajax and AC Milan
During his time with Ajax, Marco was the top scorer in the league for four consecutive seasons from 1983 to 1987. He scored 128 goals in 133 league matches for the Dutch club and won the European Golden Boot in the 1985 to 1986 season. He also secured the UEFA Cup Winners Cup with Ajax in 1987 before moving to Italy.
In 1987, AC Milan signed Marco alongside fellow countryman Ruud Gullit. During his spell in Italy, he helped the club win multiple Serie A titles and European Cups. He earned the prestigious Ballon d'Or award multiple times and was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1992, strengthening his status as one of the finest strikers in the history of the sport.
International achievements and retirement
Marco represented the Netherlands national football team with great distinction throughout his career. His most well-known international triumph came at UEFA Euro 1988, where he scored five goals, including a famous volley in the final against the Soviet Union, helping his country claim the championship title and earning the Golden Boot.
Persistent ankle injuries severely hampered his playing days, leading to multiple surgeries and a lengthy layoff. Marco officially announced his retirement as a player on August 17, 1995, after spending years trying to recover from the damage. He later transitioned into coaching, serving as the head coach for both AFC Ajax and the Netherlands national team.
Birthday and age
Marco van Basten was born on October 31, 1964, which makes Marco 62 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. Marco shares the date with 63 other famous people.
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