Soccer Players from Netherlands

The following people are considered by Pantheon to be the top 10 most legendary Dutch Soccer Players of all time. This list of famous Dutch Soccer Players is sorted by HPI (Historical Popularity Index), a metric that aggregates information on a biography's online popularity. Visit the rankings page to view the entire list of Dutch Soccer Players.

1. #1

   

   Johan Cruyff

   1947 - 2016

   HPI 84.03102 languages

   Johan Cruyff is most famous for his football career and his contributions to the game as a player and coach. He is the only player to win the Ballon d'Or three times, and he was the first player to win three consecutive European Cups with three different clubs. Cruyff led the Netherlands to their only major...Read moreShow less

   Johan Cruyff is most famous for his football career and his contributions to the game as a player and coach. He is the only player to win the Ballon d'Or three times, and he was the first player to win three consecutive European Cups with three different clubs. Cruyff led the Netherlands to their only major international title when they won the 1974 World Cup.

2. #2

   

   Johan Neeskens

   1951 - 2024

   HPI 73.5951 languages

   Johan Neeskens is most famous for his dynamic midfield role in the Dutch national team during the 1970s, particularly for scoring a crucial penalty in the 1974 World Cup final. Surprisingly, after his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and managed teams in various countries, including Australia and the...Read moreShow less

   Johan Neeskens is most famous for his dynamic midfield role in the Dutch national team during the 1970s, particularly for scoring a crucial penalty in the 1974 World Cup final. Surprisingly, after his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and managed teams in various countries, including Australia and the Netherlands. His lasting legacy lies in pioneering "Total Football," influencing modern midfield tactics and inspiring generations of players with his tenacity and vision.

3. #3

   

   Ruud Gullit

   b. 1962

   HPI 73.5869 languages

   Ruud Gullit is most famous for being a Dutch football player, and the first black player to play for the Dutch national team. He was also the first black player to win the European Cup with a non-English club.

4. #4

   

   Rob Rensenbrink

   1947 - 2020

   HPI 70.8141 languages

   Rensenbrink is most famous for being the first person to perform a backflip on a motorcycle.

5. #5

   

   Dennis Bergkamp

   b. 1969

   HPI 69.2268 languages

   Dennis bergkamp is most famous for his goal against Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 1998 world cup. He scored the goal by controlling a high, looping pass with his chest and volleying it past the goalkeeper.

6. #6

   

   Arie Haan

   b. 1948

   HPI 68.9734 languages

   Arie Haan is most famous for being the first Dutch player to be named European Footballer of the Year, in 1957.

7. #7

   

   Ruud Krol

   b. 1949

   HPI 68.7136 languages

   Ruud Krol is a Dutch football player. He was a member of the Dutch national team that won the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

8. #8

   

   Edwin van der Sar

   b. 1970

   HPI 68.7073 languages

   Edwin van der Sar is most famous for being the goalkeeper for the Dutch national team and Manchester United.

9. #9

   

   René van de Kerkhof

   b. 1951

   HPI 67.6537 languages

   Dutch association football player

10. #10

    

    Johnny Rep

    b. 1951

    HPI 67.6438 languages

    Dutch footballer and manager