Early Years and Family History: Marco’s natural talent and passion for football were evident early on, and he joined his local club, EDO, at the age of seven. His family provided strong support, with his father often coaching him and nurturing his skills.
Early Career and Rise to Stardom: Van Basten’s professional career began with Ajax Amsterdam, one of the most prestigious clubs in the Netherlands, when he joined their youth academy in 1981. He made his first-team debut in 1982 at the age of 17. Van Basten quickly became known for his scoring ability, technical skill, and intelligence on the pitch. His breakout season came in 1983-84, when he scored 28 goals in 26 matches, winning his first Eredivisie title and becoming the league’s top scorer.
His performances attracted international attention, and in 1987, he transferred to AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A, one of the world’s toughest leagues. Despite initial injury struggles, van Basten became a key player for Milan, helping the club win multiple Serie A titles and the European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) twice.
Hardships and Challenges: Despite his incredible talent, van Basten’s career was marred by injuries. He struggled with persistent ankle problems, which ultimately led to multiple surgeries and a premature retirement at the age of 28 in 1995. This early end to his playing career was a significant hardship for van Basten, who had to leave the game at the peak of his abilities.
Post-Retirement and Coaching Career: After retiring, van Basten took on various coaching roles. He served as the head coach of the Netherlands national team, leading them to the quarter-finals of the 2008 European Championship. He also managed clubs like Ajax and Heerenveen. Although his coaching career didn’t reach the heights of his playing days, van Basten remains a respected figure in football.
Real Name: Marcel “Marco” van Basten
Date of Birth: October 31, 1964
Birth Place: Utrecht, Netherlands
Residence: Generally resides in the Netherlands, with some periods in Italy during his playing career and subsequent coaching roles.
Profession: Former professional football player and manager
Nationality: Dutch
Religion: Not publicly disclosed
Partner: Married to Liesbeth van Capelleveen
Father: Joop van Basten
Mother: Gerda van Basten
Horoscope: Scorpio
Age: 59 (as of 2024)
Weight: Approximately 80 kg (176 lbs) during his playing career
Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Dark brown (now greying)