The 10 best Dutch footballers of all time, ranked

October 12, 2025 Kris Isaksen

The Netherlands has long been a powerhouse in world football, producing legends with flair, intelligence, and unforgettable moments. From commanding centre-backs to creative geniuses, here’s our countdown of the greatest Dutch players ever—starting at number 10.

10. Virgil van Dijk – the modern defensive machine

Van Dijk has been one of the best centre-backs in the world for nearly a decade, transforming Liverpool into title contenders and winning every major trophy at club level. But despite his club success, criticism has lingered in his homeland for not quite replicating that dominance in the orange of the Netherlands.

9. Arjen Robben – the winger everyone feared

Defenders knew what Robben was going to do—cut inside and shoot on his left—and still couldn’t stop him. A Champions League winner with Bayern and a World Cup finalist in 2010, Robben’s dazzling pace and precision made him one of the most effective wide men of his era.

8. Frank Rijkaard – the backbone of Dutch success

Rijkaard was a key figure in the Netherlands’ Euro 1988 triumph and a cornerstone of AC Milan’s European dominance alongside Gullit and Van Basten. With composure, strength and vision, he helped define the role of the defensive midfielder for a new generation.

7. Robin van Persie – a record-breaking finisher

Van Persie’s stunning diving header against Spain in 2014 is etched into football history, one of many moments showcasing his technical brilliance. He remains the Netherlands' all-time top scorer and a Premier League great, known for his lethal finishing and impeccable timing.

6. Johan Neeskens – the heart of total football

Neeskens starred in two World Cup finals and was pivotal in the golden era of Dutch football, scoring in the 1974 final. His tireless running, sharp tackling and goal threat made him one of the first true box-to-box midfielders, and a symbol of the team’s “beautiful” legacy.

5. Ronald Koeman – the scoring defender who shaped games

Koeman’s ability to score and create from the back made him a unique weapon, whether blasting free kicks or threading passes from deep. He won the European Cup with two clubs and played a huge role in the Netherlands’ Euro 1988 win, famously knocking out Germany with a cool penalty.

4. Dennis Bergkamp – the master of the impossible

Effortlessly elegant and razor-sharp in thought, Bergkamp produced moments of magic that defied belief—from his World Cup winner against Argentina to his touch-perfect goals for Arsenal. A Premier League legend and creative genius, even Thierry Henry called him the best he ever played with.

3. Ruud Gullit – the ultimate all-rounder

Gullit’s dreadlocked brilliance graced every area of the pitch, from sweeper to striker, and his leadership brought the Netherlands their only major trophy in 1988. A Ballon d’Or winner and two-time European champion with Milan, he was as versatile as he was majestic.

2. Marco van Basten – the striker who had it all

Van Basten’s astonishing goal tally and three Ballon d’Or wins underline his greatness, capped by that impossible volley in the Euro 1988 final. Injuries tragically ended his career at 28, but his elegant finishing and instinctive brilliance remain unmatched.

1. Johan Cruyff – the Dutchman who changed the game

Cruyff was more than a player—he was a football prophet. The architect of Total Football, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, and a World Cup finalist, he transformed Ajax, Barcelona, and the game itself. Without Cruyff, modern football would look very different.