Best Feyenoord Rotterdam Players of All Time: A Comprehensive List

Feyenoord Rotterdam is one of the most successful football clubs in the Netherlands, with a rich history and a legion of passionate fans. Over the years, the club has produced some of the greatest players to ever grace the game, who have left an indelible mark on the club’s legacy. From legendary figures to modern-day stars, Feyenoord has seen it all.

The club’s goalkeeping greats have been instrumental in the club’s success, with players like Eddy Pieters Graafland, Joop Hiele, and Edwin van der Sar among the best to have ever played for the club. Meanwhile, the defensive stalwarts like Rinus Israël, Ruud Heus, and Ronald Koeman have been rock-solid at the back, providing the foundation for the club’s success.

In midfield, Feyenoord has had some of the most gifted players in the game, including Wim van Hanegem, Johan Neeskens, and Paul Bosvelt. And up front, the club has been blessed with some of the most prolific goal scorers in the game, with players like Ove Kindvall, Coen Moulijn, and Pierre van Hooijdonk leading the line. In this article, we take a look at the best Feyenoord Rotterdam players of all time.

Key Takeaways

• Feyenoord has produced some of the greatest players in the history of Dutch football.
• The club’s goalkeeping greats, defensive stalwarts, midfield maestros, and striking heroes have all left an indelible mark on the club’s legacy.
• From legendary figures to modern-day stars, Feyenoord’s rich history is a testament to the club’s enduring success.

Legendary Figures

Feyenoord Rotterdam has produced some of the most talented football players in Dutch history. Among them are Coen Moulijn, Willem van Hanegem, and Piet Keizer.

Coen Moulijn

Coen Moulijn was a left winger who played for Feyenoord from 1955 to 1972. He was known for his speed, dribbling skills, and accurate crosses. Moulijn was an integral part of Feyenoord’s 1970 European Cup-winning team. He was also named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 1965 and 1970. Moulijn passed away in 2011, but his legacy as one of Feyenoord’s greatest players lives on.

Willem van Hanegem

Willem van Hanegem is a former midfielder who played for Feyenoord from 1968 to 1976. He was known for his excellent ball control, vision, and passing ability. Van Hanegem was a key player in Feyenoord’s 1970 European Cup-winning team. He also won three Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Cup with the club. Van Hanegem later went on to become a successful coach, leading Feyenoord to the UEFA Cup in 2002.

Piet Keizer

Piet Keizer was a left winger who played for Feyenoord from 1961 to 1974. He was known for his technical skills, vision, and ability to score goals. Keizer won six Eredivisie titles and one European Cup with Feyenoord. He was also a member of the Dutch national team that finished as runners-up in the 1974 World Cup. Keizer passed away in 2017, but his contributions to Feyenoord’s success will never be forgotten.

These three players are just a few examples of the legendary figures who have played for Feyenoord Rotterdam over the years. They have left an indelible mark on the club’s history and will always be remembered as some of the greatest players to ever wear the Feyenoord jersey.

Goalkeeping Greats

When it comes to the greatest goalkeepers in Feyenoord Rotterdam’s history, two names immediately come to mind: Eddy Pieters Graafland and Pim Doesburg.

Eddy Pieters Graafland

Eddy Pieters Graafland is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Dutch football history. He was part of the Feyenoord team that won the European Cup in 1970, and he also won three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups with the club.

Pieters Graafland was known for his excellent reflexes and his ability to make crucial saves in big games. He was also a great communicator, and he was always vocal on the pitch, directing his defense and making sure everyone was in the right position.

Pim Doesburg

Pim Doesburg is another legendary goalkeeper who played for Feyenoord Rotterdam. He spent 10 years at the club, making over 300 appearances and winning two Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups.

Doesburg was known for his agility and his excellent shot-stopping abilities. He was also a great leader on the pitch, and he was always willing to put his body on the line to make a save.

Overall, both Eddy Pieters Graafland and Pim Doesburg are true legends of Feyenoord Rotterdam, and they will always be remembered as two of the greatest goalkeepers in the club’s history.

Defensive Stalwarts

Feyenoord Rotterdam has always been known for their solid defense. Throughout the years, they have had some of the best defenders in the world. In this section, we will take a look at two of the best defensive stalwarts in Feyenoord’s history.

Rinus Israel

Rinus Israel is considered one of the best defenders in Feyenoord’s history. He played for the club from 1962 to 1973 and was known for his tough tackling and excellent positional sense. He was also a great leader on the field and captained the team during their successful 1970 European Cup campaign.

Israel was a key player in Feyenoord’s defense during the 1969-70 season, where they won the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and the European Cup. He was also part of the Dutch national team that reached the World Cup final in 1974.

Wim Rijsbergen

Wim Rijsbergen is another legendary defender who played for Feyenoord Rotterdam. He was part of the team that won the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and the European Cup in 1970. He was known for his aerial ability and was a threat in the opposition box during set-pieces.

Rijsbergen played for Feyenoord from 1972 to 1977 and was part of the Dutch national team that reached the World Cup final in 1974. He was also named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 1974.

Both Rinus Israel and Wim Rijsbergen were instrumental in Feyenoord’s success during the 1970s. They were not only great defenders but also leaders on the field. Their contributions to Feyenoord’s success will always be remembered by the club’s fans.

Midfield Maestros

Feyenoord Rotterdam has had some of the best midfielders in the history of Dutch football. These players have been instrumental in the success of the club, winning numerous titles and accolades. In this section, we highlight two of the most notable midfield maestros to have ever played for Feyenoord.

Wim Jansen

Wim Jansen is one of the greatest midfielders to have ever played for Feyenoord. He played for the club from 1968 to 1973 and then again from 1976 to 1980. During his time at Feyenoord, Jansen won numerous titles including three Eredivisie championships, two KNVB Cups, and the UEFA Cup. He was known for his incredible work rate, tenacity, and ability to read the game.

Jansen was a versatile midfielder who could play in any position in the middle of the park. He was equally comfortable playing as a defensive midfielder as he was playing as an attacking midfielder. He was also a great passer of the ball and had an eye for goal.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is another legendary midfielder to have played for Feyenoord. He played for the club from 1994 to 1998 and then again from 2007 to 2010. During his time at Feyenoord, van Bronckhorst won two Eredivisie championships, two KNVB Cups, and the Johan Cruyff Shield.

Van Bronckhorst was a technically gifted midfielder who was known for his incredible passing ability. He was also a great leader on the pitch and was captain of the Feyenoord team that won the Eredivisie title in 2017. Van Bronckhorst went on to become the head coach of Feyenoord, leading the team to the KNVB Cup in 2018.

These two midfield maestros are just a few examples of the great players that have played for Feyenoord Rotterdam over the years. Their contributions to the club have helped to cement Feyenoord’s place in Dutch football history.

Striking Heroes

Feyenoord Rotterdam has had its fair share of legendary strikers over the years. These players have been instrumental in the club’s success and have left a lasting impact on the team’s history. In this section, we will take a closer look at two of the best Feyenoord Rotterdam strikers of all time: Ove Kindvall and Robin van Persie.

Ove Kindvall

Ove Kindvall is a Swedish football legend who played for Feyenoord Rotterdam from 1966 to 1974. He was one of the most prolific strikers of his time and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Feyenoord’s history. During his time at the club, Kindvall scored a total of 129 goals in 144 appearances, making him the second-highest goal scorer in Feyenoord’s history.

Kindvall’s most famous moment came in the 1970 European Cup final against Celtic. With the score tied at 1-1, Kindvall scored the winning goal in extra time to give Feyenoord their first-ever European Cup title. The goal is still remembered as one of the greatest moments in Feyenoord’s history.

Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie is a Dutch football legend who played for Feyenoord Rotterdam from 2018 to 2019. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of his generation and is known for his technical ability, pace, and goal-scoring prowess. During his time at Feyenoord, van Persie scored a total of 25 goals in 45 appearances.

Van Persie’s most memorable moment at Feyenoord came in his final game for the club. In the 2018-2019 season, Feyenoord faced ADO Den Haag in their final game of the season. Van Persie scored both goals in a 2-0 victory, and his second goal was a stunning free-kick that will be remembered for years to come. The goal was a fitting end to van Persie’s illustrious career and cemented his place as one of Feyenoord’s greatest strikers of all time.

In conclusion, Feyenoord Rotterdam has been fortunate to have some of the best strikers in football history. Ove Kindvall and Robin van Persie are just two of the many great players who have left their mark on the club’s history. Their performances on the pitch have inspired generations of Feyenoord fans, and their legacy will continue to live on for years to come.

Modern Legends

Feyenoord Rotterdam has had its fair share of modern legends, players who have left an indelible mark on the club’s history. Two such players are Dirk Kuyt and Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Dirk Kuyt

Dirk Kuyt is undoubtedly one of Feyenoord’s greatest modern legends. The Dutch forward played for Feyenoord in two separate stints, from 2003-2006 and 2015-2017. During his time at the club, Kuyt won the Eredivisie title in 2005 and the KNVB Cup in 2008. He was also the top scorer in the Eredivisie in the 2004/05 season.

Kuyt was known for his tireless work ethic and his ability to score important goals. He was a fan favorite at Feyenoord, and his return to the club in 2015 was met with great excitement. In his second stint at the club, Kuyt helped Feyenoord win the KNVB Cup in 2016/17, scoring a hat-trick in the final against AZ Alkmaar.

Jon Dahl Tomasson

Jon Dahl Tomasson is another modern legend at Feyenoord Rotterdam. The Danish striker played for Feyenoord from 1998-2002 and again from 2008-2011. During his time at the club, Tomasson won the Eredivisie title in 1999 and the UEFA Cup in 2002.

Tomasson was a prolific goal scorer, with a keen eye for goal and an ability to score from anywhere on the pitch. He was also known for his technical ability and his intelligence on the field. Tomasson was a key player for Feyenoord during his time at the club, and his contribution to the team’s success cannot be overstated.

Both Dirk Kuyt and Jon Dahl Tomasson are modern legends at Feyenoord Rotterdam, and their contribution to the club’s success will never be forgotten. They are two of the greatest players to have ever played for the club, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Feyenoord players.

Iconic Managers

Ernst Happel

Ernst Happel is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in Feyenoord’s history. He led the club to its first European Cup triumph in 1970, beating Celtic in the final. This success was followed by another triumph in the UEFA Cup in 1974. Happel’s success with Feyenoord was not limited to European competitions, as he also led the club to two Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup during his tenure.

Happel was known for his tactical acumen and his ability to motivate his players. He was a strict disciplinarian who demanded the best from his players. His attention to detail was legendary, and he was known for his meticulous preparation for matches. Happel’s success with Feyenoord cemented his place as one of the greatest managers in the history of Dutch football.

Leo Beenhakker

Leo Beenhakker is another iconic manager in Feyenoord’s history. He led the club to three Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup during his tenure. Beenhakker was known for his ability to build cohesive teams and his tactical flexibility. He was a master at getting the best out of his players and was respected by all who played for him.

Beenhakker’s success with Feyenoord was not limited to domestic competitions. He also led the club to European success, winning the UEFA Cup in 2002. Beenhakker’s success with Feyenoord cemented his place as one of the greatest managers in the history of Dutch football.

Both Happel and Beenhakker were instrumental in Feyenoord’s success over the years. Their tactical acumen, attention to detail, and ability to motivate players were key factors in the club’s success. They are both remembered as legends of Dutch football and will forever be associated with Feyenoord’s rich history.

European Successes

Feyenoord is one of the most successful clubs in Dutch football history, with a rich history of European success. They have won the European Cup/Champions League once, the UEFA Cup twice, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup once, making them one of the most decorated clubs in the country.

In 1970, Feyenoord won the European Cup by defeating Celtic in the final. The team was led by legendary coach Ernst Happel, who had previously won the competition with Hamburg. The Feyenoord squad was full of talented players, including Wim Jansen, Coen Moulijn, and Rinus Israel. The team’s success in Europe was a testament to their strength and depth, as well as their tactical nous and ability to perform under pressure.

In addition to their European Cup triumph, Feyenoord has also won the UEFA Cup twice. The first time was in 1974, when they defeated Tottenham Hotspur in the final. The second time was in 2002, when they beat Borussia Dortmund in the final. Both times, Feyenoord were able to overcome some of the best teams in Europe to lift the trophy.

Overall, Feyenoord has a proud history of success in European competition. They have consistently performed well on the continent, and have won some of the most prestigious trophies in European football. The club’s European successes have helped to cement its place as one of the most respected and revered clubs in Dutch football history.

Domestic Triumphs

Feyenoord Rotterdam has a long and illustrious history of domestic success, having won a total of 15 Eredivisie titles and 13 KNVB Cups. Some of the greatest players in the club’s history have played a key role in these triumphs, and their contributions have helped to cement Feyenoord’s place as one of the most successful clubs in Dutch football.

One of the club’s most successful periods came in the early 1970s, when Feyenoord won three Eredivisie titles in a row between 1970 and 1972. During this time, the club boasted a number of talented players, including Wim Jansen, Coen Moulijn, and Rinus Israël. These players were instrumental in helping Feyenoord to dominate Dutch football during this period, and their success helped to establish the club as a major force in European football.

Another key period of success for Feyenoord came in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the club won three more Eredivisie titles between 1999 and 2002. During this time, the club was led by a number of talented players, including Paul Bosvelt, Jon Dahl Tomasson, and Robin van Persie. These players helped to establish Feyenoord as a dominant force in Dutch football once again, and their contributions helped to cement the club’s place in the history of Dutch football.

Overall, Feyenoord Rotterdam has a long and proud history of domestic success, and the club’s many triumphs have been achieved thanks to the contributions of some of the greatest players in Dutch football history. Whether it was in the 1970s or the 2000s, these players helped to establish Feyenoord as a major force in Dutch football, and their legacy will continue to be celebrated by fans of the club for many years to come.

Influential Foreign Imports

Feyenoord Rotterdam has had its fair share of foreign players throughout its history. These players have brought their unique skills and talents to the team, contributing to the club’s success on the field.

One of the most influential foreign players to ever play for Feyenoord was Ove Kindvall. The Swedish striker joined the club in 1966 and quickly became a fan favorite. He scored 129 goals in 144 appearances for Feyenoord and played a vital role in the club’s success in the 1970s, including winning the European Cup in 1970.

Another influential foreign player was Ruud Gullit. The Dutch midfielder joined Feyenoord in 1982 and played a key role in the club’s Eredivisie title win in 1984. He scored 32 goals in 85 appearances for the club before leaving for AC Milan in 1987.

In recent years, Feyenoord has continued to bring in talented foreign players. One of the most notable is Robin van Persie. The Dutch striker returned to the club in 2018 and helped lead them to their most recent KNVB Cup win in 2019.

Foreign players have also made significant contributions to the club’s youth teams. One such player is Orkun Kökcü, a Turkish midfielder who joined the club’s youth academy in 2014. He made his first-team debut in 2018 and has since become a regular starter, showcasing his impressive passing and dribbling abilities.

Overall, Feyenoord Rotterdam has a long history of successful foreign players. These players have brought their unique skills and talents to the club, helping to shape its identity and contributing to its success on the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered the legendary figure in Feyenoord’s history?

Coen Moulijn is considered the legendary figure in Feyenoord’s history. He was a left-winger who played for Feyenoord Rotterdam from 1955 to 1972. Moulijn was a key player in Feyenoord’s European Cup-winning team in 1970, and he was also part of the Netherlands team that finished third in the 1974 World Cup. He is known for his dribbling skills, speed, and ability to create chances for his teammates.

Which player holds the record for most appearances with Feyenoord?

Henk Fraser holds the record for most appearances with Feyenoord. He played for the club from 1982 to 1994, making 528 appearances in all competitions. Fraser was a center-back who was known for his leadership skills and his ability to read the game. He was also part of the Feyenoord team that won the Eredivisie title in 1993.

Who has scored the most goals in Feyenoord Rotterdam’s history?

Ove Kindvall has scored the most goals in Feyenoord Rotterdam’s history. He played for the club from 1966 to 1974, scoring 129 goals in 144 league appearances. Kindvall was a striker who was known for his clinical finishing and his ability to score goals from difficult angles. He was also part of the Feyenoord team that won the European Cup in 1970.

Can you name some of the most notable former Feyenoord players?

Some of the most notable former Feyenoord players include Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit, Ronald Koeman, Robin van Persie, and Dirk Kuyt. Johan Cruyff played for Feyenoord in the 1983-84 season, and he helped the club win the KNVB Cup. Ruud Gullit played for Feyenoord from 1980 to 1985, and he was part of the team that won the Eredivisie title in 1984. Ronald Koeman played for Feyenoord from 1995 to 1997, and he helped the club win the KNVB Cup in 1995. Robin van Persie played for Feyenoord from 2018 to 2019, and he helped the club win the KNVB Cup in 2018. Dirk Kuyt played for Feyenoord from 2003 to 2006 and from 2015 to 2017, and he was part of the team that won the Eredivisie title in 2017.

Who are some of the best German players to have played for Feyenoord?

Some of the best German players to have played for Feyenoord include Ulrich van Gobbel, Mario Been, and André Bahia. Ulrich van Gobbel played for Feyenoord from 1994 to 1998, and he was part of the team that won the Eredivisie title in 1998. Mario Been played for Feyenoord from 1982 to 1990, and he helped the club win the Eredivisie title in 1984. André Bahia played for Feyenoord from 2007 to 2013, and he was part of the team that won the KNVB Cup in 2008 and 2010.

Which Portuguese footballers made a significant impact at Feyenoord Rotterdam?

Some of the Portuguese footballers who made a significant impact at Feyenoord Rotterdam include Paulo Futre, Jorge Cadete, and Bruno Martins Indi. Paulo Futre played for Feyenoord in the 1995-96 season, and he helped the club win the KNVB Cup. Jorge Cadete played for Feyenoord from 1999 to 2001, and he was part of the team that won the UEFA Cup in 2002. Bruno Martins Indi played for Feyenoord from 2010 to 2014, and he was part of the team that won the KNVB Cup in 2011.