Best PSV Eindhoven Players of All Time: A Comprehensive List
PSV Eindhoven is one of the most successful football clubs in the Netherlands. Founded in 1913, the club has won 24 Eredivisie titles, 9 KNVB Cups, and the UEFA Cup. Over the years, PSV has produced some of the best players in Dutch football history. These players have not only helped the club achieve success but have also left a lasting legacy in the sport.
Legendary figures like Willy van der Kuijlen and Ruud van Nistelrooy are just some of the names that come to mind when talking about the best players to have ever played for PSV Eindhoven. These players not only dominated the Eredivisie but also made their mark in European competitions. PSV has also produced some of the best goalkeepers in the world, including Heurelho Gomes and Hans van Breukelen.
PSV Eindhoven has always been known for its solid defense, and players like Adrie van Kraay, Eric Gerets, and Willy van de Kerkhof are some of the best defensive stalwarts to have ever played for the club. Midfield maestros like Mark van Bommel and Wim van Hanegem have also graced the field for PSV, while attacking brilliance has been provided by the likes of Romário, Ronaldo, and Arjen Robben.
Key Takeaways
- PSV Eindhoven has produced some of the best players in Dutch football history.
- Legendary figures like Willy van der Kuijlen and Ruud van Nistelrooy are just some of the names that come to mind when talking about the best players to have ever played for PSV Eindhoven.
- PSV has also produced some of the best goalkeepers, defensive stalwarts, midfield maestros, and attacking brilliance in the world of football.
Legendary Figures
PSV Eindhoven has a rich history of producing some of the best football players in the world. In this section, we will take a look at some of the most legendary figures to have played for the club.
Coen Dillen
Coen Dillen is one of the most iconic players in PSV Eindhoven’s history. He played for the club from 1941 to 1957 and is the second-highest goal scorer for PSV with 288 goals. Dillen was known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and was a key player in PSV’s success during the 1950s. He won three Eredivisie titles with the club and was a prolific scorer throughout his career.
Ruud Gullit
Ruud Gullit is one of the most successful footballers to have played for PSV Eindhoven. He played for the club from 1985 to 1987 and won two Eredivisie titles during his time there. Gullit was known for his incredible skill and versatility, and he played in a number of different positions during his career. He was a key player in PSV’s success in the 1980s and helped the club to win the European Cup in 1988.
Romário
Romário is one of the most iconic footballers to have played for PSV Eindhoven. He played for the club from 1988 to 1993 and was a key player in PSV’s success during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Romário was a prolific scorer during his time at the club, and he helped PSV to win three Eredivisie titles and the European Cup in 1988. He was also awarded the Ballon d’Or in 1994 for his performances with Brazil in the World Cup.
These three players are just a few examples of the legendary figures who have played for PSV Eindhoven over the years. They have all left their mark on the club and have helped to establish its reputation as one of the best football clubs in the world.
Iconic Goalkeepers
PSV Eindhoven has had a rich history of goalkeepers who have made significant contributions to the club’s success. Here are two of the most iconic goalkeepers in the history of PSV Eindhoven.
Heurelho Gomes
Heurelho Gomes is a Brazilian goalkeeper who played for PSV Eindhoven from 2004 to 2008. He was instrumental in helping the club win the Eredivisie title in the 2004-2005 season, making several crucial saves throughout the campaign. Gomes was known for his excellent reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, which made him a fan favorite at the Philips Stadion.
During his time at PSV, Gomes played a total of 143 games and kept 77 clean sheets. He was also named the Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2005 and 2006, further cementing his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history. After leaving PSV in 2008, Gomes went on to play for Tottenham Hotspur and Watford in the English Premier League.
Hans van Breukelen
Hans van Breukelen is a Dutch goalkeeper who played for PSV Eindhoven from 1984 to 1994. He was an integral part of the club’s success during the 1980s and early 1990s, helping them win three Eredivisie titles and the European Cup in the 1987-1988 season. Van Breukelen was known for his commanding presence in the penalty area and his accurate distribution of the ball.
During his time at PSV, van Breukelen played a total of 311 games and kept 126 clean sheets. He was also a regular member of the Dutch national team, helping them win the European Championship in 1988. After retiring from football, van Breukelen went on to work as a goalkeeper coach and was appointed as the Technical Director of the Dutch Football Association in 2016.
These two goalkeepers are just a few of the many iconic players who have represented PSV Eindhoven over the years. Their contributions to the club’s success will always be remembered by the fans, and they will forever be a part of the rich history of PSV Eindhoven.
Defensive Stalwarts
PSV Eindhoven has a rich history of producing top-notch defenders who have helped the team win numerous titles over the years. Here are two of the defensive stalwarts who have made a significant impact on the club’s success:
Jaap Stam
Jaap Stam is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in PSV Eindhoven’s history. He joined the club in 1996 and quickly established himself as a key player in the team. Stam’s physicality, aerial ability, and reading of the game made him a nightmare for opposition attackers.
During his time at PSV, Stam won three Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Cups, and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. His performances earned him a move to Manchester United in 1998, where he won three Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Ronald Koeman
Ronald Koeman is another legendary defender who played for PSV Eindhoven. He joined the club in 1979 and spent six seasons at the Philips Stadion. Koeman was a technically gifted player who was known for his free-kick and penalty-taking abilities.
During his time at PSV, Koeman won three Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Cups, and reached the final of the UEFA Cup. He also won the European Cup with Barcelona in 1992, scoring the winning goal in the final against Sampdoria.
Overall, Jaap Stam and Ronald Koeman are two of the best defenders to have ever played for PSV Eindhoven. Their contributions to the club’s success will always be remembered by the fans and the football world.
Midfield Maestros
PSV Eindhoven has been home to some of the most talented midfielders in football history. These players have been instrumental in the success of the club over the years. In this section, we will take a closer look at two of the best midfielders to ever grace the pitch for PSV Eindhoven.
Mark van Bommel
Mark van Bommel is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the history of Dutch football. He played for PSV Eindhoven from 1999 to 2005 and then returned to the club in 2012 to take on the role of head coach. Van Bommel was a versatile midfielder who could play both defensively and offensively and was known for his physicality on the pitch.
During his time at PSV Eindhoven, Mark van Bommel won four Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Cups, and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. He was also named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2001. Van Bommel’s leadership skills and ability to read the game made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Phillip Cocu
Phillip Cocu is another PSV Eindhoven legend who made his mark in the midfield. He played for the club from 1995 to 2004 and then returned as head coach in 2013. Cocu was a technically gifted player who was known for his vision and passing ability. He was also a tenacious tackler and could play in a variety of positions across the midfield.
During his time at PSV Eindhoven, Phillip Cocu won three Eredivisie titles and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. He was also named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2000. Cocu’s versatility and ability to control the midfield made him a key player for the club.
In conclusion, Mark van Bommel and Phillip Cocu are two of the best midfielders to ever play for PSV Eindhoven. Their contributions to the club’s success cannot be overstated, and they will always be remembered as legends of Dutch football.
Attacking Brilliance
PSV Eindhoven has had some of the most prolific attackers in the history of Dutch football. The club has always been known for its attacking style of play, and some of the best players to don the PSV shirt have been forwards and wingers. In this section, we will take a look at two of the best attacking players to have ever played for PSV Eindhoven.
Luc Nilis
Luc Nilis is a name that is synonymous with PSV Eindhoven. The Belgian striker spent six seasons at the club, scoring an impressive 110 goals in 156 appearances. Nilis was a clinical finisher and had a knack for scoring important goals. He helped PSV win three Eredivisie titles and reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in the 1994-95 season. Nilis was also a key player for the Belgian national team, scoring 10 goals in 56 appearances.
Nilis had a remarkable ability to find the back of the net from anywhere on the pitch. He was equally comfortable with both feet and possessed excellent technique and vision. Nilis was also a great team player and had a good understanding with his strike partners. His partnership with Brazilian striker Ronaldo was one of the most lethal in the history of Dutch football.
Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben is one of the most talented wingers to have ever played for PSV Eindhoven. The Dutchman spent three seasons at the club, scoring 21 goals in 65 appearances. Robben was a key player in the PSV team that reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2004-05 season. He was also instrumental in helping PSV win two Eredivisie titles.
Robben was a tricky winger who possessed excellent dribbling skills and pace. He was also a great finisher and had a remarkable ability to score goals from tight angles. Robben’s performances for PSV earned him a move to Chelsea, where he established himself as one of the best wingers in the world. He went on to play for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, winning numerous domestic and European titles.
In conclusion, Luc Nilis and Arjen Robben are two of the best attacking players to have ever played for PSV Eindhoven. They both had a significant impact on the club’s success and are remembered fondly by PSV fans. Their attacking brilliance is a testament to the rich history of attacking football at PSV Eindhoven.
Modern Era Heroes
PSV Eindhoven has seen many great players come and go over the years. However, the modern era has also produced some of the best players in the club’s history. Here are two of the most notable modern era heroes that have made a significant impact on the club.
Hirving Lozano
Hirving Lozano, also known as “Chucky,” is a Mexican winger who joined PSV Eindhoven in 2017. He quickly became a fan favorite due to his impressive performances on the pitch. Lozano’s speed, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability made him one of the most dangerous players in the Eredivisie.
During his time at PSV, Lozano won the Eredivisie title in the 2017-18 season and scored 40 goals in 79 appearances. His performances also earned him a move to Napoli in the Italian Serie A. Although he only spent two seasons at PSV, Lozano left a lasting impression on the club and its fans.
Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum is a Dutch midfielder who started his career at Feyenoord before moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2011. During his time at PSV, Wijnaldum established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Eredivisie. His technical ability, passing range, and work rate made him an integral part of the PSV team.
Wijnaldum won the Eredivisie title with PSV in the 2014-15 season, scoring 14 goals in 28 appearances. He also won the Dutch Footballer of the Year award in the same season. After leaving PSV, Wijnaldum went on to play for Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain. Despite his success at other clubs, Wijnaldum remains a fan favorite at PSV Eindhoven.
These two players are just a few examples of the modern era heroes that have graced the pitch at PSV Eindhoven. With many more talented players to come, the future looks bright for the club.
Captains and Leaders
PSV Eindhoven has had many great leaders throughout their history. These players have not only been excellent on the pitch, but also off it, serving as role models for their teammates and inspiring them to greatness.
One of the most iconic captains in PSV history is Willy van der Kuijlen. He played for the club for over 18 years, making more than 500 appearances and scoring 308 goals. He was a key figure in PSV’s success in the 1970s, helping them win three Eredivisie titles. Van der Kuijlen was known for his leadership qualities, and his ability to inspire his teammates to perform at their best.
Another legendary captain for PSV was Mark van Bommel. He was a tough-tackling midfielder who played for the club for six years, winning three Eredivisie titles and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League. Van Bommel was a fierce competitor who always gave his all on the pitch, and his leadership qualities were evident both on and off the field.
Other notable captains for PSV include Phillip Cocu, who played for the club for over 10 years and won three Eredivisie titles, and Luc Nilis, who was a prolific striker for the club in the late 1990s. Both Cocu and Nilis were respected leaders who inspired their teammates to perform at their best.
Overall, PSV Eindhoven has a rich history of great captains and leaders who have helped the club achieve success both on and off the pitch. These players have served as role models for future generations of PSV players, inspiring them to strive for greatness and embodying the club’s values of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.
European Glory Nights
PSV Eindhoven has a rich history in European competitions, having won the UEFA Cup in 1978 and the European Cup in 1988. The club has also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League on two occasions, in the 1987-88 and 2004-05 seasons.
The 1977-78 UEFA Cup victory was the first major European trophy for PSV Eindhoven. The team, managed by Kees Rijvers, defeated French side Bastia 3-0 on aggregate in the two-legged final. The PSV squad included notable players such as Jan van Beveren, Willy van de Kerkhof, and René van de Kerkhof.
Ten years later, in the 1987-88 season, PSV Eindhoven won the European Cup under the guidance of Guus Hiddink. The team, which included players such as Ronald Koeman, Eric Gerets, and Wim Kieft, defeated Benfica on penalties in the final after a 0-0 draw in regular time. This victory cemented PSV’s place in European football history and remains one of the club’s greatest achievements to date.
PSV’s most recent success in Europe came in the 2004-05 season, when they reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. Coached by Guus Hiddink once again, the team, which included players such as Mark van Bommel, Phillip Cocu, and Ji-Sung Park, defeated the likes of Monaco and Lyon en route to the last four, where they were eventually knocked out by AC Milan.
PSV Eindhoven’s success in European competitions has been a source of pride for the club and its fans. The team has produced some of the greatest players in Dutch football history, and their achievements on the European stage have cemented their place among the continent’s elite clubs.
Eredivisie Triumphs
PSV Eindhoven is one of the most successful clubs in the history of Eredivisie, the top professional football league in the Netherlands. The club has won the league title 24 times, which is the same as their arch-rivals Ajax. PSV Eindhoven’s first Eredivisie triumph came in the 1963-64 season, and they have been a dominant force in Dutch football ever since.
The Boeren, as the club is affectionately known, have enjoyed a lot of success in recent times, winning the Eredivisie title three times in the last decade (2014, 2015, and 2018). The team has been known for their attacking football and have scored a lot of goals in their title-winning campaigns.
PSV Eindhoven’s most successful period in Eredivisie was in the 1980s when they won six league titles in ten years. During this period, the club had some of the best players in Europe, including Ronald Koeman, Ruud Gullit, and Romario. These players were instrumental in PSV Eindhoven’s success and helped the club establish itself as a major force in European football.
In addition to their Eredivisie triumphs, PSV Eindhoven has also won the KNVB Cup nine times, which is the second most in the history of the competition. The club has also had success in European competitions, winning the UEFA Cup in 1978 and the European Cup in 1988.
Fan Favorites
PSV Eindhoven has had many great players over the years, but some have stood out as fan favorites. These players have not only been talented on the field but have also won the hearts of the fans with their personality and dedication to the club.
One such player is Willy van der Kuijlen, who holds the record for most league appearances and most league goals for PSV. He played for the club for 18 seasons and was known for his incredible scoring ability. Fans loved him not only for his goals but also for his loyalty to the club.
Another fan favorite is Ruud van Nistelrooy, who played for PSV from 1998 to 2001. He was a prolific scorer and helped the team win the Eredivisie in his first season. His performances earned him a move to Manchester United, where he became one of the best strikers in the world. Despite leaving the club, he is still fondly remembered by PSV fans.
Jaap Stam is another player who is loved by PSV supporters. He played for the club from 1996 to 1998 and was a key part of the team that won the Eredivisie in 1997. He was a dominant defender and his performances earned him a move to Manchester United, where he won three Premier League titles. Fans remember him for his strength and tenacity on the field.
These are just a few examples of the many fan favorites who have played for PSV Eindhoven over the years. These players not only brought success to the club but also created lasting memories for the fans.
Record Setters
PSV Eindhoven has a long and storied history, and over the years, many players have left their mark on the club. Some of these players have set records that may never be broken.
One such player is Willy van der Kuijlen. Van der Kuijlen holds the records for most league appearances (528) and most league goals (308) for PSV. He played for the club from 1964 to 1981, scoring an incredible 311 goals in all competitions. Van der Kuijlen was a prolific goalscorer and a true legend of the club.
Another record setter is Coen Dillen. Dillen is the second-highest goal scorer for PSV with 288 goals in 281 appearances. He played for the club from 1946 to 1964 and was known for his powerful left foot. Dillen was a key player in PSV’s early years and helped the club win their first Eredivisie title in 1951.
In addition to these two players, there are many other record setters who have left their mark on PSV Eindhoven. Players like Jan van Beveren, who holds the record for most clean sheets in a season with 24, and Ruud van Nistelrooy, who scored 31 goals in the 1999-2000 season, have helped make PSV one of the most successful clubs in Dutch football.
Overall, PSV Eindhoven has a rich history filled with talented players who have set records and achieved great success. These players have helped shape the club’s identity and have left a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the top goal scorers in PSV Eindhoven’s history?
Willy van der Kuijlen is the all-time top scorer for PSV Eindhoven with 308 goals in 528 appearances. Other notable goal scorers include Coen Dillen with 287 goals in 328 appearances and Jan van Beveren with 19 goals in 421 appearances as a goalkeeper.
Which PSV Eindhoven players have won the Ballon d’Or?
Johan Cruyff won the Ballon d’Or three times in 1971, 1973, and 1974 while playing for Ajax and Barcelona, but he also played for PSV Eindhoven in the 1980s. Romário won the Ballon d’Or in 1994 while playing for Barcelona but also played for PSV Eindhoven from 1988 to 1993.
Who holds the record for most appearances with PSV Eindhoven?
Willy van der Kuijlen holds the record for most appearances with PSV Eindhoven with 528 appearances between 1964 and 1981. He played as a forward and scored 308 goals for the club.
Can you name some PSV Eindhoven players who also played for Arsenal?
Marc Overmars played for PSV Eindhoven from 1991 to 1997 before moving to Arsenal. Gilles Grimandi also played for PSV Eindhoven from 1993 to 1995 before moving to Arsenal.
Which PSV Eindhoven players have been part of a World Cup-winning team?
Romário was part of Brazil’s World Cup-winning team in 1994 and played for PSV Eindhoven from 1988 to 1993. Ronaldo was part of Brazil’s World Cup-winning team in 2002 and played for PSV Eindhoven from 1994 to 1996.
Who are some of the most iconic PSV Eindhoven players recognized globally?
Johan Cruyff is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time and played for PSV Eindhoven in the 1980s. Ruud Gullit played for PSV Eindhoven from 1985 to 1987 before moving to AC Milan and winning the Ballon d’Or in 1987. Ronaldo played for PSV Eindhoven from 1994 to 1996 before moving to Barcelona and winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1996 and 1997.
