A Dutch football legend, known for his incredible speed and skill on the pitch, earning him a spot in the Netherlands' national team and several top-tier clubs.
Faas Wilkes, a Dutch football forward born on October 13, 1923, is revered as one of the greatest players the Netherlands has ever produced. With an incredible 35 goals in 38 caps for the national team, averaging an astonishing 0.92 goals per game, Wilkes left an indelible mark on the Beautiful Game.
Wilkes' professional journey began at Xerxes Rotterdam, before he made the bold move to Internazionale in 1949. During his three-year stint in Milan, he played 95 matches, scoring 47 goals, and earning a reputation as a creative and skilled player.
In 1952, Wilkes joined Torino for a brief spell, followed by a successful four-year stint at Valencia in Spain, where he scored 38 goals in 62 appearances, becoming the club's first foreign idol.
He went on to play for VVV, Levante, and Fortuna 54, leaving a trail of brilliance wherever he stepped onto the pitch.
Wilkes' finest hours came in the Netherlands national team jersey, where he represented his country 38 times, scoring 35 goals. His impressive tally held the record for most goals scored for the Netherlands national team from 1959 until 1998.
At the 1948 Summer Olympics, Wilkes showcased his exceptional skills, further solidifying his status as a Dutch football legend.
Faas Wilkes' brilliant career, marked by his creative style of play and exceptional dribbling skills, has inspired generations of Dutch footballers. The Dutch cartoon character Kick Wilstra was named in part after him, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
On August 15, 2006, Wilkes passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and delight football fans around the world.
In the words of the great man himself, "A good footballer needs to have the ability to adapt, to think quickly, and to make the right decision in a split second."
Born in 1920
Dutch football legend and prolific goal-scorer who played for the Netherlands national team and several clubs, earning him a place in the Dutch Football Hall of Fame.
99 Years Old
A legendary Hungarian footballer and manager who scored 746 goals in 629 games, leading his national team to the 1954 World Cup final and winning four Hungarian championships. He's a iconic figure in the sport, known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and innovative tactics.
Born in 1922
A Hungarian football legend who revolutionized the sport with his innovative "deep-lying center-forward" position, leading his team to numerous victories and earning him a place in football history.
Born in 1925
A Hungarian footballer and manager who won two Olympic titles and played in four World Cups, known for his exceptional skills and leadership on the pitch.
Born in 1924
French-Hungarian footballer who played for Inter Milan and won the 1939 European Cup with Hungary, known for his exceptional dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability.
