Kees van Wonderen

Kees van Wonderen

Kees van Wonderen was born on January 4th, 1969

Full Name: Kees van Wonderen
Place of Birth: Netherlands
Profession: Footballer and Manager
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5 feet 9 inches
Teams: NEC Nijmegen, Go Ahead Eagles
Managing Career: Go Ahead Eagles, FC Utrecht
National Team: Netherlands U21

A Dutch footballer and manager who played for several clubs and later coached teams in the Netherlands and abroad, known for his defensive skills and tactical acumen.

Written by: Oliver Wren Oliver Wren

Kees van Wonderen: The Dutch Football Maestro

A Champion on and off the Pitch

Kees van Wonderen is a renowned Dutch professional football manager and former player, celebrated for his exceptional skills as a centre back, and his triumphant coaching career. With a glittering playing career that saw him win the Eredivisie in 1999 and the 2001-02 UEFA Cup, Van Wonderen has left an indelible mark on the world of football.

Early Life and Playing Career

Born on January 4, 1969, in Bergen, North Holland, Van Wonderen began his professional football journey with NEC, before moving to NAC Breda and eventually Feyenoord. During his time at Feyenoord, he was an integral part of the team that won the Eredivisie in 1999 and the 2001-02 UEFA Cup, defeating Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in the final at De Kuip.

International Career

Van Wonderen's impressive skills on the pitch earned him five caps for the Netherlands national team, showcasing his talent on the international stage.

Coaching Career

After hanging up his boots, Van Wonderen transitioned into coaching, starting as a scout at Feyenoord before becoming an assistant coach to Camiel Jager at VV Bennekom in 2006. He joined Twente in 2008, working under Steve McClaren, and later became an assistant manager in 2010. Van Wonderen's dedication to his family led him to take a step back, but he returned to Twente in 2013, following a request from his former colleague Alfred Schreuder.

Managing the Netherlands U17 and U18 National Teams

In the summer of 2015, Van Wonderen was appointed manager of the Netherlands U17 and U18 national teams, where he continued to shape the future of Dutch football.

Assistant Manager to Ronald Koeman

In March 2018, Van Wonderen was appointed assistant manager to Ronald Koeman for the Netherlands A-team, further solidifying his reputation as a respected coach in the football world.

Career Highlights

A Legacy in Dutch Football

Kees van Wonderen's remarkable journey in football has left an indelible mark on the sport. From his triumphant playing career to his successful coaching stint, Van Wonderen continues to inspire and shape the future of Dutch football.
Timeline
1969
Born in Netherlands
Kees van Wonderen was born on January 4, 1969, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He would go on to become a professional footballer and manager.
1989
Ajax Debut
Van Wonderen made his professional debut with Ajax, a prominent Dutch football club.
1996
Eredivisie Champion
Van Wonderen won the Eredivisie championship with Ajax, his first major domestic title.
2001
Assistant Coach at Ajax
Van Wonderen began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Ajax.
2008
Manager of FC Volendam
Van Wonderen became the manager of FC Volendam, a Dutch football club.
Kees van Wonderen

Kees van Wonderen Quiz

What position did Kees van Wonderen primarily play in his football career?

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FAQ
What is Kees van Wonderens football career like?
Kees van Wonderen played professional football in the Netherlands and abroad, including stints with clubs like FC Volendam and FC Zwolle. He later became a manager and coached several clubs in the Netherlands.
What teams did Kees van Wonderen manage?
Kees van Wonderen managed teams like FC Volendam, FC Zwolle, and TOP Oss in the Netherlands.
What is Kees van Wonderens most notable achievement?
Kees van Wonderens most notable achievement was leading FC Volendam to promotion to the Eredivisie in 2003.
Is Kees van Wonderen still active in football?
Although Kees van Wonderen is no longer an active manager, he still works in football, serving as a scout and advisor for various clubs.
What awards has Kees van Wonderen won?
Kees van Wonderen has won several awards, including the Rinus Michels Award for Best Manager in the Eerste Divisie in 2003.

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