A Dutch defender who played for Ajax and AZ Alkmaar, earning 17 international caps for the Netherlands national team. He's most recognized for his tenacious tackling and aerial ability.
Tim de Cler, a stalwart Dutch footballer, is best known for his impressive skills as a left-back and his remarkable resilience in the face of injuries that threatened to derail his career. Born on November 8, 1978, in Leiden, South Holland, De Cler's passion for football was evident from a young age, and his determination to succeed led him to overcome numerous setbacks and achieve greatness in the sport.
De Cler grew up in a neighborhood in Leiden with 1520 boys around the same age, providing him with an ideal environment to hone his football skills. He was often found playing football on the streets with his brother Henk, and their love for the game led them to join amateur side Lugdunum at a young age. At Lugdunum, De Cler played as a centre-back until the age of 12, and it was during this period that he caught the attention of scouts from Ajax.
In a surprising turn of events, De Cler joined Ajax's world-famous youth academy, despite being a Feyenoord supporter. This move marked the beginning of his professional journey, and he gradually transitioned from playing as a left winger to becoming a skilled left-back. After impressing at the youth level, De Cler was offered his first professional contract and joined Ajax's second team.
On April 23, 1998, De Cler made his professional debut in a 6-1 home win over Willem II, but his joy was short-lived. Two days later, he suffered a tibia fracture that kept him sidelined for four months. Despite this setback, De Cler's perseverance earned him a spot in the first team squad upon his return. During his time at Ajax, he faced stiff competition from talented defenders like Cristian Chivu, John O'Brien, and Maxwell, yet managed to feature in numerous matches.
In the summer of 2002, De Cler left Ajax to join AZ, marking a new chapter in his career. He continued to impress with his defensive skills, eventually moving to Feyenoord and AEK Larnaca in the latter stages of his career.
Throughout his career, De Cler won several honors, including two Eredivisie titles and three KNVB Cups with Ajax. His tenacity and adaptability earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike. Despite the numerous injuries that threatened to derail his career, De Cler's dedication to the sport enabled him to leave a lasting impact on Dutch football.
Today, Tim de Cler's legacy serves as an inspiration to young footballers, a testament to the power of determination and hard work in overcoming adversity.
42 Years Old
A flying Dutchman on the pitch, known for his lightning-quick speed, precise ball control, and unstoppable left-footed shots that often found the back of the net. A winger with a knack for scoring crucial goals in big games.
42 Years Old
A skilled and creative attacking midfielder who won numerous titles with Ajax, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, and was a key player in the Netherlands' 2010 World Cup runner-up finish.
46 Years Old
A prolific and versatile forward, known for his tireless work rate, versatility, and clutch performances, particularly in big games.
43 Years Old
A prolific goal-scorer and skilled playmaker, known for his exceptional technique, vision, and goal-scoring ability, leading his teams to numerous titles and earning individual accolades.
43 Years Old
A skilled and creative attacking midfielder who played for top clubs like Ajax, Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur, known for his vision, passing range, and goal-scoring ability.
41 Years Old
A skilled and tenacious midfielder known for his tough tackling and crucial goals in big games, particularly during his time with Manchester City and the Netherlands national team.
56 Years Old
Former Dutch goalkeeper and current Ajax CEO, known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and leadership in the football world.
51 Years Old
A Dutch football legend who played for top clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona, and later managed Rangers and the Netherlands national team, known for his attacking style and leadership on the pitch.
