Van Basten Netherlands Poster A3

Marco van Basten’s career with the Netherlands national team is widely celebrated, though his international journey was relatively short due to recurring injuries. Known for his elegance, technical ability, and lethal finishing, Van Basten’s influence on Dutch football is legendary.

Van Basten earned his first cap for the Netherlands in 1983, but it was in 1988 that he reached the pinnacle of his international career. During UEFA Euro 1988, hosted in West Germany, Van Basten was the standout performer. After a slow start in the group stages, he scored a hat trick against England, followed by the crucial winning goal against West Germany in the semifinals. In the final, Van Basten scored one of the most iconic goals in football history—a stunning volley from a tight angle against the Soviet Union, sealing a 2-0 victory and securing the Netherlands' only major international trophy to date. He finished as the tournament's top scorer with five goals and earned the Golden Boot as well as a place in the Team of the Tournament.

Although he went on to play in the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1992, Van Basten’s contributions were increasingly limited due to injuries. The 1990 World Cup ended disappointingly for the Netherlands, as they were eliminated in the Round of 16. In Euro 1992, Van Basten’s Dutch team looked strong and reached the semifinals, where they were eliminated in a penalty shootout against Denmark, with Van Basten himself missing a penalty.

Unfortunately, Van Basten’s career was cut short due to chronic ankle issues. He retired from international football in 1992 with 24 goals in 58 appearances for the Netherlands. Though his time with the national team was brief, his impact on Dutch football and his unforgettable Euro 1988 performance cemented his status as one of the Netherlands' greatest players.