Arie Haan
Arie Bombarie: The midfielder who mastered the long-range strike and total football.
Arend "Arie" Haan is a Dutch football legend born in 1948, renowned as a midfielder whose long-range shooting and tactical versatility defined an era. He scored six goals in thirty-five appearances for the Netherlands national team, famously striking from distance against top goalkeepers like Dino Zoff and Sepp Maier. At club level, Haan anchored AFC Ajax to three consecutive European Cups (1971–1973) alongside Johan Neeskens and Gerrie Muhren. His career spanned successful spells at R.S.C. Anderlecht, Standard Liège, and PSV Eindhoven before he retired as a player in Hong Kong with Seiko SA.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Arend Haan
- Born
- 16 November 1948
- Birthplace
- Finsterwolde, Netherlands
- Position
- Midfielder
Facts from the source article.
Background
Haan joined AFC Ajax in 1967, making his official debut on 23 May 1968. He quickly became a vital part of the squad that dominated Europe, winning three consecutive European Cups from 1971 to 1973, plus the Intercontinental Cup in 1972 and two European Super Cups in 1972 and 1973. Domestically, he secured three Eredivisie titles (1969–70, 1971–72, 1972–73) and the Dutch Cup from 1970 to 1972. His versatility allowed him to play as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, center-back, or even sweeper when teammates like Barry Hulshoff were injured. Known for his stamina and tenacity, he partnered with Ludo Coeck at Anderlecht after joining the Belgian club in 1975, where they won two European Cup Winners' Cups in 1976 and 1978.
Did You Know?
- He scored two famous goals from distance in the 1978 World Cup against goalkeepers Sepp Maier and Dino Zoff.
- Haan participated in seven European club competition finals, winning five and losing two.
- He played as a sweeper for the Netherlands national team when regular defenders were injured.
- After retiring as a player, Haan managed national teams including China, Cameroon, and Albania.
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