Ronald de Boer

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

De Boer's first youth club was De Zouaven in Lutjebroek before being selected for the Ajax youth programme in 1983. He played for Ajax (1988–91 and 1993–99), Twente (1991–93), Barcelona (1999–2000), Rangers (2000–04), Al-Rayyan (2004–05) and Al-Shamal (2005–08). In his first spell at Ajax he won the Eredivisie title in 1989–90. After returning to Ajax under Louis van Gaal, he won three consecutive Eredivisie titles (1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96), the 1995 UEFA Champions League, the 1995 Intercontinental Cup, and the 1995 UEFA Super Cup. He was runner-up in the 1996 UEFA Champions League. Under Morten Olsen he won a fifth Eredivisie title in 1997–98 and the 1997–98 KNVB Cup. After signing a six-year contract extension with Ajax at the start of the 1998–99 season, Ronald and Frank took successful legal action to have the contract voided. Ajax had agreed verbally that if a lucrative offer for one brother came by, he would be released provided the other stayed, but Ajax backed down after floating the club on the stock market. In January 1999, Frank and Ronald signed for Barcelona for £22 million. At Barcelona, De Boer featured in only 33 La Liga games and scored one goal. He joined Rangers under Dick Advocaat in the 2000–01 season, making his debut in a Scottish League Cup tie against Aberdeen on 6 September 2000, and scoring his first goal in a UEFA Champions League tie against Sturm Graz. He won the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup in 2001–02 (though he missed the League Cup final through injury) and a domestic treble in 2002–03. He spent four seasons with Rangers before joining Al-Rayyan after the 2003–04 season. He recovered from neck surgery and canceled his contract with Al-Shamal on 19 March 2008, retiring. He won 67 caps and scored 13 goals for the Netherlands, playing in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups (six matches, two goals) and Euro 1996 and Euro 2000. He missed a penalty in the shootout against Brazil in the 1998 semi-finals. He was never officially captain but wore the armband on several occasions.

In Their Own Story

In the 2001–02 season at Rangers, Ronald helped the club win both the Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Cup, though he missed the former final due to injury. The following season, 2002–03, brought even greater triumph as he guided Rangers to a domestic treble of the League, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup. His time in Scotland began with his debut on 6 September 2000 against Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup, followed by scoring his first goal for the club against Sturm Graz in the UEFA Champions League. He spent four seasons at Ibrox before moving to Al-Rayyan. Later, after recovering from neck surgery, he decided not to play in Al-Shamal's final two games of the 2006–07 season and officially retired on 19 March 2008.

Reader's Guide

Ronald de Boer is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a right or attacking midfielder or right winger. He is the twin brother of Frank de Boer. He works as the Ajax A1 assistant manager.

Did You Know?

• Ronald de Boer was on the cover of the International edition of FIFA 96 alongside Jason McAteer.
• He won the Dutch Footballer of the Year award in 1994 and 1996.
• He scored only one La Liga goal for Barcelona in 33 appearances.