Wim Suurbier
The speedy right back who anchored Ajax's three-peat.
Wilhelmus Lourens Johannes Suurbier, known universally as Wim Suurbier, was a cornerstone of the legendary Ajax Amsterdam teams of the 1970s. Born in Eindhoven and raised in Amsterdam, he debuted at age 19 and spent 13 years with the club until 1977. A right back renowned for his exceptional pace and stamina, Suurbier was integral to the 'Twelve Apostles' squad that mastered Total Football under Johan Cruijff. His career spanned from his debut in the mid-60s through three consecutive European Cup victories, establishing him as a key figure in Dutch football history before moving abroad to the United States and Qatar.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Wilhelmus Lourens Johannes Suurbier
- Born
- 16 January 1945
- Birthplace
- Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Died
- 12 July 2020
- Place of death
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Height
- 1.81 m / 5 ft 11 in
- Position
- Right back
- Total caps
- 577
Facts from the source article.
Background
Suurbier’s time at Ajax coincided with the club's most dominant era. He played more than 500 official matches, earning a spot in the informal Club van 100. As part of the 'Twelve Apostles' led by Johan Cruijff, he helped lift the UEFA European Cup three times in a row (1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73). His versatility allowed him to operate seamlessly within the Total Football system, providing defensive solidity while supporting attacks with relentless energy. Beyond club success, he earned 60 caps for the Netherlands between 1966 and 1978, scoring three goals. He was a key participant in the team that finished second in both the 1974 and 1978 World Cups and secured third place at the 1976 UEFA European Championship.
Did You Know?
- Suurbier and Ruud Krol were nicknamed 'Snabbel' and 'Babbel' for their habit of joking at the expense of teammate Ruud Geels during the 1974 World Cup.
- Suurbier was part of the 'Twelve Apostles' squad that won the UEFA European Cup three consecutive times (1971–1973).
- He befriended George Best while playing in the United States, describing Best's lifestyle as 'bit boring'.
- Suurbier died on 12 July 2020 after suffering a major intracerebral haemorrhage in May of that year.
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