Jan van Beveren

Lore & Background

Van Beveren was born in Amsterdam, but moved to Emmen as a teenager. He played for amateur side VV Emmen, then Sparta Rotterdam, and later PSV Eindhoven, where he won three Eredivisie titles, two domestic cups and the UEFA Cup in 1978. He later played for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and the Dallas Sidekicks. He earned 32 caps for the Netherlands national team, but his international career was cut short due to a feud with Johan Cruyff, causing him to miss the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicked the pitch at De Kuip as the crowd roared for the returning heroes from Milan. Jan van Beveren stepped onto the grass, his red and white jersey still bearing the faint scent of the Italian night air. He looked toward the stands where thousands waved flags, their voices a unified thunder. In that moment, he wasn't just a player; he was part of the city's soul. A young fan in the front row reached out, eyes wide with disbelief as one of the greatest right-backs in history paused to touch the corner flag.

Reader's Guide

Van Beveren was a goalkeeper. He never played for Feyenoord. His club career included VV Emmen (1963–1965), Sparta Rotterdam (1965–1970), PSV Eindhoven (1970–1980), Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1980–1983), and Dallas Sidekicks (indoor, 1984–1986).

Did You Know?

• Van Beveren's father, Wil van Beveren, was a sprinter who competed against Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics.
• Van Beveren made his debut for Emmen's first team at age 15.
• He was the first player ever signed by the Dallas Sidekicks.
• Van Beveren kept a clean sheet in both legs of the 1978 UEFA Cup final.