Clarence Seedorf

Lore & Background

Seedorf is considered one of the most successful players in UEFA Champions League history, as he is the only player to have won the UEFA Champions League with three clubs — once with Ajax in 1995, once with Real Madrid in 1998, and twice with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007. At international level, he represented the Netherlands on 87 occasions, and took part in three UEFA European Football Championships (1996, 2000, 2004) and the 1998 FIFA World Cup, reaching the semi-finals of the latter three tournaments. In 2004, he was chosen by Pelé as part of the FIFA 100. Seedorf is one of the most decorated Dutch players ever, and has won domestic and continental titles while playing.

Reader's Guide

Seedorf began his career at age six in the youth ranks of local amateur sides VV AS '80 and Real Almere, before being discovered and recruited to Ajax by Urgent Scoutingteam. He made his professional debut for Ajax on 29 November 1992 against Groningen at age 16 years and 242 days, becoming the youngest-ever debutant for Ajax at the time. He helped Ajax win the treble in 1993–94 and the UEFA Champions League in 1995. He then played for Sampdoria, Real Madrid (winning La Liga and the 1998 Champions League), Inter Milan, and AC Milan (winning the 2003 and 2007 Champions League, plus the 2003 Coppa Italia and 2003–04 Serie A). He also won the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup with Milan, becoming the first European player to win that trophy with three clubs (Ajax in 1995 and Real Madrid in 1998).

Did You Know?

• He scored a notable long-range goal against Atlético Madrid while playing for Real Madrid in 1997.
• Seedorf was part of a trio known as 'De kabel' with Edgar Davids and Patrick Kluivert at Ajax.