Marc Overmars

Lore & Background

Overmars represented the Netherlands national team for twelve years. He made his international debut in 1993 against Turkey, and his first goal for the Netherlands came later against San Marino. He was a member of the Dutch squad for the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, and the 2000 and 2004 European Championships.

In Their Own Story

The lights at De Kuip hummed with tension during a classic Eredivisie clash. Overmars received the ball near the halfway line, eyes locked on the touchline. With a burst that seemed to defy physics, he glided past two defenders in red and white. The crowd roared as he whipped in a cross, the ball sailing toward the box like a missile. It was a moment of pure Dutch artistry against the backdrop of fierce local rivalry.

Reader's Guide

Overmars is a former winger known for his speed and technical skills. He won three Eredivisie titles and the UEFA Champions League with Ajax, and a Premier League and FA Cup double with Arsenal in his first season. He later became director of football at Ajax and then Royal Antwerp.

Did You Know?

• Overmars scored the winning goal against Manchester United that helped Arsenal secure the 1997–98 Premier League title.
• He opened the scoring in the 1998 FA Cup final against Newcastle United.
• Overmars became the most expensive Dutch player in history when he moved to Barcelona for £25 million in 2000.
• He made his international debut for the Netherlands in 1993, but his first goal came later against San Marino.