Marco van Basten

On 24 November 1987, Marco van Basten was awarded the Ballon d'Or, recognized for his outstanding performance both at club level with AC Milan and internationally with the Netherlands national team. It marked the first of three Ballon d'Or titles he would go on to win in his career, signifying him as one of the best footballers in the world at the time. His technical skill, goal-scoring ability, and contributions to Milan's success were key factors in him receiving this prestigious accolade.

Marco van Basten played a crucial role in the Netherlands' victory in the UEFA Euro 1988 final against the Soviet Union, held on 25 June 1988. Van Basten scored one of football's most famous goals—a volley from a tight angle in the final, securing a 2-0 victory. This victory marked the first major international tournament win for the Netherlands, with van Basten finishing as the tournament's top scorer. His performances throughout the tournament solidified his status as a world-class footballer.

Marco van Basten was awarded his second Ballon d'Or on 24 December 1989. His exceptional contributions to AC Milan's domestic and European successes were key factors in his recognition once again. Van Basten helped his team secure the European Cup, scoring vital goals throughout the competition, including a hat-trick against IFK Göteborg. The award further cemented him as one of the preeminent athletes in football history.

On 22 December 1992, Marco van Basten received his third Ballon d'Or, celebrating his achievements with AC Milan during the 1992 season. That year, Van Basten led the European Golden Boot, scoring 25 league goals and playing a pivotal role in Milan's dominant Serie A campaign. This accolade underscored his brilliance and long-lasting impact on the field, despite beginning to face severe ankle injuries that would later affect his playing career.

On 17 August 1995, Marco van Basten officially announced his retirement from professional football due to persistent ankle injuries that had plagued him since the early 1990s. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and rehabilitation attempts, his injuries continued to hinder his ability to play at the top level. Van Basten is remembered as one of the greatest strikers in football, having scored 277 goals in 373 appearances, and for his elegance on the ball and goal-scoring prowess.

On 18 October 2003, Marco van Basten was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his illustrious career in Italian football, particularly with AC Milan. Van Basten's impact on Serie A was profound, having helped Milan secure multiple league titles and other honors. His induction honored his contributions to raising the profile and standard of Italian football on an international level.

On 4 March 2004, Marco van Basten was named in the FIFA 100, a list compiled by Pelé to celebrate the greatest living footballers. This honor noted Van Basten's exceptional talent and influence in football, highlighting his impeccable technique, goal-scoring ability, and his achievements on both the domestic and international stages. Despite his career being cut short by injury, he was recognized as a football icon of extraordinary caliber.

During UEFA Euro 2008, Marco van Basten was the head coach of the Netherlands national team. The tournament, held in June 2008, saw Van Basten lead his team to impressive victories in the group stage, including a 3-0 win against Italy and a 4-1 triumph over France. Although the team was eventually eliminated in the quarter-finals by Russia, Van Basten's efforts as a manager were praised for his tactical approach and revitalizing Dutch football.

On 22 September 2016, Marco van Basten was appointed as the FIFA Chief Officer for Technical Development. In this role, he was responsible for spearheading new initiatives and directives aimed at improving the game on a global scale. Van Basten's experience as a former player and coach uniquely positioned him to understand the technical aspects and help shape the future of football through innovations and enhancements in the rules and conduct of the game.

On 24 November 2018, the exhibition 'Because Soccer with Marco Van Basten' was unveiled, celebrating the life and career of the legendary footballer. The exhibition featured memorabilia, personal items, and multimedia presentations from his playing days with clubs like Ajax and AC Milan, as well as his role in the Netherlands national team. The event highlighted Van Basten's impact on the sport and his enduring legacy in the world of football.