Winston Bogarde

Winston Bogarde made his professional football debut for SVV (Schiedamse Voetbal Vereniging) in the Netherlands on November 26, 1988. Bogarde's career began in the Eerste Divisie, the second tier of Dutch football. He played as a forward and later transitioned to a defender during his career, showing versatility in his playing roles.

In 1995, Winston Bogarde signed with the Italian giant AC Milan. This transfer was a significant step in his career, taking him to one of Europe's most prestigious leagues. His time at AC Milan, though not long, was part of his journey among Europe's elite clubs, showcasing his talent on a larger stage and competing in Serie A.

Winston Bogarde was part of the illustrious Ajax team that won the UEFA Champions League in the 1994-1995 season. Courtesy to his defensive skills and strong presence on the field, Bogarde played a crucial role throughout the tournament, culminating in a victory against AC Milan in the final held in Vienna.

On August 22, 2000, Winston Bogarde made a surprising move to Chelsea FC in the English Premier League from Barcelona. His contract became famous for its complexity, and he notoriously spent much of his time at Chelsea not playing due to managerial decisions, yet he remained with the club for the entire duration of his lucrative contract, marking a unique chapter in football history.

Winston Bogarde announced his retirement from professional football on November 12, 2004. His career spanned over 16 years, wherein he achieved various milestones, including winning the UEFA Champions League and competing in several top European leagues. His retirement marked the end of a noteworthy, albeit controversial, football journey.

In June 2011, Winston Bogarde embarked on a new phase of his footballing life by starting his career as a coach. Initially working with the Ajax youth teams, he transitioned from his playing days to mentorship, focusing on developing young talents and sharing his extensive experience gained from his playing days across Europe.

In July 2014, Winston Bogarde was appointed as the assistant manager of Ajax's first team. This position marked a significant step up in his coaching career, allowing him to apply his insights and strategies at the highest level of Dutch football, directly contributing to the team's tactical and strategic planning alongside the head coach.

On August 10, 2020, Winston Bogarde took on the role of first team coach at Ajax, further elevating his status in the coaching ranks. Bogarde's responsibilities included preparing the team tactically for matches in both domestic competitions and European fixtures. This role capitalized on his accumulated experience, bringing fresh perspectives to the team.