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Abe Minderts Lenstra (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈaːbə ˈmɪndərts ˈlɛnstraː]; 27 November 1920 – 2 September 1985) was a Dutch footballer and national football icon in the 1950s who played as a forward. He is regarded as one of the greatest players ever to hail from the Netherlands. He was also a Frisian legend, most notably with the club where he made his name as a football player, Heerenveen.[2] Known for his exceptional dribbling skills, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, Lenstra was considered one of the best forwards of his generation[3] He earned 47 caps for the Netherlands national team, scoring 33 goals, and played a crucial role in the team's success during his era. In addition to his national fame, Lenstra was beloved in Friesland, where his contributions to both Heerenveen and regional football left a lasting legacy.[4]

Key Information

Abe Lenstra's arguably greatest performance came in a match between Heerenveen and Ajax, where his team was losing 5–1 at halftime. Lenstra led a stunning comeback, scoring multiple goals to secure a 6–5 victory by the end of the second half.[5] This game is often remembered as a testament to his exceptional skill and leadership on the pitch. His talent was recognized internationally, with Serie A clubs, including Fiorentina, showing interest in signing him during a time when players rarely left their home countries due to the aftermath of World War II[6] . This interest further emphasizes Lenstra's exceptional abilities. Over the course of his career, Lenstra scored more than 500 goals, a feat achieved by only a handful of players in football history, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's greats. Lenstra won the Sportsman of the Year 1951 which was the first Sportsman of the Year election, Lenstra was the first to win this prize and won the Bond Rifle of the KNFB on 3 April 1960.[7]

Early life

[edit]

Abe Lenstra's football journey began on the streets of Heerenveen, where he honed his skills playing informal games. He also played for his school football team, showcasing his early talent. At the age of 12, Syd Castle, the Scottish coach of FF Heerenveen, sought permission from Lenstra's father to allow him to join the club's youth setup. In 1936, at just 15 years old, Lenstra joined the club's top team. His first appearance for Heerenveen came alongside his older brother, Jan, in the club’s second team. On 1 March 1936, they played against Alcides from Meppel, with Abe scoring three goals and Jan scoring six, but despite the impressive performance, Abe missed out on a move to the first team.[8]

Career

[edit]

Abe Lenstra's football career spanned several clubs, including SC Enschede, Enschedese Boys, PH: DOS '19, WSV, DOS Kampen and vv LTC. However, it was at VV Heerenveen (the previous name of current day SC Heerenveen) where he gained national prominence and earned a spot on the Dutch national team.Abe Lenstra made his debut for Heerenveen on 16 July 1936, during a tournament featuring clubs from Gorredijk, Noordwolde, Drachten, and Heerenveen. In his first match for the club against Gorredijk, which ended in a 2–2 draw, Lenstra scored a goal that Hepkema's Courant described as a "wonderful goal." Lenstra's most notable performances were with Heerenveen, including his legendary comeback performance against Ajax in 1950, where his team was trailing 5–1 at halftime, only to win 6–5 by the end of the match. This incredible performance solidified his status as one of the Netherlands' footballing icons. In 1954, when professional football was introduced in the Netherlands, the already 34-year-old Abe Lenstra made the move from VV Heerenveen to the much larger SC Enschede. Despite his skill, he narrowly missed out on winning the Eredivisie title when Enschede lost the 1958 final to DOS Utrecht after 180 minutes of play. In 1960, he made the move to the rivals Enschedese Boys, where he ended his professional career in 1963.

Abe Lenstra became the first Friesian footballer to play for the Netherlands national team on 31 March 1940, at just 19 years old, in a 5–4 loss to Luxembourg, where he scored a goal. Over his international career, he earned 47 caps and scored 33 goals,[9] forming key partnerships with players like Faas Wilkes and Kees Rijvers. Lenstra was known for standing by his principles, refusing to play for the national team if not selected for his preferred position.

It was Lenstra who put the name of SC Heerenveen on the footballing map, and the club became affectionately known as "Abeveen" in his honour. Long after his retirement, in 1977, he was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage, which left him using a wheelchair for the remainder of his life. Lenstra died in 1985, just a few days before the first-ever international match was played at the stadium that would be named after him a year later.

Legacy

[edit]

Today, his name has been closely associated with SC Heerenveen and its stadium: The Abe Lenstra Stadion has been named in his honour as a lasting memorial.

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season, and competition. Only official games are included in this table.[10][11][12]
Club Season League League Play-Off KNVB Cup Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Heerenveen 1936–37 18 20 4 2 0 0 22 22
1937–38 17 13 0 0 4 11 21 24
1938–39 18 25 0 0 1 0 19 25
1939–40 16 21 0 0 0 0 16 21
1940–41 14 20 0 0 0 0 14 20
1941–42 17 32 8 6 0 0 25 38
1942–43 18 27 7 7 0 0 25 34
1943–44 16 19 8 3 0 0 24 22
1944–45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1945–46 19 18 9 7 1 1 29 26
1946–47 19 30 10 15 0 0 39 45
1947–48 20 28 10 13 0 0 30 41
1948–49 18 21 10 12 0 0 28 33
1949–50 17 30 10 5 0 0 27 35
1950–51 21 29 4 1 0 0 25 30
1951–52 26 29 0 0 0 0 26 29
1952–53 26 19 0 0 0 0 26 19
1953–54 25 24 0 0 0 0 25 24
1954–55 34 28 0 0 0 0 34 28
SC Enschede 1955–56 33 25 0 0 0 0 33 25
1956–57 30 17 0 0 0 0 30 17
1957–58 21 11 0 0 0 0 21 11
1958–59 27 18 0 0 0 0 27 18
1959–60 25 15 0 0 0 0 25 15
Enschedese Boys 1960–61 27 13 0 0 4 3 31 16
1961–62 33 20 0 0 1 2 34 22
1962–63 23 7 0 0 1 1 24 8
Total 578 559 80 71 12 18 680 648

International

[edit]
Scores and results list Netherlands's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Lenstra goal.
List of international goals scored by Abe Lenstra
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 31 March 1940 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands  Luxembourg 1–0 4–5 Friendly [13]
2 21 September 1947 Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam, Netherlands   Switzerland 1–0 6–2 Friendly [14]
3 14 March 1948 Bosuilstadion, Antwerp, Belgium  Belgium 1–0 1–1 Friendly [15]
4 18 April 1948 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands  Belgium 2–2 2–2 Friendly [16]
5 13 March 1949 Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam, Netherlands  Belgium — 3–3 Friendly [17]
6 12 June 1949 Københavns Idrætspark, Copenhagen, Denmark  Denmark 1–0 2–1 Friendly [18]
7 11 June 1950 Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland  Finland 1–3 1–4 Friendly [19]
8 15 April 1951 Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam, Netherlands  Belgium 4–3 5–4 Friendly [20]
9 5–3
10 6 June 1951 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands  Norway 2–2 2–3 Friendly [21]
11 27 October 1951 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands  Finland 1–0 4–4 Friendly [22]
12 25 November 1951 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands  Belgium 1–2 6–7 Friendly [23]
13 3–3
14 4–4
15 21 September 1952 Københavns Idrætspark, Copenhagen, Denmark  Denmark 2–0 2–3 Friendly [24]
16 19 October 1952 Bosuilstadion, Antwerp, Belgium  Belgium — 1–2 Friendly [25]
17 7 March 1953 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands  Denmark 1–2 1–2 Friendly [26]
18 22 March 1953 Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam, Netherlands   Switzerland 1–1 1–2 Friendly [27]
19 13 March 1955 Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam, Netherlands  Denmark 1–1 1–1 Friendly [28]
20 14 March 1956 Rheinstadion, Düsseldorf, Germany  West Germany 1–0 2–1 Friendly [29]
21 2–0
22 6 June 1956 Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam, Netherlands  Saar 2–0 3–2 Friendly [30]
23 15 September 1956 Stade Olympique de la Pontaise, Lausanne, Switzerland   Switzerland 1–0 3–2 Friendly [31]
24 11 September 1957 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands  Luxembourg 1–1 5–2 1958 FIFA World Cup qualification [32]
25 3–1
26 25 September 1957 Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam, Netherlands  Austria 1–1 1–1 1958 FIFA World Cup qualification [33]
27 13 April 1958 Bosuilstadion, Antwerp, Belgium  Belgium 1–0 7–2 Friendly [citation needed]
28 4–0
29 23 April 1948 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands  Netherlands Antilles 4–0 8–1 Friendly [34]
30 8–0
31 15 October 1958 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands  Denmark 4–0 5–1 Friendly [35]
32 5–1
33 19 April 1959 Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam, Netherlands  Belgium 1–2 2–2 Friendly [36]

Honours

[edit]

Heerenveen

SC Enschede

Individual

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Abe Lenstra

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Abe Lenstra (1920–1985) was a Dutch footballer who played primarily as a forward and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Dutch and Frisian football, renowned for his exceptional , creativity, and prolific goal-scoring during the mid-20th century. Born on November 27, 1920, in , , he began his career with local club in 1936 and became a national icon, earning 47 caps for the between 1940 and 1959 while scoring 33 international goals. Over his professional tenure, Lenstra amassed more than 700 goals in approximately 730 matches, including a remarkable 523 goals in 500 appearances for alone. Lenstra's club career was anchored by his loyalty to Heerenveen, where he helped secure nine consecutive Northern First Division championships from 1941–42 to 1950–51, though the club never won the national title during his era. In 1954, he transferred to SC Enschede, scoring 89 goals in 135 matches and nearly clinching the Dutch league title in 1958, before finishing his playing days with Enschedese Boys from 1960 to 1963, where he added 88 goals in 95 games. Internationally, he debuted for the in 1940 and participated in the , contributing to the team's ninth-place finish in the football tournament. His accolades include being named the first Dutch in 1951 and receiving the Bond Rifle of the KNFB in 1960 for his contributions to the sport. Beyond his on-field exploits, Lenstra's legacy endures as a symbol of Frisian pride; the in is named in his honor, and a of him stands outside the venue. He turned down lucrative offers, such as a blank contract from Italian club Fiorentina, to remain with his hometown team, embodying regional loyalty. After retiring, Lenstra worked as an amateur coach and for a local brewery until a brain hemorrhage in 1977 left him wheelchair-bound; he passed away on September 2, 1985, in at age 64.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Abe Minderts Lenstra was born on November 27, 1920, in , a town in the province of , . He was the son of Mindert Jans Lenstra, a traveling salesman (vertegenwoordiger), and Janke Suierveld. His father's occupation reflected the modest livelihoods common in the region, where many families depended on trade and local industries during the early . Lenstra grew up in a working-class Frisian family as the among three siblings, including an older brother, Jan, and a younger sister, Gepke. The family resided in simple rental housing on Badweg in , consisting of small units that underscored their unpretentious socioeconomic circumstances. This environment fostered a strong sense of regional identity tied to Frisian culture, with its emphasis on community ties and local traditions in a predominantly rural and agrarian province. During the , Lenstra's early years were shaped by the everyday rhythms of life in , a burgeoning community centered around extraction and small-scale commerce. The family's modest means and close-knit household provided a stable yet humble foundation, immersing him in the cultural and social fabric of amid the economic challenges of the and . This background highlighted the resilience of working-class Frisian families, who valued perseverance and local involvement in navigating the era's uncertainties.

Introduction to Football

Lenstra first developed an interest in football through informal street games and matches with school teams in his hometown of , where the sport was a popular pastime among local youth. As a teenager, he showed talent in and track sprinting but ultimately chose to focus on football. In 1936, at age 15, Lenstra joined , the prominent local club, and quickly debuted for the senior team, where his innate abilities stood out. Positioned as a forward, he demonstrated rapid progression, attributed to his natural talent and versatility on the field. Lenstra's prodigious potential was evident in his physical and technical gifts, including remarkable speed, insightful playmaking, and exceptional that made him unpredictable and effective against older opponents. Combined with agility and a powerful shot, these qualities set him apart as a standout talent even in his formative years, foreshadowing his future prominence in Dutch football.

Club Career

SC Heerenveen (1936–1954)

Abe Lenstra made his senior debut for on March 1, 1936, at the age of 15, in a match against Alcides from Meppel, where he scored three goals in a 9-2 victory; this marked him as the youngest player in the club's history. His rapid integration into the first team showcased his exceptional talent, as he quickly became a regular starter and top scorer, helping the club establish itself in regional competitions during the pre-war years. Over his 18-year tenure with from 1936 to 1954, Lenstra appeared in 500 matches and scored 523 goals, establishing himself as the club's all-time leading scorer and one of the most prolific forwards in Dutch football history. His scoring consistency was remarkable, exemplified by the 1941–42 season in which he netted 38 goals in 25 league appearances, contributing significantly to the team's success amid the disruptions of . These performances not only highlighted his technical skill and versatility as a forward but also his ability to perform under challenging conditions, including limited resources and regional league play. One of Lenstra's most iconic contributions came on July 5, 1950, in a dramatic league match against Ajax, where trailed 1–5 at halftime but mounted a stunning comeback to win 6–5; Lenstra scored two goals during the second half, including one from an indirect off a corner, playing a pivotal role in the victory that cemented his legendary status. This match, often regarded as one of the greatest in Dutch domestic football, underscored his clutch performance and leadership on the pitch. Lenstra's presence was instrumental in elevating from a regional outfit to a nationally recognized force, particularly during and after , when Dutch football operated under regional structures due to the occupation. Under his leadership, the club secured eight Northern Netherlands championships between 1942–1944 and 1946–1950, dominating the northern division and drawing widespread attention to Frisian football despite never clinching the overall national title. His efforts during this era, combined with 43 of his 47 international caps earned while at , further amplified the club's prominence on the national stage.

SC Enschede (1954–1960)

In 1954, with the introduction of professional football in the Netherlands, Abe Lenstra transferred from SC Heerenveen to SC Enschede (now FC Twente), amid controversy as Heerenveen refused to compensate him under the new paid structure despite his long service and initial reluctance to leave his hometown club. Lenstra, who had initially opposed professionalism, signed with the larger Enschede side to continue his career at age 34, marking a significant shift from amateur roots in rural Friesland to a more urban, industrial setting. During his six seasons with SC Enschede from 1954 to 1960, Lenstra made 135 appearances and scored 89 goals, primarily operating as an inside-left forward known for his dribbling and creativity. His contributions helped elevate the team from newcomers to consistent contenders, achieving third place in 1955–56, fourth in 1956–57, and a runner-up finish in 1957–58 before losing the championship playoff, thus establishing Enschede as a competitive force in the nascent professional league. Key moments included scoring the equalizing goal in a 3–3 draw against Willem II in 1958, showcasing his enduring impact even in high-stakes matches. Lenstra faced challenges adapting to life away from , remaining a proud regional figure who expressed in personal accounts, though he maintained his playing style—famously avoiding slides to keep his shorts clean. Throughout this period, he continued to represent the internationally, balancing club duties with national commitments.

Later Amateur Clubs (1960–1963)

After leaving SC Enschede in 1960, Lenstra joined local rivals Enschedese Boys at the age of 39, transitioning into a less intensive phase of his career amid ongoing injuries and the physical toll of age. His role shifted toward mentorship, where he guided younger teammates while participating selectively in matches, emphasizing enjoyment over high-stakes performance. Over the next three seasons with Enschedese Boys, Lenstra made 95 appearances, scoring 88 goals and demonstrating his technical prowess. Lenstra retired from competitive football in 1963 at age 42, concluding a career noted for its longevity and impact, and subsequently focused on coaching amateur sides while working in sales for a .

International Career

Netherlands National Team Debut and Early Years (1940–1947)

Abe Lenstra made his debut for the Netherlands national team on March 31, 1940, at the age of 19, in a friendly match against at stadium in , which ended in a 4–5 defeat. Coming on as a substitute, he scored his first international goal. This appearance came shortly after strong performances for , where his goal-scoring prowess had caught the attention of national selectors. Lenstra's early international career was marked by his status as the first player from to represent the , a milestone that helped break down regional biases in Dutch football selection at the time. He earned four caps between 1940 and 1947, scoring two goals in total, with his second goal coming in a 6–2 victory against on September 21, 1947. His third cap came on March 10, 1946, in a 6–2 win over , resuming international play after a prolonged hiatus. The period was heavily disrupted by the Nazi occupation of the from to , during which no official international matches were played by the national team due to wartime restrictions and the suspension of organized international football. This interruption limited Lenstra's opportunities to build on his promising start, confining his early contributions to pre-occupation friendlies and sparse post-liberation fixtures amid the challenges of rebuilding the sport.

Post-War Matches and Olympics (1948–1959)

Following the end of , Abe Lenstra entered the prime of his international career with the national team, accumulating the majority of his 47 total caps and 33 goals between 1948 and 1959, often as part of the "gouden binnentrio" alongside and Kees Rijvers. His scoring peaked during the , highlighted by prolific performances against rivals such as , where he netted multiple goals in several encounters, including three in a thrilling 6-7 defeat on November 25, 1951. Lenstra's elegant dribbling and vision were central to the ' attacking play during this era, though the team often struggled in competitive fixtures without qualifying for major tournaments beyond the Olympics. Lenstra represented the at the in , the country's only major international tournament appearance during his career. He featured in the preliminary round match, a 3-1 victory over on July 26, 1948, where the Dutch advanced with two goals from and one from André Roosenburg. In the quarterfinals against on July 31, 1948, Lenstra played the full 120 minutes including extra time, but the Netherlands were eliminated after a 3-4 defeat, with goals from (2) and unable to overcome the opponents' comeback. Throughout the 1950s, Lenstra's international exploits included notable friendlies and qualifiers that demonstrated his technical prowess, such as a 3-2 win over on September 15, 1956, where he scored once amid a display of skillful runs and precise finishes. These matches, often part of European tours, underscored his role as the team's creative fulcrum, even as club commitments with occasionally impacted his availability. Lenstra's final international appearance came on April 19, 1959, in a 2-2 draw against , where he scored his 33rd and last goal for the at age 38, marking his retirement from national team duty.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Abe Lenstra married Hiltje Wisman on August 23, 1944, in . The couple resided in Oranjewoud, a village near , where they built their family life amid Lenstra's rising football prominence. They had two daughters: Metteke, born around 1946, and Janneke, born around 1952. Lenstra's fame as Heerenveen's greatest footballer brought occasional intrusions into their private life, with locals and admirers recognizing the family during everyday activities in the tight-knit community. However, the family often remained insulated from the full scope of his celebrity status; his wife Hil later reflected, "Het is nooit tot ons doorgedrongen dat mensen zo gek met hem waren" (We never realized how crazy people were about him). As a father, Lenstra was deeply involved and affectionate, treating his daughters as companions and sharing everyday joys with them. He extended this closeness to his granddaughters after his playing career ended, maintaining strong family bonds in . His wife provided steadfast support during career transitions, including the family's relocation to in 1954.

Health Issues and Death

On March 21, 1977, at the age of 56, Abe Lenstra suffered a severe brain hemorrhage that caused partial and required him to use a for the remaining years of his life. Following the incident, Lenstra and his wife relocated from back to their hometown of , where his family provided dedicated care to manage his condition. He passed away suddenly on September 2, 1985, at age 64, due to a heart attack unrelated to his prior injury. Lenstra's took place on September 6, 1985, at the Goutum crematorium near , drawing a large crowd including prominent football figures and admirers from across the in tribute to his enduring legacy.

Legacy and Recognition

Impact on Heerenveen and Dutch Football

Abe Lenstra's tenure at from 1936 to 1955 profoundly elevated the club's status within Dutch football, transforming it from a modest outfit into a dominant force in the northern regional competitions. During this period, he scored an astonishing 523 goals in 500 appearances, leading to nine consecutive Northern Championships from 1941–42 to 1950–51. Despite never securing the national title, Lenstra's loyalty—exemplified by rejecting a lucrative blank from Fiorentina—cemented his role as the club's cornerstone, fostering a sense of regional dominance and drawing widespread attention to in an era when Dutch football was still . His contributions extended beyond the pitch, instilling enduring Frisian pride that continues to define the club's identity. As the first major football star from Friesland, Lenstra symbolized northern Dutch resilience, particularly in the post-World War II years when he helped rebuild enthusiasm for the sport amid national recovery. The , named in his honor and opened on 20 August 1994, with a capacity of 27,224, and a outside it serve as lasting tributes, reinforcing Heerenveen's role as a cultural for the Frisian community and inspiring a "Super Frisians" ethos that emphasizes local heritage. On a national scale, Lenstra emerged as a icon who bridged the pre- and post-war eras of Dutch football, amassing over 700 goals across approximately 730 league matches and influencing the evolution of forward playstyles through his exceptional dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring prowess. As part of the famed "gouden binnentrio" alongside and Kees Rijvers, he elevated the national team's performance during a time of competitive stagnation due to the amateur-professional divide. His advocacy for professionalization, which took effect in , marked a pivotal shift that modernized the , allowing talents like him to thrive beyond regional confines.

Awards, Honours, and Cultural Tributes

Abe Lenstra received the award in both 1951 and 1952, becoming the inaugural recipient in 1951 as the first formal election of its kind and repeating the honor the following year for his outstanding contributions to football. During his tenure with from 1936 to 1955, Lenstra was instrumental in securing nine consecutive Northern Championships from the 1941–42 season through 1950–51, establishing the club as a dominant force in regional competition during the pre-professional era. He also earned the distinction of being Heerenveen's all-time top scorer, amassing 523 goals in 500 appearances and underscoring his prolific scoring ability. Posthumously, Lenstra has been honored through several cultural tributes that celebrate his legacy in Dutch football. The , home to , opened on August 20, 1994, with a capacity of 27,224, and features a bronze statue of Lenstra outside its entrance, sculpted by Frans Ram and unveiled on the same date as a symbol of his enduring connection to the club. In 2020, marking the centennial of his birth, celebrations included the documentary Dûnser mei de bal - 100 jier Abe Lenstra, which aired on NPO 2 and Omrop Fryslân, featuring rare 1948 color footage of a Heerenveen match and interviews highlighting his mythical status in Frisian culture. Additional events encompassed exhibitions at Museum Heerenveen and the discovery of previously unseen archival materials, reinforcing his recognition as a national football icon.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

Abe Lenstra's club career from 1936 to 1963 encompassed approximately 850 appearances and over 790 goals in official competitive matches across multiple teams. His prolific scoring established him as one of Dutch football's most effective forwards during the and early professional eras. The bulk of Lenstra's achievements came with hometown club , where he featured in over 500 matches and netted 517 goals between 1936 and 1955, including 9 consecutive northern regional titles from 1941–42 to 1950–51. He was the club's top scorer in 17 of his 18 seasons there, with standout performances such as 61 goals in the 1941–42 campaign that underscored his dominance in regional leagues. In 1955, Lenstra transferred to professional side SC Enschede (now ), contributing 142 appearances and 93 goals over five seasons in the and related competitions. Toward the end of his playing days, Lenstra played amateur football with Enschedese Boys from to 1963, logging 96 appearances and 46 goals as he transitioned away from top-level play.
ClubYearsAppearancesGoals
1936–1955500+517
SC Enschede1955–196014293
Enschedese Boys–19639646
Total1936–1963850+790+

International Appearances and Goals

Abe Lenstra represented the 47 times between 31 March 1940 and 19 April 1959, scoring 33 goals in total. He earned four caps in the pre-1948 period (two in 1940, one each in 1946 and 1947), with the remaining 43 appearances occurring from 1948 to 1959. His debut came on 31 March 1940 against in , where he scored once in a 4-5 friendly defeat. Lenstra's goals were distributed across friendlies (30 goals in 43 matches), qualifiers (3 goals in 2 matches), and (0 goals in 2 matches). He achieved a scoring rate of 0.70 goals per match, holding the Dutch national team record for most goals from 23 1958 until 4 1959. The following table lists notable international goal-scoring performances, organized chronologically by match date, opponent, number of goals scored in that match, final score, and competition type (full list of 33 goals available in referenced sources).
DateOpponentGoals ScoredFinal ScoreCompetition
31 Mar 194014-5Friendly
21 Sep 194726-2Friendly
14 Mar 194811-1Friendly
18 Apr 194812-2Friendly
13 Mar 194913-3Friendly
12 Jun 194912-1Friendly
11 Jun 195011-4Friendly
15 Apr 195155-4Friendly
25 Nov 195146-7Friendly
14 Mar 195622-1Friendly
11 Sep 195725-2 Qualifier
13 Apr 195827-2Friendly
23 Apr 195828-1Friendly
15 Oct 195825-1Friendly
19 Apr 195912-2Friendly
Notable performances include his career-high five goals in a single match against on 15 April 1951 and four goals in the 6–7 loss to on 25 1951, as well as his final international goal against in 1959.

References

  1. https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/26669
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  3. https://www.transfermarkt.us/abe-lenstra/profil/spieler/148726
  4. https://liberoguide.com/sc-heerenveen/
  5. https://resources.huygens.knaw.nl/bwn1880-2000/lemmata/bwn4/lenstra
  6. https://www.omropfryslan.nl/nl/nieuws/1013290/100-jaar-abe-lenstra-hij-beheerste-eigenlijk-alles
  7. https://www.geni.com/people/Mindert-Lenstra/6000000125648586849
  8. http://friesevoetballers.blogspot.com/2012/01/geboortehuis-van-abe.html
  9. https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/abe-lenstra
  10. https://historiebetaaldvoetbal.nl/heerenveen/
  11. https://www.sc-heerenveen.nl/club/historie/abe-lenstra
  12. http://www.pesmitidelcalcio.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=440
  13. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/abe-lenstra/388176?edicao_id=273
  14. https://www.afc-ajax.info/en/match/1950-5-7-SC-Heerenveen-Ajax
  15. https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/lenstra-intlg.html
  16. https://www.oost.nl/nieuws/1430290/overijsselaars-halen-herinneringen-op-aan-voetbalheld-abe-lenstra-hij-kwam-naar-enschede-omdat-heerenveen-hem-niet-wilde-betalen
  17. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/19/big-teams-havent-won-major-trophy-for-at-least-10-years-the-knowledge
  18. https://www.transfermarkt.us/abe-lenstra/tordebuets/spieler/148726
  19. https://www.transfermarkt.us/abe-lenstra/nationalmannschaft/spieler/148726
  20. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/ned-intres.html
  21. https://dirkdeklein.net/2025/05/25/football-in-the-netherlands-during-world-war-ii/
  22. https://www.transfermarkt.com/abe-lenstra/nationalmannschaft/spieler/148726
  23. https://www.transfermarkt.com/niederlande/spielplan/verein/3379/saison_id/1947
  24. https://www.europeremembers.com/pois/1411/abe-s-war-liberation-beckons
  25. https://www.stamboomachtkarspelen.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=119:kwartierstaat-van-abe-lenstra&catid=15&Itemid=267&lang=en
  26. https://www.volkskrant.nl/voorpagina/leven-met-de-legende-us-abe~b23168fa/
  27. http://www.delftkijkt.nl/nostalgie/SPORTHELDEN.html
  28. https://nrcwebwinkel.nl/amfile/file/download/file/134039/product/248561/
  29. https://northerntimes.nl/pride-and-passion-football-in-the-northern-netherlands/
  30. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/at-holland-s-heart-the-soul-of-sport-637578.html
  31. https://www.utwente.nl/en/alumni/inspiring-alumni/ut-canon/stories/abe-lenstra/
  32. https://sportgeschiedenis.nl/overige-sport/prijs-voor-abe-lenstra-als-beste-sportman-van-het-jaar-een-sigarettendoos/
  33. http://offbeat.group.shef.ac.uk/statues/STFB_Lenstra_Abe_1.htm
  34. https://www.omropfryslan.nl/nl/nieuws/1013557/video-abe-lenstra-danser-met-de-bal
  35. https://nos.nl/artikel/2357911-100-jaar-abe-friese-mythe-duikt-op-in-nooit-vertoonde-kleurenbeelden
  36. https://www.desportwereld.nl/tentoonstelling-100-jaar-abe-in-museum-heerenveen/
  37. https://www.rsssf.org/players/prolific.html
  38. https://www.rsssf.org/players/plenstradata.html
  39. https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=12051
  40. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/19343/Abe_Lenstra.html
  41. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/54682-abe-lenstra
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