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Dick van Dijk
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Dirk Wouter Johannes "Dick" van Dijk (15 February 1946 – 8 July 1997) was a Dutch professional footballer who played as a forward for FC Twente and Ajax Amsterdam. He was a member of Ajax's European Cup victory in 1971. He earned seven caps for the Netherlands national football team.[1]
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Dick van Dijk grew up in Gouda and played football in his youth in the local amateur club. When he was sixteen, he met coach Hans Croon of SVV, with whom he played in the Second division. Van Dijk was the top scorer for the club in 1966 when SVV won promotion to the First Division. He was invited to the Dutch youth team and the Dutch military team. The scoring ability of the young star attracted the interest of FC Twente, but the asking price of 200,000 guilders was too much. A less impressive season ensured that the transfer fee a year later had dropped to 70,000 guilders, with Van Dijk joining FC Twente in the summer of 1967.
At Twente, Van Dijk formed a strong attacking partnership with Theo Pahlplatz, scoring 22 times and helping a youthful side to a creditable eighth-place finish in his first season. The following year Van Dijk finished as top scorer in the Premier League with 30 goals. In a legendary home match against Ajax on 3 November 1968, Twente won 5–1 and Van Dijk scored three goals. It is believed that this contest sparked the interest of Ajax in Van Dijk, who in June 1969 moved to Amsterdam for a transfer fee of 750,000 guilders.[2]
While Van Dijk had been a star player at Twente, he had to fight for a spot at Ajax, becoming as a result a more complete footballer who knew how to defend. In his first season, he scored 23 goals in 32 matches. Although not a regular starter during his second season, he nonetheless scored 18 goals in 29 matches. Van Dijk started in the final of the European Cup in June 1971 against Panathinaikos, scoring with a header after five minutes in Ajax's 2–0 victory.
After a third season at Ajax, where he was mainly a reserve player, Van Dijk departed in 1972 to OGC Nice in France. There he scored frequently, helping the team to a second-place finish in 1972–73 season. On 19 September 1973, Nice achieved a remarkable 3–0 victory in the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie with FC Barcelona, whose coach was Dutchman Rinus Michels and whose star player (although he did not figure in the match) was Johan Cruijff. (Nice would go on to win the tie 3–2 on aggregate.) In 1974, Van Dijk joined Real Murcia in Spain, and a year later ended his football career.
International career
[edit]Meanwhile, Van Dijk had made his international debut on 26 March 1969 in a match for the Dutch national team against Luxembourg. Van Dijk scored once in a 4–0 victory.
On 10 October 1971 Van Dijk played his seventh and final international match against East Germany.[3]
Personal life
[edit]He was married to Wanda Kerbaum.[4] After his playing career, he went back to Nice, working as a broker and living in nearby Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Death
[edit]In 1997, he died suddenly at 51 years of age from acute endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart valves.[5] In his memory, a benefit match was organized on 12 October 1997 between ONA Gouda and the Ajax of the Europe Cup I-finals from 1971. In May 2017, 20 years after his death, another matched was staged in his memory between former Ajax players and Nice.[6]
Honours
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Interlands Dick van Dijk". Archived from the original on 7 April 2008. Retrieved 30 March 2008.
- ^ Twente-topper werd Ajax-teamspeler - NOS (in Dutch)
- ^ Intl career stats - EU Football
- ^ "Twente-troef trouwt". Het Vrije Volk. 13 August 1968. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
- ^ Oud-Ajacied Dick van Dijk (51) overleden - Trouw (in Dutch)
- ^ Speciale wedstrijd op De Toekomst ter ere van Dick van Dijk - AD (in Dutch)
External links
[edit]- Dick van Dijk at National-Football-Teams.com
- Obituary - NRC (in Dutch)
- Dick van Dijk at Voetbal International (in Dutch)
- Dick van Dijk at BDFutbol
Dick van Dijk
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early career
Youth and amateur beginnings
Dirk Wouter Johannes van Dijk, commonly known as Dick van Dijk, was born on 15 February 1946 in Gouda, Netherlands.[9][10] Raised in Gouda, van Dijk began his involvement in football through local amateur clubs, reflecting the sport's prominence in the region's working-class communities during the post-war era.[11] From a young age, he joined ONA, a Gouda-based amateur club, where he spent his formative years developing as a striker and refining fundamental skills such as positioning and finishing. He played in ONA's youth teams from 1960 to 1966.[11][4] At 1.86 meters tall, van Dijk's physical presence as a forward became evident during this youth phase, contributing to his reputation as a promising talent in local circles.[4] His performances at ONA paved the way for a move to professional opportunities, leading to his signing with SVV Schiedam in 1963 at age 17.[11][12]SVV Schiedam
Dick van Dijk joined SVV Schiedam in 1963, initially playing in the Tweede Divisie. In the 1965–66 season, he scored 26 goals, becoming the club's top scorer and helping secure promotion to the Eerste Divisie.[13] In the 1966–1967 season, his first in the Eerste Divisie, van Dijk demonstrated his scoring prowess with 14 goals in 33 appearances, primarily operating as a centre-forward while occasionally contributing from attacking midfield.[14] His goals included a brace in a 3–1 victory over FC Volendam on matchday 12, which highlighted his clinical finishing and ability to capitalize on defensive lapses, and a goal plus assist in a thrilling 4–3 win against Vitesse Arnhem on matchday 4, underscoring his all-around threat in the final third.[14] These performances drew attention from scouts, positioning him as one of the league's emerging talents. As SVV's top scorer that season, van Dijk played a central role in the team's dynamics, leading the attacking line and providing consistent output that helped maintain stability in mid-table.[15] His physical presence and goal-scoring instinct bolstered the squad's offensive transitions, contributing to a campaign where SVV avoided relegation and solidified their status in the second tier of Dutch football.[14]Major club career
FC Twente
Dick van Dijk transferred to FC Twente from SVV Schiedam in the summer of 1967 for a fee of 70,000 Dutch guilders, marking his entry into the Eredivisie after impressing in the second division.[8] During his two seasons at Twente from 1967 to 1969, van Dijk made 65 appearances in the Eredivisie, scoring 52 goals, and added 9 appearances with 6 goals in the KNVB Cup, for a total of 74 appearances and 58 goals across all competitions.[16] In the 1967–68 season, he featured in 33 league matches, netting 22 goals, as Twente finished eighth in the Eredivisie, a solid mid-table position amid competition from established clubs like Ajax and Feyenoord.[16][8] The 1968–69 season represented van Dijk's pinnacle at Twente, where he played 32 Eredivisie games and scored a league-high 30 goals, helping the club secure a third-place finish and qualification for the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.[16] His scoring prowess included three hat-tricks that season, underscoring his emergence as one of the top strikers in Dutch football.[16] As a powerful centre-forward standing at 1.86 meters, van Dijk excelled in a tactical role leading Twente's attack, using his physical presence and finishing ability to dominate defenses and convert chances in a direct, goal-oriented style. He formed a potent partnership with winger Theo Pahlplatz, who provided key assists, while benefiting from the defensive solidity of Epi Drost and the midfield contributions of Eddy Achterberg.[8] In domestic cups, Twente reached the semi-finals of the KNVB Beker in 1967–68 (exiting after a 1–5 loss to Ajax across two legs, with van Dijk scoring 3 goals in 6 appearances) and the quarter-finals in 1968–69 (exiting on penalties to DWS after a 1–1 draw, with van Dijk scoring a hat-trick in the first round and 3 goals total in 3 appearances), highlighting the club's progress despite challenges against top sides.[16][17]Ajax Amsterdam
In 1969, Dick van Dijk transferred to Ajax Amsterdam from FC Twente for a then-record fee of 750,000 guilders, joining the club under coach Rinus Michels.[18] His prolific goal-scoring form at Twente, where he netted 58 goals in 74 appearances, had made him one of the Eredivisie's top strikers and prompted the high-profile move.[19] During his tenure from 1969 to 1972, van Dijk made 117 appearances and scored 69 goals across all competitions for Ajax, contributing significantly to the club's dominance in Dutch and European football.[19] He integrated seamlessly into Ajax's revolutionary total football system, often playing as a deep-lying centre-forward that allowed Johan Cruyff to roam freely and orchestrate attacks, while forming effective partnerships with players like Piet Keizer and Arie Haan.[20] This synergy helped Ajax secure the Eredivisie title in 1969–70 and 1971–72, as well as the KNVB Cup in 1970, 1971, and 1972, establishing the team as a powerhouse.[21] Van Dijk's most iconic moment came in the 1970–71 European Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Ajax's first continental triumph, culminating in a 2–0 victory over Panathinaikos in the final on 2 June 1971 at Wembley Stadium.[22] He scored the opening goal with a header in the fifth minute from a Piet Keizer cross, setting the tone for Ajax's controlled performance and showcasing the fluidity of total football on the biggest stage.[23] He also contributed to Ajax's successful defense of the title in 1971–72, making five appearances en route to a 2–0 win over Inter Milan in the final.[24] By 1972, amid squad transitions following Michels' departure to Barcelona and the integration of new talents, van Dijk had become more of a rotational player and left Ajax for OGC Nice in France.[25]Later career and international play
OGC Nice and Real Murcia
In 1972, following his stint at Ajax Amsterdam, Dick van Dijk transferred to OGC Nice in the French Ligue 1, where he adapted to the competitive demands of a new league. Over two seasons from 1972 to 1974, he made 64 appearances and scored 31 goals across all competitions for the club, including 58 appearances and 30 goals specifically in Ligue 1. His prolific scoring helped Nice finish as runners-up in the 1972–73 Ligue 1 season and fifth in 1973–74, marking a strong contribution in his foreign venture. A standout moment came in the 1973–74 UEFA Cup first round, when Nice secured a 3–0 home victory over FC Barcelona on 19 September 1973 at Stade du Ray; van Dijk opened the scoring in the 4th minute, leveraging his European experience from Ajax to demonstrate his finishing prowess against a formidable opponent. This performance underscored his value in continental competitions, even as Nice advanced no further in the tournament after losing the return leg 2–0. In 1974, van Dijk moved to Real Murcia in Spain's La Liga, seeking continued opportunities in top-flight football abroad. During the 1974–75 season, he appeared in 19 matches and netted 4 goals, though the team struggled, finishing 18th and facing relegation. Playing in La Liga presented further adaptation challenges, including the tactical and physical differences from Dutch and French football, but van Dijk remained a key forward presence despite limited playing time. Van Dijk retired from professional football in 1975 at the age of 29 due to persistent injuries, concluding a career marked by consistent goal-scoring across five clubs. His club totals stood at 314 appearances and 165 goals, with 35 goals from his abroad stints at Nice and Murcia highlighting his international adaptability.Netherlands national team
Dick van Dijk received his first call-up to the Netherlands national team in early 1969, amid strong form for FC Twente in the Eredivisie.[26] He made his debut on 26 March 1969, starting in a 4–0 World Cup qualification win against Luxembourg and scoring the second goal in the 35th minute.[27] This appearance marked the beginning of a brief international career that saw him earn a total of seven caps between 1969 and 1971, during which he contributed one goal overall.[2] Van Dijk featured in three of the Netherlands' 1970 FIFA World Cup qualification matches in UEFA Group 8, a group that also included Poland, Bulgaria, and Luxembourg.[10] Alongside his debut goal against Luxembourg, he played in the 1–0 home victory over Poland on 7 May 1969 and the 1–1 away draw with Bulgaria on 22 October 1969.[26] Despite these efforts, the Netherlands finished third in the group with seven points from six matches, behind Bulgaria (11 points) and Poland (9 points), failing to qualify for the tournament in Mexico. His subsequent caps included friendlies against England (0–1 loss, 5 November 1969) and Israel (1–0 win, 28 January 1970), as well as a substitute appearance in the UEFA Euro 1972 qualifier against East Germany (3–2 win, 10 October 1971).[26] Van Dijk's international opportunities were limited by intense competition for forward positions from emerging stars, including Johan Cruyff, who was establishing himself as a key figure in the squad during this transitional period leading toward the 1974 World Cup.[8] He did not participate in any major tournaments, as the Netherlands missed the 1970 World Cup and van Dijk's final cap came before the successful 1974 qualification campaign.[4] Overall, his record stands at seven caps and one goal, reflecting a supporting role in the national team's buildup to greater successes later in the decade.[2]Personal life
Family and marriage
Dick van Dijk was married to Wanda van Dijk. Wanda has since passed away.[28] The couple had three children: a son named Dirk (also known as Dick van Dijk junior) and two daughters, Anouk and Matita. Anouk has since passed away.[28][29][30] Van Dijk's family provided strong support during his professional transitions abroad, relocating with him to Nice, France, in 1972, where they established a home and integrated into local life.[31] In 1975, Van Dijk, Wanda, and their then five-year-old daughter Anouk returned to Gouda for a family visit, during which Anouk experienced traditional Dutch foods like smoked eel for the first time.[31] Anouk, the eldest daughter, publicly expressed her father's impact on her life during memorial events, highlighting the close family bonds.[29]Post-retirement activities
After retiring from professional football in 1975 following his stint with Real Murcia, Dick van Dijk relocated to Nice, France, with his wife Wanda and their young daughter Anouk, where he had previously enjoyed playing for OGC Nice from 1972 to 1974.[8][31] In the south of France, van Dijk transitioned into a career in real estate, working as a broker specializing in property transactions in Nice and the nearby upscale village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where he eventually settled.[32][33] His business involvement focused on facilitating sales in the region's affluent real estate market, leveraging his established connections from his time as a player in the area.[8] Van Dijk maintained a low-profile lifestyle in France from 1975 until his death in 1997, prioritizing family stability and his professional endeavors over any return to the public eye of football.[32] There is no record of his involvement in local football coaching or community sports activities during this period, as he fully embraced his post-athletic life in the Provençal countryside.[33]Death and memorials
Dick van Dijk died on 8 July 1997 in a hospital in Nice, France, at the age of 51, from acute bacterial endocarditis.[34] A few weeks prior, he had sought a routine medical examination, during which doctors identified a bacterial infection that had damaged his heart valves; the condition rapidly progressed, placing him in a coma for three weeks before his death.[34] No prior health issues or warnings had been publicly reported.[8] His passing elicited widespread mourning in the Netherlands, where major newspapers like Trouw and NRC Handelsblad covered the news prominently, underscoring the shock among Ajax supporters and the Dutch football community given his key role in the club's 1970s successes.[34][35] In France, where he had resided since his retirement, tributes were more localized but included involvement from OGC Nice in later commemorations.[36] To honor his memory, a benefit match took place on 12 October 1997 between the Ajax team that won the 1971 European Cup and ONA Gouda, the club from his hometown.[8] Twenty years later, on 14 May 2017, Ajax organized a friendly against OGC Nice at De Toekomst, drawing former teammates and drawing attention to his enduring legacy; the event featured goals from legends like Dennis Bergkamp.[36][29]Honours
Club achievements
During his tenure with Ajax Amsterdam from 1969 to 1972, Dick van Dijk contributed to a highly successful period for the club, securing multiple domestic and European honours. The pinnacle was the 1970–71 European Cup, where Ajax defeated Panathinaikos 2–0 in the final at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 1971; van Dijk opened the scoring with a header in the 5th minute from a cross by Piet Keizer, setting the tone for Johan Cruyff's team to claim their first European title.[37] Ajax also won the Eredivisie in the 1969–70 and 1971–72 seasons, dominating Dutch football under coach Rinus Michels and later Ștefan Kovács.[4] Additionally, the team captured the KNVB Cup in 1969–70 (2–1 vs. PSV Eindhoven), 1970–71 (2–1 vs. Sparta Rotterdam), and 1971–72 (3–2 vs. FC Den Haag), achieving domestic doubles in 1969–70 and 1971–72.[21]| Competition | Season | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie | 1969–70 | Winners |
| KNVB Cup | 1969–70 | Winners |
| European Cup | 1970–71 | Winners |
| KNVB Cup | 1970–71 | Winners |
| Eredivisie | 1971–72 | Winners |
| KNVB Cup | 1971–72 | Winners |