Dutch · Amsterdam · Born 10 May 1969Dutch footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards and playmakers in football history, known for his technical brilliance and creativity.
Dennis Bergkamp was born in Amsterdam in 1969, named after Denis Law, and developed at Ajax (1986–1993) where he scored 103 goals in 185 appearances and won the Champions League in 1995. Inter Milan signed him in 1993 but two seasons (1993–95) were unhappy. Arsenal paid £7.5 million in 1995 and Arsène Wenger transformed him from a second striker into a false nine of unparalleled technique. He spent 11 seasons at Arsenal (1995–2006), scoring 120 goals in 423 appearances and providing 162 assists — winning 3 Premier League titles, the famous Invincibles season included, and 4 FA Cups. In 79 Netherlands appearances he scored 37 goals and provided 72 assists. He covered 9.9 km per game with a top speed of 30.3 km/h. His refusal to fly — stemming from a 1994 World Cup bomb scare — made him unique in modern football, travelling to European games by train and ferry. He scored 312 career goals and provided 250 assists across 833 appearances. His first touch was universally regarded as the finest in English football. His goal against Newcastle in 2002 and his World Cup quarter-final goal against Argentina in 1998 — both involving impossible control and finish — are among the most replayed in both competitions' histories.
Goal against Newcastle United in 2002 with sublime first touch and finish
How They Played
Technical playmaker with exceptional first touch, vision and clinical finishing
Lasting Impact
Transformed Arsenal's style and inspired a generation with his technical artistry
Career Honours
- Champions League 1995 (Ajax)
- Premier League 1998, 2002, 2004 (Arsenal)
- FA Cup 4x
- UEFA Cup 1992 (Ajax), 1994 (Inter)
- Copa del Rey 1997 (Barcelona loan)
- UEFA Euro 1988
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajax | 1986–1993 | 185 | 79 | #10 |
| Inter Milan | 1993–1995 | 135 | 28 | #10 |
| Arsenal | 1995–2006 | 204 | 65 | #10 |
 Netherlands | — | 79 | 37 | — |
Dutch Athletes