Marco van Basten

Marco van Basten is a Dutch former footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time. His playing career ended prematurely because of recurring ankle injuries.

UEFA Euro 1988 final: The final in which the Netherlands defeated the Soviet Union 2–0 to win their first major international trophy. Van Basten scored a celebrated volley to seal the Netherlands’ victory.
Centre-forward: An attacking football position focused on scoring goals from central areas. Van Basten played as a centre-forward, combining penalty-area instincts with technical range.
Johan Cruyff: A Dutch footballer and manager who became one of the sport’s most influential figures. Cruyff coached Van Basten at Ajax and helped shape his early senior career.
Ballon d'Or: An annual football award presented to the world’s best-performing player, as judged by journalists. Van Basten won it three times, placing his peak among the sport’s most decorated careers.
Netherlands national football team: The national team representing the Netherlands in international association football. Van Basten helped it win Euro 1988 and later served as its manager.
First touch: A footballer’s first control of the ball after receiving a pass or loose ball. His precise first touch helped create shooting opportunities under pressure.
Ruud Gullit: A Dutch former footballer and manager who played as an attacking midfielder and forward. Gullit was Van Basten’s Netherlands and Milan teammate during major successes.
UEFA European Championship: The quadrennial international football tournament contested by European national teams. His 1988 triumph remains the Netherlands’ sole men’s European Championship title.
A.C. Milan: An Italian professional football club based in Milan. Van Basten starred for Milan during its dominant late-1980s and early-1990s period.
Volley (association football): A strike made by hitting the ball before it touches the ground after arriving in the air. His Euro 1988 final goal is among football’s most famous volleys.

Linked from 6 pages