Peter Keizer Dutch footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder and forward Date of Birth: 14.06.1943 Country: Netherlands

1. Piet Keizer: The Legendary Ajax Winger and Forward
2. Early Career and Health Scare
3. Ajax's Golden Years
4. International Career
5. Post-Playing Career and Legacy

Piet Keizer: The Legendary Ajax Winger and Forward

Piet Keizer, a Dutch football legend, played as an attacking midfielder and forward for Ajax Amsterdam. He is renowned as one of the club's most iconic players, making 365 appearances and scoring 146 goals between 1960 and 1975.

Early Career and Health Scare

Keizer began his career with Ajax in 1960 and made his debut in February 1961 against Feyenoord. He quickly became a first-team regular, scoring six goals in 15 matches during his first season. In the 1961/1962 campaign, he doubled his tally to 12 goals in 23 appearances.

However, disaster struck in 1964 when Keizer collapsed on the field during a match against DWS. He was diagnosed with a ruptured blood vessel in his brain, and there were fears that he would not recover consciousness. After surgery, Keizer regained consciousness and began his rehabilitation, which lasted until December 13, 1964.

Ajax's Golden Years

The 1970s marked Ajax's golden era, and Keizer played a key role in their success. Along with Johan Cruyff, Keizer formed one of the most formidable attacking duos in Dutch football. Besides winning league championships in 1969/1970, 1971/1972, and 1972/1973, he also claimed three consecutive European Cups from 1971 to 1973. Additionally, Ajax won the Intercontinental Cup in 1972 and two UEFA Super Cups in 1972 and 1973.

International Career

Keizer made his debut for the Netherlands national team in 1962 and played 34 matches, scoring 11 goals. He was part of the squad for the 1974 FIFA World Cup but did not play in the final against West Germany, which the Netherlands lost 2-1.

Post-Playing Career and Legacy

After retiring as a player in 1975, Keizer worked as a scout for Ajax from 2001 to 2006 and as a technical advisor from 2006 to 2007.

Keizer's skill and flair made him a standout player, although he was known for his inconsistency. Despite being overshadowed by Cruyff, many experts consider Keizer to be the superior talent. He is widely regarded as one of the most important players in the history of both Ajax and Dutch football.

Keizer received several awards and recognitions, including being inducted into the "Club of 100" for players who have made at least 100 appearances for Ajax. He is remembered for his signature move, the "bicycle kick," although he was not the first to perform it.