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Ruud GeelsDutch footballer, striker
Date of Birth: 28.07.1948
Country:  Netherlands |
Content:
- Rudd Gullit: Dutch Football Legend
- Rise to Stardom with Feyenoord
- Odyssey to Go Ahead Eagles and Club Brugge
- Establishing a Legacy at Ajax
- Belgian Return and Triumphs with Anderlecht
- Sparta Rotterdam and Return to the Netherlands
- International Career with the Dutch National Team
- Retirement and Legacy
Rudd Gullit: Dutch Football Legend
Beginnings at TelstarRudd Gullit, a Dutch football prodigy, commenced his professional career with Telstar Football Club. During his brief tenure spanning two years, he showcased his exceptional prowess, scoring five goals in eight appearances.
Rise to Stardom with Feyenoord
In 1966, Gullit made a pivotal move to Feyenoord Rotterdam, where he flourished as a prolific striker. In his inaugural season, he notched up eight goals in 25 league matches. The subsequent season witnessed an exponential rise in his goal tally, as he netted 20 times in 35 matches, propelling Feyenoord to a runner-up finish. Gullit's contributions played a crucial role in Feyenoord's triumph as champions and Dutch Cup winners in 1969. A year later, he reached the pinnacle of European football, lifting the prestigious European Cup. In his illustrious career with Feyenoord, he amassed 46 goals in 89 appearances.
Odyssey to Go Ahead Eagles and Club Brugge
In 1970, Gullit embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining Go Ahead Eagles in Deventer. Over two seasons, he proved his worth, scoring 35 goals in 62 matches. He then crossed the border in 1972, signing for Belgian giants Club Brugge. In his debut season, he etched his name in Club Brugge's history books by capturing the Belgian league title. Gullit contributed 10 goals, falling short of fellow Dutchman Rob Rensenbrink, who emerged as the top scorer of the 1972-1973 campaign. During his two-year stint with Club Brugge, he registered 28 goals in 53 matches.
Establishing a Legacy at Ajax
Upon his return to the Netherlands in 1974, Gullit joined the illustrious ranks of Ajax Amsterdam. From the outset, he established himself as a formidable force, claiming the league's Golden Boot with an astounding 30 goals. Despite his individual brilliance, Ajax finished third in the standings. Throughout his extraordinary four-year tenure at Ajax, Gullit's goal-scoring prowess reigned supreme, securing him four Golden Boots. His unmatched achievements earned him the prestigious Silver Boot from renowned magazine "France-Football" in 1975, recognizing him as one of Europe's most prolific goalscorers. That same year, he received the accolade of Netherlands Footballer of the Year. Gullit's legacy at Ajax was further etched in 1977 and 1978 when he received successive Bronze Boots from "France-Football."
Belgian Return and Triumphs with Anderlecht
In 1978, Gullit returned to Belgium, signing with Anderlecht. His brilliance shone brightly, as he spearheaded their charge to a Belgian championship title with 25 goals in 28 matches. Anderlecht's triumph extended to the European Super Cup, where they outplayed English titans Liverpool in a two-legged affair.
Sparta Rotterdam and Return to the Netherlands
In 1979, Gullit returned to his native land, joining Sparta Rotterdam. Over two seasons, he netted 32 goals in 48 matches. The 1977-1978 season witnessed another remarkable feat, as he claimed the Dutch Golden Boot for the fifth time. His exceptional tally of 22 goals placed him third among Europe's top scorers, earning him another Bronze Boot. Gullit's career continued with brief stints at PSV Eindhoven and NAC Breda.
International Career with the Dutch National Team
Rudd Gullit made his international debut for the Netherlands on March 27, 1974, in a match against Austria that ended in a draw. His maiden goal for the national side came on October 9, 1974, against Switzerland, securing a crucial victory. Gullit played a pivotal role in the Netherlands' runner-up finish at the 1974 World Cup. Two years later, he represented his country at the 1976 European Championship, where they clinched third place. In total, Gullit amassed 20 appearances and 11 goals for the Dutch national team. His final international match took place on October 14, 1981, against Belgium, where he came off the bench and scored a goal, contributing to a 3-0 victory.
Retirement and Legacy
Rudd Gullit retired from football in 1984 at the age of 36. His exceptional goal-scoring record cemented his place as one of the most prolific strikers in Dutch football history. He holds the distinction of being the only player to have won the Dutch Golden Boot five times.
