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Wim KieftFormer Dutch footballer, striker.
Date of Birth: 12.11.1962
Country:  Netherlands |
Content:
- Early Career and Ajax Success
- Italian Interlude and Return to the Netherlands
- European Glory and French Adventure
- International Career and Legacy
- Personal Life
Early Career and Ajax Success
Wim Kieft began his professional football career at Ajax Amsterdam. Initially playing sparingly, he exploded in the 1980/81 season with 17 goals in 33 appearances, helping Ajax finish second in the league.
In 1981/82, Kieft's prolific scoring continued as he won the Eredivisie title with Ajax and the European Golden Boot with an astonishing 32 goals in 32 matches. He added the KNVB Cup in his final Ajax season, completing a treble.
Italian Interlude and Return to the Netherlands
Seeking a new challenge, Kieft moved to Italy in 1983, spending three seasons with Pisa and scoring 25 goals in 91 appearances. He then joined Torino in 1986/87, where he netted eight times in 19 matches.
Returning to the Netherlands, Kieft recaptured his scoring touch with PSV Eindhoven. He won two more Eredivisie titles and played a key role in PSV's triumphant 1987/88 European Cup campaign, scoring a crucial penalty in the final shootout against Benfica.
European Glory and French Adventure
In 1990, Kieft ventured to France with Bordeaux. However, he struggled for regular playing time, managing only three goals in 26 appearances before returning to PSV.
He added another Eredivisie title to his collection in 1991/92 and played 88 matches for PSV, scoring 34 goals.
International Career and Legacy
Kieft made his debut for the Netherlands in 1981 and played in three major tournaments. He was part of the victorious Euro 1988 squad, scoring a vital goal against Ireland in the group stage.
He also played in the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1992, amassing a total of 43 caps and 11 goals for the Oranje.
Personal Life
Wim Kieft is married with three children: Mathia, Mairi, and Robbin. Robbin has followed in his father's footsteps as a footballer for FC Groningen.
