Van Basten's Iconic Bicycle Kick Turns Forty
Reflecting on the historic goal that even Johan Cruyff admitted he never attempted.
1An Iconic Sporting Moment
Exactly forty years ago, Marco van Basten scored one of the most celebrated goals in Eredivisie history. Playing for Ajax against FC Den Bosch at De Meer stadium, the twenty-two-year-old striker converted a cross from Jan Wouters with a perfect bicycle kick that struck the inside of the post before entering the net.
2Cruyff's Rare Admission
Johan Cruyff, who served as Ajax's manager at the time, openly expressed his admiration for the feat. Cruyff admitted he had never even attempted such a maneuver during his own legendary career, citing his dislike for falling backward without knowing what was happening behind him during the execution of the difficult acrobatic movement.
3Spontaneous Athletic Brilliance
Van Basten later reflected that the goal was not a pre-planned action, noting that football would be far too easy if players could predict such outcomes. At the time, the young striker jokingly remarked that his market value had likely increased by half a million guilders due to the spectacular nature of the strike.
4The Goalkeeper's Perspective
For FC Den Bosch goalkeeper Jan van Grinsven, the goal remains a bittersweet memory from that November afternoon. Despite his team playing well during the second half and creating several scoring chances through Hans Gilhaus, they ultimately lost the match after Van Basten's strike left the keeper helpless to prevent the ball from scoring.
5A Humorous Locker Room Exchange
Immediately following the match, Van Grinsven faced a lighthearted confrontation from his own coach, Theo de Jong. The trainer jokingly asked if the ball could have been saved, prompting an incredulous reaction from the goalkeeper. De Jong eventually laughed, acknowledging that the strike was truly unstoppable and deserved to be cherished by fans.
6Enduring Legacy in Football
Although the Eredivisie has never held an official vote for the greatest goal in its history, Van Basten's bicycle kick consistently ranks at the top of fan polls and internet lists. The goal is widely regarded as a masterpiece of timing, technique, and precision that defines the peak of his domestic career.
7Context of the Era
The 1986 season remains a significant period in Dutch football history, marked by the tactical influence of managers like Cruyff and the rise of young talents like Van Basten. This specific goal serves as a historical touchstone, illustrating the high level of individual skill present in the league during the mid-eighties.
8Historical Reconstructions
The enduring fascination with this goal led to a detailed reconstruction by the program Andere Tijden Sport in 2004. By analyzing the footage and interviewing participants, the documentary highlighted why this specific moment continues to captivate football enthusiasts four decades later, cementing its status as a legendary piece of Dutch sports heritage.
Original article: NOS Sport — Van Basten's Iconic Bicycle Kick Turns Forty