**Frank Rijkaard: The Legendary Midfielder Who Shaped Football History**
Frank Rijkaard is one of the most legendary players of all time, noted for his grace, intellect, and ability on the game. A prominent element in AC Milan’s golden period and a critical component of the Netherlands' "Golden Generation," Rijkaard made an everlasting influence on football. In this blog article, we’ll investigate his career, the clubs he played for (and their squad sizes), and his **five most unforgettable moments** that established his reputation.
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## **Who Is Frank Rijkaard?**
Franklin Edmundo Rijkaard (born September 30, 1962, in Amsterdam) was a **world-class defensive midfielder and center-back**, famous for his tactical understanding, physical domination, and leadership. He played for:
- **Ajax (1980–1987, 1993–1995)** – Squad size: ~25 players - **Sporting CP (1987–1988, loan)** – Squad size: ~22 players - **Real Zaragoza (1987–1988, loan) ** – Squad size: ~23 players - **AC Milan (1988–1993)** – Squad size: ~26 players (including luminaries like Maldini, Baresi, Gullit, Van Basten)
He also got **73 caps for the Netherlands**, competing in two European Championships (1988, 1992) and one World Cup (1990).
After retiring, Rijkaard became a successful manager, guiding **FC Barcelona (2003–2008)** to two La Liga championships and a **Champions League win in 2006**.
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## **Frank Rijkaard’s 5 Most Amazing Moments**
### **1. Winning Euro 1988 with the Netherlands** ** Date: June 25, 1988** ** Opponent: USSR (Final)**
After years of near-misses, the Netherlands eventually won their first major trophy at **Euro 1988**, with Rijkaard playing a vital role.
- He created a renowned triumvirate with **Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten**, dominating midfield.
- In the final, the Dutch overcame the USSR **2-0**, with Van Basten’s legendary volley securing the triumph.
- Rijkaard’s defensive brilliance thwarted Soviet attacks, indicating he was among the world’s greatest.
This triumph remains one of the **proudest moments in Dutch football history**.
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### **2. The Back-to-Back European Cups with AC Milan (1989 & 1990)** ** Dates: May 24, 1989 (against Steaua Bucharest) & May 23, 1990 (vs Benfica)**
Under **Arrigo Sacchi**, AC Milan were an unstoppable force, and Rijkaard was their midfield enforcer.
- **1989 Final (4-0 versus Steaua Bucharest)**: Milan executed one of the most dominating displays in European Cup history. Rijkaard controlled the game alongside **Gullit and Van Basten**, who scored twice.
- **1990 Final (1-0 versus Benfica)**: Rijkaard scored the **winning goal**, a powerful header from a cross by **Roberto Donadoni**.
These victories cemented Milan as the **best team in the world** and Rijkaard as a **club legend**.
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### **3. The Infamous "Spitting Incident" with Rudi Völler (1990 World Cup)** ** Date: June 24, 1990** **Match: Netherlands against West Germany (Round of 16)**
One of the most contentious incidents of Rijkaard’s career happened in the **1990 World Cup** versus West Germany.
- After a violent challenge, Rijkaard **spat on Rudi Völler**, leading to both players earning red cards.
- The Netherlands lost **2-1**, going out early.
- Rijkaard eventually apologized, calling it a **moment of madness**, but the episode remains iconic.
Despite this stain, his career was distinguished by **grace and composure** rather than scandal.
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### **4. Scoring the Winner in the 1990 European Cup Final** ** Date: May 23, 1990** ** Opponent: Benfica**
While Rijkaard was recognized for his defensive efforts, he stepped up when it counted most.
- In a tight final versus Benfica, the game went into extra time.
- In the **68th minute**, Rijkaard rose to meet Donadoni’s cross and **powered a header past the keeper**.
- The goal clinched Milan’s **second consecutive European Cup**, further solidifying their dynasty.
This moment revealed Rijkaard was not simply a destroyer but also a **clutch scorer**.
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### **5. Returning to Ajax and Winning the Champions League (1995) ** **Date: May 24, 1995** **Opponent: AC Milan (Final)**
After leaving Milan, Rijkaard returned to **Ajax**, where he helped guide a youthful club to triumph.
- Under **Louis van Gaal**, Ajax played a groundbreaking form of **total football**.
- In the **1995 Champions League final**, they met his previous team, AC Milan.
- A **Patrick Kluivert goal** clinched a **1-0 win**, with Rijkaard offering leadership and expertise.
At **32 years old**, he became one of the rare players to win the European Cup with **two separate clubs**.
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## **Conclusion: Frank Rijkaard’s Immortal Legacy**
Frank Rijkaard was a **complete footballer**—strong in defense, calm in midfield, and capable of important contributions in attack. His **five memorable moments**—Euro 1988, Milan’s back-to-back European Cups, the Völler incident, his 1990 final winner, and Ajax’s 1995 triumph—showcase his genius.
Beyond playing, he affected football as a **manager**, establishing Barcelona’s golden period with Ronaldinho and Messi.
### **Why Is Rijkaard Underrated Today?**
Despite his successes, Rijkaard is frequently ignored in conversations about **all-time greats**. Yet, those who watched him play realize he was **one of the most complete midfielders ever**.
Would contemporary football benefit from a player like Rijkaard? **Absolutely.** His knowledge, adaptability, and leadership are ageless.
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**Would you desire a deeper dig into any specific element of his career? Let me know in the comments! ** ⚽🔥