Dennis Bergkamp

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Lore & Background

Bergkamp's international career is defined by his performances in major tournaments. At Euro 1992, he scored three goals as the Netherlands reached the semi-finals. His most iconic moment came at the 1998 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, where he scored the winning goal in the final minute — a goal regarded as one of the greatest in World Cup history. In 1998, he also surpassed Faas Wilkes's record to become the Netherlands' all-time top scorer. That record was later broken by Patrick Kluivert, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Robin van Persie, and Memphis Depay. Bergkamp has been described by Jan Mulder as having 'the finest technique' of any Dutch international and a 'dream for a striker' by teammate Thierry Henry.

In Their Own Story

The 1998 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina was tied at 1-1. In the final minute, Bergkamp received a long pass from Frank de Boer. With one touch, he controlled the ball, then flicked it around Argentine defender Roberto Ayala with his right foot. With his next touch, he calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Carlos Roa. The goal, scored in the 90th minute, sent the Netherlands to the semi-finals and is regarded as one of the greatest FIFA World Cup goals ever. Bergkamp finished the tournament having surpassed Faas Wilkes's record to become the Netherlands' all-time top scorer.

Reader's Guide

Dennis Bergkamp was selected for the Netherlands national team in 1990. He was chosen for Euro 1992, scoring three goals as the Netherlands reached the semi-finals. At the 1998 FIFA World Cup, he scored the memorable winning goal in the final minute of the quarter-final against Argentina. Bergkamp surpassed Faas Wilkes's record to become the country's top scorer of all time in 1998. That record was later eclipsed by Patrick Kluivert, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Robin van Persie, and Memphis Depay. Bergkamp has been described by Jan Mulder as having 'the finest technique' of any Dutch international and a 'dream for a striker' by teammate Thierry Henry. He finished third twice in the FIFA World Player of the Year award and was selected by Pelé as one of the FIFA 100 greatest living players.

Did You Know?

• Bergkamp surpassed Faas Wilkes's record to become the Netherlands' all-time top scorer in 1998.
• His winning goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup quarter-final is regarded as one of the greatest FIFA World Cup goals.
• Jan Mulder described Bergkamp as having 'the finest technique' of any Dutch international.
• Bergkamp finished third twice in the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
• He was selected by Pelé as one of the FIFA 100 greatest living players.