Frank Rijkaard

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Rijkaard's international career is defined by his role in the Netherlands' 1988 European Championship victory. He played at centre-back alongside Ronald Koeman in the 2–0 final win over the Soviet Union. At UEFA Euro 1992, he set up Dennis Bergkamp's goal in the opening victory against Scotland and scored the opening goal in a 3–1 victory over Germany. In the semi-final against Denmark, after setting up Bergkamp's opening goal, Rijkaard scored a late equalizer in a 2–2 draw, but the Dutch went out on penalties, despite Rijkaard successfully netting his spot-kick. In the quarter-finals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, he made his final appearance for the Netherlands in the 3–2 defeat against eventual winners Brazil.

In Their Own Story

The 1990 World Cup second round match against West Germany became infamous for a spitting incident between Rijkaard and Rudi Völler. Rijkaard was booked for a tackle on Völler and, as he took up position for the free kick, he spat in Völler's hair. Völler complained and was booked as well. From the resulting free kick, Völler handled the ball and went to the ground. Rijkaard, already annoyed by Völler's previous antics, confronted the West German by twisting his ear and stamping on his foot. Argentine referee Juan Carlos Loustau sent off both Rijkaard and Völler. As he jogged back to the entrance tunnel, Rijkaard again spat in Völler's hair as they left the pitch. Germany won the match 2–1 and eventually went on to win the tournament. The German press nicknamed him 'Llama' for his spitting. Rijkaard would later apologise for his behaviour to Völler, who accepted.

Reader's Guide

Frank Rijkaard debuted for the Netherlands in 1981 during a friendly against Switzerland. He earned 73 caps for his country. His major tournaments included the 1988 European Championship (winner), the 1990 World Cup, the 1992 European Championship (third place), and the 1994 World Cup. At Euro 1992, he scored the opening goal in a 3–1 victory over Germany and scored a late equalizer against Denmark in the semi-final, though the Netherlands lost on penalties. His final international appearance came in the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup, a 3–2 defeat to eventual winners Brazil. Rijkaard was known for his physical and athletic attributes, his work rate, positioning, his acute tactical intelligence and decision-making, as well as his outstanding consistency and ability to read the game.

Did You Know?

• Rijkaard made his international debut in 1981 during a friendly match against Switzerland.
• He played at centre-back alongside Ronald Koeman in the 2–0 Euro 1988 final victory over the Soviet Union.
• At Euro 1992, Rijkaard scored a late equalizer against Denmark in the semi-final but the Netherlands lost on penalties, despite Rijkaard successfully netting his spot-kick.
• During the 1990 World Cup, Rijkaard was sent off alongside Rudi Völler after spitting in Völler's hair twice; the German press nicknamed him 'Llama'.
• Rijkaard made his final Netherlands appearance in the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup, a 3–2 defeat to eventual winners Brazil.