The Netherlands has a decorated history in the European Cup / UEFA Champions League.
Feyenoord became the first Dutch team to win the competition in 1970 when they defeated Celtic at the San Siro, before Ajax asserted their dominance with three consecutive titles from 1971 to 1973.
Ajax won their fourth major European crown in 1995, defeating Milan 1-0 in the final in Vienna. Since then the closest any Dutch side has got to continental supremacy was Ajax's run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19, but while Eredivisie clubs have experienced a barren run, it's not stopped Dutch players from showcasing their talents on the grandest stage.
Clarence Seedorf holds the record for most UEFA Champions League appearances by a Dutch player having featured in 125 matches across his career. The midfielder is also the only player to win the competition with three different clubs: Ajax, Real Madrid and Milan.
Exhilerating winger Arjen Robben is the only other Dutch player to feature in over 100 UEFA Champions League matches, with goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar falling two shy of the landmark figure.
Frank de Boer made 81 appearances for Ajax, Barcelona and Galatasaray, placing him ahead of Phillip Cocu and Mark van Bommel.
One of the Netherlands' most talented midfielders Wesley Sneijder clocked up 76 appearances for Ajax, Real Madrid, Inter and Galatasaray, placing him ahead of Michael Reiziger and Edgard Davids.
Ruud van Nistelrooy completes the top 10 with 73 appearances in the competition for PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Real Madrid, and the striker is the most prolific Dutchman in UEFA Champions League history with 56 goals - 25 more than Robben in second.
Most UEFA Champions League appearances by Dutch players
- Clarence Seedorf
- Arjen Robben
- Edwin van der Sar
- Frank de Boer
- Phillip Cocu
- Mark van Bommel
- Wesley Sneijder
- Michael Reiziger
- Edgar Davids
- Ruud van Nistelrooy
