Willy van der Kuijlen

About

Former attacking midfielder and forward soccer player for Philips Sport Vereniging (PSV) Eindhoven. He is far famed for becoming the holder of numerous records throughout his career, including the all-time Eredivisie goal record with 311 career goals overall. Following his illustrious years playing on the field for PSV, he brought the Dutch sports club continued success by returning in an administrative function. He fulfilled various roles including assistant manager, team coach, and talent scout.

Before Fame

As a young child, he demonstrated such athletic promise that the HVV Helmond football club waived their typical minimum age requirement of nine years old and permitted him to join at the age of eight. By the time he was 18, he found himself at the center of a bidding war between 14 clubs that wished to sign him including PSV, which he ultimately decided to join in 1964. 

Trivia

Throughout his 18-year, on-field career playing for PSV, he earned numerous honors including three Eredivisie titles. He was also the winner of two KNVB Beker Cups and the 1978 UEFA Europa League Cup. 

Family Life

He was married to Nellie van der Kuijlen until the time of his passing in 2021. Together, they had a son named William and a daughter named Monique. 

Associated With

His international career was heavily impeded by his frequent conflicts with Johan Cruyff and Cruyff's accomplices. This actually led him to retire from international soccer in 1975 for approximately one year, though he later retracted the decision.