Clarance Seedorf sits alone on the table of unforgettable UEFA Champions League nights.
He owns the crown of winning three UEFA Champions League titles with three different clubs, he actually has four medals to his name.
He might not be mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Andrea Pirlo or even Steven Gerrard, but the Dutchman was one of the finest midfielders of his time.
🇳🇱 Ajax Career
He came through the famed Ajax academy and became the club’s youngest ever Eredivisie player when he made his debut in 1992, aged 16.
He was welcomed to the side that featured great players; Ajax’s Golden generation, which featured the likes of Edwin van der Sar, Frank Rijkaard, Finidi George, Ronald de Boer Frank de Boer, Marc Overmars, and Edgar Davids.
The side peaked in the 1994/95 season when they beat reigning European champions AC Milan in Vienna, in what was Seedorf’s first unforgettable European night.
Patrick Kluivert was the star of the night as his late goal was enough to down the Italians, final score; 1-0.
🇪🇸 Madrid calling
Seedorf then left the Dutch side after the victorious night in Vienna, heading to Italy with Sampdoria. He only spent a single season before Real Madrid plucked him.
In the Spanish capital, Seedorf was given more of an attacking role in a slightly star-studded side, and thanks to the training he got at Ajax, he performed excellently.
He lifted his second continental title in 1997/98 season as Madrid beat Juventus 1-0 to finally lay hands on the title after 32 years.
His second unforgettable night in Europe.
🇮🇹 Milan Double
His journey across Europe continued as he headed to Italy again, this time with Internationale. His displays attracted city rivals AC Milan, who swooped for his services in 2002.
He would spend the following 10 years at the Italian giants, leading them to numerous titles including two Champions League crowns.
His first came in 2002 as they beat Juventus 3-2 on penalties, even though he missed his spot-kick.
Interestingly, he met and eliminated his former sides Real Madrid, Ajax, and Inter Milan on the way to the finals.
He would strike gold for the second time in 2007 as AC Milan lifted their seventh continental title, beating Liverpool 2-1 in Athens, avenging their 2005 loss to the English side.
Style of play
Seedorf was a midfield dynamo. He was utilized as an attacking midfielder at Real Madrid but took a deep-lying role at the heart of AC Miland midfield.
He was dynamic, could help his team either offensively or defensively depending on the match and the formation they had set up.
He is perhaps the greatest player in the competition, and he always revels those moments, those nights.
“Emotions, memories – more good than bad, fortunately,” he once said as he reflected on the competition.
“Great moments of entertainment, great football, unforgettable evenings. I think that’s what it’s all about: experience, emotions and the special touch that the Champions League brings on and off the field.”
Clarence Seedorf goal & assist #OTD in 2007 🔥🔥🔥#UCL | #OnThisDay pic.twitter.com/6G1hXgJq6h
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 11, 2020
