Clarence Seedorf is undoubtedly one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
Making his name as a youngster at Ajax, the Dutchman briefly switched to Serie A with Sampdoria before a move to the Bernabeu and the might of Real Madrid.
Yet it was Seedorf’s return to the Italian league, first with Inter and then European juggernauts AC Milan, that ultimately cemented the Dutch international’s reputation as a truly world class talent.
Master Of Midfield
Clarence Seedorf was most famously nicknamed “Il Professore” or ‘The Professor’ which referred to his intelligence and calculated nature on the football field.
The Dutchman was a well-rounded, versatile player who possessed strength, pace and a stamina that made him adept at fulfilling many midfield roles.
Seedorf primarily served as a playmaker although he was also utilised as an attacking midfielder, competent from wider areas and an effective box to box workhorse.
He was an astute goalscorer with a powerful shot from distance, able to use both feet and a confident free kick taker. Seedorf was physical, tenacious and full of energy whilst often praised for his longevity in the game.
The San Siro Switch
By 2002, Seedorf’s time at Inter Milan was coming to an end. Despite being a regular in the starting lineup, playing 93 times across three seasons at the club, Seedorf had failed to win a single honour.
The Dutchman made the switch to city rivals AC Milan in a deal worth €22.5m that also included an exchange with Francesco Coco going in the opposite direction.
During his debut campaign, Seedorf played consistently, racking up 48 appearances across all competitions including an incredible sixteen games in Europe alone.
He formed a formidable relationship with fellow midfield maestros Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo, a trio that would prove to be the backbone of this Milan side in the coming years.
In terms of trophies, the Dutchman’s inaugural campaign was fruitful, Milan winning their first Coppa Italia in 26 years, beating Roma 6-3 on aggregate across a two-legged final.
Even more impressively, Seedorf helped guide Milan to a 2003 Champions League triumph and the club’s first since 1994. The all-Italian final saw Milan beat Juventus on penalties after a 0-0 draw although Seedorf himself failed to convert his own penalty.
The Dutchman became the first player to win the Champions League with three different clubs.
During his season, Seedorf played a crucial role in a Milan side that won the Serie A title and made 29 appearances domestically, finishing the campaign a full eleven points ahead of nearest challengers Roma.
It was AC Milan’s first Scudetto since 1999 and Seedorf’s fourth league title of his career, following two Dutch Eredivisie wins with Ajax and one La Liga crown whilst at Real Madrid.
Champions League Mainstays
Between 2003 and 2007, AC Milan reached three out of a possible five Champions League finals played during that period.
Having already won the tournament with the Italian side only two years earlier, Seedorf once again found himself with a shot at European glory. He appeared in all 13 of the matches on their run to the final versus Liverpool. AC Milan surrendered a 3-0 lead and eventually lost on penalties following the 3-3 draw.
The club suffered further disappointment, finishing runners-up in the Serie A and seven points behind champions Juventus, although the ‘Old Lady’ were stripped of the title and Milan themselves docked points for match-fixing.
Notably, during the 2005/06 season, Seedorf scored a goal after just 25 seconds during a 2-2 draw against Schalke.
Hitting His Prime
The dynamics of Milan’s midfield slowly evolved with the continuous development of young Brazilian playmaker Kaká. Seedorf’s partnership with him grew increasingly impressive and along with the Milan old guard he drove them into another Champions League final against Liverpool once again.
In contrast to their previous meeting, Milan got the better of Rafa Benitez’s side, winning 2-1 and with Seedorf collecting his fourth Champions League medal.
Towards the end of that year, the Dutchman enjoyed further success on the continental stage, claiming the 2007 FIFA World Club Cup. He became the first European player to win the trophy playing for three different clubs following previous victories with Ajax in 1995 and Real Madrid in 1998.
At the conclusion of the 2006/07 season, Seedorf was voted the Champions League’s best midfielder. In all competitions he scored ten goals and appeared in a career high of 51 games.
In December 2007, the Dutchman played his 100th Champions League match versus Scottish side Celtic and also became the leading foreign player in terms of appearances for Milan.
His 395 games for the Italian club saw him pass Swedish midfielder Nils Liedholm’s tally. In 2007/08, he matched his own incredible goals total of ten for the season in what would represent prime years for the Dutchman.
Cementing His Milan Legacy
Whilst the honours count began to diminish, Seedorf continued to perform consistently for Milan during the latter stages of his career at the San Siro.
Seven years after his first Italian league title, Seedorf won a second and final Serie A in 2010/11, predictably playing a highly influential role. He made 36 appearances and scored four goals.
The Dutchman’s final piece of silverware was the Supercoppa Italiana where Milan completed a 2-1 comeback win over rivals Inter.
Then in May 2012, Seedorf announced his intention to leave Milan and stated he would continue to play football for another club.
“I am leaving after 10 wonderful years,” the Dutch international confirmed in a press conference announcing his departure from the San Siro. “I leave a family.”
In June 2012, Seedorf signed a two-year contract with Brazilian side Botafogo. During his two seasons at the club he won the Campeonato Carioca state league title in 2013.
Seedorf played a total of 432 games for Milan over ten incredibly successful campaigns and scored 62 goals in total. The Dutchman won two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia and a pair of Champions League honours.
He arrived as an established world star yet departed as one of the greatest midfielders both AC Milan and top flight of European football has ever witnessed.
