One of the best Dutch players in the middle of the 20th century, Faas Wilkes started his career with Rotterdam side Xerxes. An attacker, he quickly became known for his long rushes and quick dribbling. As professional football was still impossible in the Netherlands, Wilkes signed with Italian Internazionale in 1949, afterwards playing with Torino and Valencia (winning the 1954 Copa del Rey). This cost him a suspension in the national team, which was only lifted after the introduction of a Dutch pro league in 1954. Wilkes continue his career with VVV (Venlo), Levante (Spain) and Fortuna ‘54 (Sittard). After first playing for Oranje from 1946-49, Wilkes returned in 1955 and won his last cap in 1961. With 35 goals in 38 international matches, Wilkes was the highest scoring Dutch player for nearly 40 years, being surpassed by Dennis Bergkamp only in 1998. Wilkes, who played on a lower level with Xerxes until he was 40 years old, then ran a clothes store in Rotterdam, together with his wife. In 2010, the Xerxes stadium was named “Sportpark Faas Wilkes” in his honor.
Netherlands