:Dennis Bergkamp

Born in Amsterdam, Bergkamp was the last of Wim and Tonnie Bergkamp's four sons.{{cite web |url=http://www.geumid.nl/thuis/nieuws/item/browse/2/titel/op-een-mooie-zondagmorgen/terug/2234/ |title=Op een mooie zondagmorgen |language=nl |trans-title=On a lovely Sunday morning |last=Maas |first=J.G. |publisher=Geuzenmiddenmeer |date=22 August 2006 |access-date=9 March 2017 |archive-date=21 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821090514/http://www.geumid.nl/thuis/nieuws/item/browse/2/titel/op-een-mooie-zondagmorgen/terug/2234/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/football/article92057.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519185349/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/football/article92057.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 May 2014 |title=The Big Interview: Dennis Bergkamp |date=14 November 2004 |access-date=28 April 2012 |newspaper=The Sunday Times |location=London |last=Lovejoy |first=Joe }}{{subscription required}} He was brought up in a working-class suburb, in a family aspiring to reach middle-class status. His father, an electrician and amateur footballer in the lower leagues, named him in honour of Scottish striker Denis Law.{{cite news |title=Dennis is worth wait in gold; The FA Cup quarter-finals: Bergkamp has not played too often, but he's still producing masterpieces |url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-83592970 |newspaper=Evening Standard |date=8 March 2002 |access-date=28 April 2012 |location=London }}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{subscription required}} To comply with Dutch given name customs, an extra "n" was inserted in Bergkamp's first name by his father after it was not accepted by the registrar.{{cite web |title=Dennis Bergkamp factfile |url=http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/arsenal/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/02/12/19/SOCCER_Bergkamp_Factfile.html&TEAMHD=arsenal |work=Sporting Life |date=19 December 2002 |access-date=28 April 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Bergkamp was raised as a Roman Catholic by his family and regularly attended church during his childhood.{{cite news |title=Dennis is worth wait in gold; The FA Cup quarter-finals: Bergkamp has not played too often, but he's still producing masterpieces |url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-60704116 |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=2 January 1998 |access-date=1 May 2012 |first=Harry |last=Harris }}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{subscription required}} Although in later years he said visits to church did not appeal to him, Bergkamp still maintains his faith. According to Bergkamp, his childhood footballing heroes were Glenn Hoddle, whom he admired for his soft precise touch, and Johan Cruyff, who once coached him when he was twelve.{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/dennis-bergkamp-one-one |title=Dennis Bergkamp: One-on-one |work=Four Four Two |date= February 2011}}

File:Dennis Bergkamp 1989, Bestanddeelnr 934-4782.jpg

Bergkamp was brought up through Ajax's youth system, joining the club at age 11. Manager Johan Cruyff gave him his professional debut on 14 December 1986 against Roda JC; the match ended in a 2–0 victory for Ajax.{{cite news |url=http://www.vi.nl/Wedstrijden/Wedstrijd.htm?dbid=59196&typeofpage=84140 |title=Ajax 2–0 Roda JC |access-date=28 April 2012 |work=Voetbal International |language=nl }} Bergkamp scored his first senior goal for the club against HFC Haarlem on 22 February 1987 in a match Ajax won 6–0.{{cite news |url=http://www.vi.nl/Wedstrijden/Wedstrijd.htm?dbid=59197&typeofpage=84140 |title=Ajax 6–0 Haarlem |access-date=3 May 2012 |work=Voetbal International |language=nl }} He went on to make 23 appearances in the 1986–87 season, including a European debut against Malmö FF in the 1986–87 European Cup Winners' Cup, earning him praise. Ajax won the competition, beating Lokomotive Leipzig 1–0 as Bergkamp made an appearance as a substitute.{{cite news|title=1986/87: Ajax revive their traditions |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ecwc/history/season=1986/intro.html |work=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=1 June 1987 |access-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503063433/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ecwc/history/season%3D1986/intro.html |archive-date=3 May 2010 }}

In later seasons, Bergkamp established himself as a first-team player for Ajax. This culminated in a period of success for the club, which won the Eredivisie title in the 1989–90 season for the first time in five years. Bergkamp scored 29 goals in 36 matches the following season and became the joint top scorer in the league, sharing the accolade with PSV striker Romário.

Ajax won the 1992 UEFA Cup Final, beating Torino through the away goals ruling. They then defeated Heerenveen 6–2 in the final of the KNVB Cup on 20 May 1993.{{cite news |title=1991/92: Ajax complete clean sweep |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/history/season=1991/index.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913143255/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/history/season=1991/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 September 2012 |work=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |access-date=11 May 2012 }}{{cite web |title=Ajax – sc Heerenveen |url=http://www.sc-heerenveen.nl/voetbal/wedstrijd/ajax-sc-heerenveen/?match=15523 |work=sc-heerenveen.nl |publisher=SC Heerenveen |access-date=11 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107004743/http://www.sc-heerenveen.nl/voetbal/wedstrijd/ajax-sc-heerenveen/?match=15523 |archive-date=7 November 2012 |url-status=dead }} Bergkamp was the top scorer in the Eredivisie from 1991 to 1993 and was voted Dutch Footballer of the Year in 1992 and 1993.{{cite news | url=http://www.ajax.nl/Nieuws/Nieuwsarchief/Nieuws-artikel/Deze-week-17-jaar-geleden.htm | title=Deze week ... 17 jaar geleden | work=Ajax.nl | date=11 February 2009 | access-date=11 May 2012 | language=nl | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021190014/http://www.ajax.nl/Nieuws/Nieuwsarchief/Nieuws-artikel/Deze-week-17-jaar-geleden.htm | archive-date=21 October 2012 | df=dmy-all }} In total, he scored 122 goals in 239 matches for his hometown club.

File:Dennis Bergkamp - FC Inter - Coppa UEFA 1993-94.jpg trophy after Inter Milan's win in the 1994 UEFA Cup final]]

Bergkamp attracted the attention of several European clubs as a result of his performances for Ajax. Fellow Dutchman and then FC Barcelona Johan Cruyff, in an attempt to encourage Bergkamp to sign for Barcelona, advised him not to join Spanish rivals Real Madrid, one of the teams said to have been interested in him, but Bergkamp was primarily interested in a move to Italy.{{cite news |url=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/deportes/CRUYFF/_JOHAN_/FUTBOL/HOLANDA/BERGKAMP/_DENNIS_/FUTBOLISTA/HOLANDA/FUTBOL_CLUB_BARCELONA_/CLUB_DE_FUTBOL/elpepidep/19930102elpepidep_2/Tes|title=Cruyff: "¿Qué va a hacer Bergkamp en el Real Madrid?" |date=2 January 1993 |access-date=12 December 2011 |newspaper=El País |last=Carbonell |first=Rafael |language=es |location=Barcelona}}{{cite web |url=http://fourfourtwo.com/interviews/one-on-one/371/article.aspx |title=Dennis Bergkamp – One-on-One – Interviews |access-date=12 December 2011 |work=FourFourTwo|date=February 2011 }} Bergkamp considered Serie A "the biggest league at the time" but after the success of fellow countrymen Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard at AC Milan he preferred a move to either Juventus or Inter Milan to help distinguish himself. On 16 February 1993, Bergkamp agreed a £7.1 million move to the latter club in a deal which included his Ajax teammate Wim Jonk.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-bergkamp-joins-inter-for-71m-pounds-1473409.html|title=Football: Bergkamp joins Inter for 7.1m pounds|date=16 February 1993 |access-date=12 December 2011 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |last=Haylett |first=Trever }} Upon signing, Bergkamp said Inter "met all my demands. The most important thing for me was the stadium, the people at the club and their style of play."

Bergkamp made his debut against Reggiana on 29 August 1993 at the San Siro in a 2–1 victory.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1993/agosto/30/Jonk_Toto_fanno_ridere_Inter_co_0_93083010915.shtml|title=Jonk e Toto' fanno ridere l' Inter |date=30 August 1993 |access-date=13 December 2011 |publisher=Corriere della Sera |last=Giancarlo|first=Padovan |language=it |location=Milan }} He scored his first goal for the club against Cremonese in September 1993 but had a difficult time against the highly organised and resolute Italian defences, scoring a further seven goals in the league. This was partly due to manager Osvaldo Bagnoli's inability to find a stable forward partnership, preferring Bergkamp in a three with Rubén Sosa and Salvatore Schillaci.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-wright-faces-charge-fa-awaits-linesmans-decision-1506224.html|title=Football: Wright faces charge: FA awaits linesman's decision|date=23 November 1993 |access-date=14 December 2011 |newspaper=The Independent |last=Winter |first=Henry |location=London}} Inter's poor league form culminated in the sacking of Bagnoli in February 1994 and his replacement by Gianpiero Marini, a member of Italy's 1982 FIFA World Cup-winning squad.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19940209&id=Fd9OAAAAIBAJ&pg=3282,3220664|title=Inter sack coach Bagnoli|date=9 February 1994 |access-date=14 December 2011 |work=New Straits Times| location=Milan}} The club finished 13th in Serie A, one point away from relegation, but enjoyed success in the UEFA Cup, beating Austria Salzburg in the final over two legs.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=1993/overview/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111110121228/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=1993/overview/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 November 2011 |title=1993/94: Inter reclaim UEFA Cup |work=UEFA |date=1 June 1994 |access-date=13 December 2011}} Bergkamp was the competition's joint top scorer with eight goals and scored a hat-trick against Rapid București in the first round.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1993/settembre/17/Bergkamp_Baggio_magie_10_co_0_93091713338.shtml|title=Bergkamp Baggio, magie da 10 |date=17 September 1993 |access-date=14 December 2011 |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |last=Gherarducci |first=Mario |language=it |location=Milan}}

In Bergkamp's second season at Inter, the club changed managers again, appointing Ottavio Bianchi. Bergkamp endured a disappointing campaign,{{cite news |url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/aebja5/remembering-the-failed-serie-a-careers-of-arsenals-invincibles-generation.html|title=Remembering The Failed Serie A Careers Of Arsenal's Invincibles Generation}} troubled with stress injuries and fatigue from the 1994 World Cup. He managed to score 5 goals in 26 appearances. Off the field, Bergkamp's relationship with the Italian press and fans became uncomfortable. His shy persona and his propensity to go home after matches was interpreted as apathy.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/unravelling-the-enigma-that-is-dennis-bergkamp-1587595.html|title=Unravelling the enigma that is Dennis Bergkamp|date=21 June 1995 |access-date=14 December 2011 |newspaper=The Independent |last=Winner |first=David |location=London }} Because of his poor performance on the pitch, one Italian publication renamed their award given to the worst performance of the week, L'asino della settimana (Donkey of the Week) to Bergkamp della settimana.{{cite news |url=http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2000/06/27/che-incubi-milano-il-riscatto-dei-ripudiati.html|title=Che incubi a Milano Il riscatto dei ripudiati |date=27 June 2000 |access-date=14 December 2011 |newspaper=la Repubblica |last=Marrese |first=Emilio |language=it }} Inter ended the league season in sixth position and failed to retain the UEFA Cup, with the club eliminated in the second round. In February 1995, the club was purchased by Italian businessman and fan Massimo Moratti, who promised to invest heavily in the squad.{{cite news |url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/accaddeoggi/2011/02/18-156431/1995,+Moratti+compra+l%27Inter |title=1995, Moratti compra l'Inter |date=18 February 2011 |access-date=14 December 2011 |publisher=Corriere dello Sport |last=Marrese |first=Emilio |language=it |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020340/http://www.corrieredellosport.it/accaddeoggi/2011/02/18-156431/1995,+Moratti+compra+l%27Inter |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=dead }} Bergkamp's future in the first team was uncertain following the signing of Maurizio Ganz a month after the takeover.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/marzo/29/Ganz_primo_colpo_Moratti_co_0_95032914360.shtml|title=Ganz, il primo colpo di Moratti |date=29 March 1995 |access-date=14 December 2011 |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |agency=BBC |language=it }}

As Moratti prepared to make wholesale changes at the club, Bergkamp left Inter and signed with Arsenal in June 1995 for a transfer fee estimated at £7.5 million.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rioch-signs-bergkamp-to-signal-new-era-1587607.html|title=Rioch signs Bergkamp to signal new era |date=21 June 1995 |access-date=9 December 2011 |newspaper=The Independent |last=Shaw |first=Phil | location=London}} He became manager Bruce Rioch's first signing at Arsenal and broke the club's prior transfer fee record of £2.5 million. Bergkamp's arrival at the club was significant not only because he was an established international footballer who looked to have his best years ahead of him but also because of his perceived difference in style with the Arsenal team of the 90's who had become a defensive and low scoring team under George Graham, plagued by a drinking culture.

On the opening day of the 1995–96 league season, Bergkamp made his full debut against Middlesbrough. He initially struggled to adapt to the English game and failed to score in the club's next six league matches, prompting ridicule by the national press. On 23 September 1995, Bergkamp scored his first and second goals for Arsenal against Southampton at Highbury.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/dennis-finds-his-menace-1602734.html|title=Dennis finds his menace |date=24 September 1995 |access-date=9 December 2011 |work=The Independent |last=Houston |first=Bob |location=London}} Bergkamp ended his first season with 33 appearances and 11 goals, helping Arsenal finish fifth and earn a place in the UEFA Cup by scoring the winner against Bolton Wanderers on the final day of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/bergkamp-sends-arsenal-into-europe-1345860.html|title=Bergkamp sends Arsenal into Europe |date=6 May 1996 |access-date=9 December 2011 |newspaper=The Independent |last=Chesshyre |first=Tom |location=London}}

The appointment of Arsène Wenger as Arsenal manager in September 1996 marked a turning point in Bergkamp's career.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/apr/25/arsenal|title=On a higher plane |date=25 April 2004 |access-date=13 December 2011 |newspaper=The Guardian |last=Lawrence |first=Amy| location=London}} Wenger, who had been a successful manager in France and Japan, recognised Bergkamp's talent and wanted to use him as a fulcrum of the team's forward play. Both were advocates of a continental style of attacking football, and Wenger's decision to impose a strict fitness and health regimen pleased Bergkamp. Despite making fewer appearances in the 1996–97 season, Bergkamp was more influential in the first team, providing 13 assists. Against Tottenham Hotspur in November 1996, he set up an 88th-minute winner for captain Tony Adams to volley in using his left foot. He then scored in injury time, controlling a high ball with his left foot and evading his marker Stephen Carr in a tight area to set up his shot.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-bergkamp-and-adams-break-spirited-spurs-1354105.html|title=Football: Bergkamp and Adams break spirited Spurs |date=25 November 1996 |access-date=10 December 2011 |newspaper=The Independent |last=Haylett |first=Trever | location=London}} Bergkamp received his first red card against Sunderland in January 1997 for a high tackle on midfielder Paul Bracewell in the 26th minute.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/grim-for-grizzly-adams-1282883.html|title=Grim for grizzly Adams|date=12 January 1997 |access-date=10 December 2011 |work=The Independent |last=Turnbull |first=Simon | location=London}} Arsenal went on to lose the match 1–0, but a run of 8 wins in their final 16 matches gave the club a third-place finish, missing out on a spot in the UEFA Champions League via goal difference.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-three-gunner-salute-for-baseball-ground-1261073.html|title=Football: Three Gunner salute for Baseball Ground |date=12 May 1997 |access-date=10 December 2011 |newspaper=The Independent |last=Shaw |first=Phil | location=London}}

Bergkamp was instrumental the following season in helping Arsenal complete a domestic league and cup double. He became the club's top scorer with 22 goals and recorded a strike rate of 0.57. Arsenal's achievement was all the more astonishing given the team, written off by many in December 1997, had made ground on reigning Premier League champions Manchester United.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/77544.stm |title=Title run-in: United steel or Arsenal grit? |date=30 April 1998 |access-date=12 December 2011 |work=BBC News }}{{cite news |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/article-1013159-wengers-sandcastle-under-siege.do |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505152122/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/article-1013159-wengers-sandcastle-under-siege.do |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 May 2013 |title=Wenger's sandcastle under siege |date=5 November 2001 |access-date=12 December 2011 |work=Evening Standard |last=Stammers |first=Steve |location=London }} Early in the season away to Leicester City at Filbert Street on 23 August 1997, Bergkamp scored his first hat-trick for the club.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-wright-faces-more-fa-action-1247722.html|title=Football: Wright faces more FA action |date=28 August 1997 |access-date=10 December 2011 |newspaper=The Independent |last=Shaw |first=Phil | location=London}} The third goal, which he regarded as his favourite for Arsenal,{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/ggg4-bergkamp-v-leicester-city-1997 |title=GGG4: Bergkamp v Leicester City, 1997 |date=28 July 2009 |access-date=11 December 2011 |work=Arsenal.com }} required just one touch to control the ball in the penalty box, another to flick it past his marker Matt Elliott before juggling it with his feet and shooting past goalkeeper Kasey Keller. After the match, Leicester manager Martin O'Neill was gracious enough to admit Bergkamp's was "the best hat-trick I've ever seen".Palmer (2008), p. 73. In an FA Cup quarter-final replay against West Ham United on 17 March 1998, Bergkamp was sent off for elbowing midfielder Steve Lomas and missed three matches due to suspension.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/66693.stm |title=Arsenal and Sheffield United through on penalties |date=18 March 1998 |access-date=11 December 2011 |work=BBC News}} He played no further part in Arsenal's season after overstretching his hamstring against Derby County on 29 April 1998, missing the 1998 FA Cup Final.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/85823.stm |title=Arsenal near title |date=30 April 1998 |access-date=11 December 2011 |work=BBC News }} Bergkamp was consoled with the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, becoming only the third non-British player to be recognised by his fellow professionals as the outstanding performer in English football.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/74451.stm |title=Bergkamp honoured by PFA |date=6 April 1998 |access-date=11 December 2011 |work=BBC News}}

After an effective 1998 World Cup campaign with the national team, Bergkamp had another productive season in 1998–99. Although Arsenal failed to retain the Premier League after losing the title on the final day of the season to Manchester United, Bergkamp was the club's second-top scorer in all competitions, with 16 goals, and finished the season as the top assist provider in the Premier League, alongside Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, with 13 assists.{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/history/1998-99 |title=1998/99 Season Review: Man Utd seal the treble |publisher=Premier League |access-date=20 October 2016 |archive-date=13 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913184554/https://www.premierleague.com/history/1998-99 |url-status=dead }} Arsenal were also defeated in a FA Cup semi-final replay against Manchester United in April 1999. With the score 1–1 heading into injury time, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after midfielder Ray Parlour was brought down by Phil Neville inside the 18-yard box. Bergkamp took the penalty shot but it was saved by goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. In the second half of extra time, Ryan Giggs scored the winner, a goal regarded by many as the greatest in the competition's history.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/apr/15/match.sport3?INTCMP=SRCH|title=Schmeichel takes flight as Giggs strips Arsenal bare |date=15 April 1999 |access-date=11 December 2011 |newspaper=The Guardian |last=Thorpe |first=Martin |location=London}}{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/891126/the-fa-cup%27s-greatest-goals?cc=5739 |title=The FA Cup's Greatest Goals |date=11 March 2011 |access-date=11 December 2011 |publisher=ESPN Soccernet |last=Carter |first=Jon |archive-date=18 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318161502/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/891126/the-fa-cup%27s-greatest-goals?cc=5739 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/58/58639_giggs_goal_is_greatest_fa_cup_moment.html |title=Giggs' goal is greatest FA Cup moment |date=15 May 2003 |access-date=11 December 2011 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |archive-date=21 April 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421010917/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/58/58639_giggs_goal_is_greatest_fa_cup_moment.html |url-status=dead }} After this miss, Bergkamp did not take another penalty for the remainder of his career.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mesut-ozil-could-be-like-dennis-bergkamp-and-never-take-a-penalty-again-says-arsene-wenger-9144082.html|title='Mesut Ozil could be like Dennis Bergkamp and never take a penalty again,' says Arsene Wenger|date=21 February 2014|work=The Independent}}

File:Dennis Bergkamp.jpg in 2001]]

The 1999–2000 season proved to be a frustrating one for both Arsenal and Bergkamp. The club finished second in the league, 18 points behind Manchester United, and lost in the 2000 UEFA Cup Final to Turkish opponents Galatasaray on penalties.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/752751.stm |title=Penalty heartbreak for Arsenal |website=BBC News |date=17 May 2000 |access-date=27 May 2020}} The departure of compatriot Marc Overmars and French midfielder Emmanuel Petit in the close season led to speculation over Bergkamp's future.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/936020.stm |title=Bergkamp future still uncertain |date=21 September 2000 |access-date=11 December 2011 |work=BBC News}} He ultimately agreed terms on a contract extension in December 2000.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/1090298.stm |title=Bergkamp and Parlour agree deals |date=28 December 2000 |access-date=11 December 2011 |work=BBC News }} Despite an array of new signings made in the 2000–01 season, Arsenal were runners-up in the league for a third year in succession.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/1310320.stm |title=Arsenal outgun Leeds |date=5 May 2001 |access-date=11 December 2011 |work=BBC News }} The emergence of Thierry Henry and Sylvain Wiltord as the main strikers saw Bergkamp's first-team opportunities limited as a result. He was used as a late substitute in Liverpool's win over Arsenal in the 2001 FA Cup Final.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/may/13/match.sport?INTCMP=SRCH|title=Owen spikes the Gunners |date=13 May 2001 |access-date=11 December 2011 |work=The Guardian |last=Wilson |first=Paul| location=London}}

Success finally came in the 2001–02 season. Arsenal regained the league, beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in the penultimate game of the season to complete the club's second double under Wenger; Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2–0 to win the FA Cup four days prior.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/3027377/Simply-champion-Arsenal.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/3027377/Simply-champion-Arsenal.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Simply champion, Arsenal |date=8 May 2002 |access-date=12 December 2011 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |last=Winter |first=Henry }}{{cbignore}} Bergkamp played in 33 league matches, setting up 15 goals, one of which was against Juventus in the second group stage of the Champions League. Holding off two markers, he twisted and turned before feeding the ball to Freddie Ljungberg in the penalty box to score.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/dec/05/championsleague.sport|title=Ljungberg at the double |date=5 December 2001 |access-date=12 December 2011 |work=The Guardian |last=Lacey |first=David |location=London }} Bergkamp headed in the winner against Liverpool in a FA Cup fourth-round tie on 27 January 2002, but was shown a red card for a two-footed lunge on defender Jamie Carragher, who himself was sent off for throwing a coin into the crowd.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1780997.stm |title=Sweet revenge for Arsenal |date=27 January 2002 |access-date=11 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} He was subsequently banned for three matches (two league, one FA Cup round).{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2429966/Arsenal-hit-by-Bergkamp-ban.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2429966/Arsenal-hit-by-Bergkamp-ban.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Arsenal hit by Bergkamp ban|date=4 February 2002 |access-date=12 December 2011 |work=Daily Telegraph |last=Wallace |first=Sam }}{{cbignore}} Bergkamp appealed for his ban, but was unsuccessful.{{cite news | title=Bergkamp appeal turned down | url=http://www.the-fa.org/newscontent.asp?artid=2839 | work=The Football Association | date=4 February 2002 | access-date=17 July 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020222011434/http://www.the-fa.org/newscontent.asp?artid=2839 | archive-date=22 February 2002 }} He made his return against Newcastle United on 3 March 2002. Early in the match, Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires played a low pass from the left flank to Bergkamp in the edge of the opponent area with his back to goal. Under pressure from his marker Nikos Dabizas, Bergkamp controlled the ball with one flick and went around the other side before placing the ball precisely into the bottom right-hand corner to score. Wenger described the goal as "unbelievable",{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2431805/Newcastle-laid-bare-by-Bergkamp.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2431805/Newcastle-laid-bare-by-Bergkamp.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Newcastle laid bare by Bergkamp|date=3 March 2002 |access-date=12 December 2011 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |last=Wallace |first=Sam }}{{cbignore}} adding "It was not only a magnificent goal but a very important one – I enjoyed it a lot". Bergkamp featured in nine out of the last ten league games, forming a productive partnership with Ljungberg.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/3027104/Ljungberg-has-will-to-win.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/3027104/Ljungberg-has-will-to-win.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Ljungberg has will to win |date=3 May 2002 |access-date=12 December 2011 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |last=Ley |first=John}}{{cbignore}}{{quote box

| width = 25%

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| quote = "You can't blame anyone for that. You just have to accept that Bergkamp did a beautiful thing."

| source = Sir Bobby Robson on Dennis Bergkamp's goal against Newcastle United in March 2002.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/alansmith/2321419/The-brilliance-of-Bergkamp.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/alansmith/2321419/The-brilliance-of-Bergkamp.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=The brilliance of Bergkamp |date=18 September 2007 |access-date=10 December 2011 |work=The Daily Telegraph |last=Smith |first=Alan }}{{cbignore}}

}}File:Dennis Bergkamp cropped.JPG

Bergkamp reached a personal landmark during the 2002–03 season, scoring his 100th goal for Arsenal against Oxford United in a FA Cup third-round tie on 4 January 2003.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2607165.stm |title=Arsenal end Oxford dream |date=4 January 2003 |access-date=12 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport }}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/2527171.stm |title=Bergkamp reaches milestone |date=4 January 2003 |access-date=12 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport }} In the league, Arsenal failed to retain the championship despite having led by eight points in March 2003.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2992107.stm |title=Ten weeks that turned the title |date=4 May 2003 |access-date=12 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} However, they did win the FA Cup for a second successive year, beating Southampton in the 2003 FA Cup Final.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/18/match.facup|title=Pires aim is true for muted Gunners |date=18 May 2003 |access-date=12 December 2011 |work=The Guardian |last=Wilson |first=Paul |location=London }} On 20 July 2003, Bergkamp signed a one-year extension at the club.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3081441.stm |title=Bergkamp signs new deal |date=20 July 2003 |access-date=12 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport}} The 2003–04 season ended on a high point for Bergkamp as Arsenal reclaimed the league title, becoming the first English team in more than a century to go through the entire domestic league season unbeaten. Against Leicester City in the final league match of the campaign with the score tied at 1–1, Bergkamp set up the winner with a pass to captain Patrick Vieira. Vieira rounded the goalkeeper and scored.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2378953/Arsenal-join-the-Invincibles.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2378953/Arsenal-join-the-Invincibles.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Arsenal join the Invincibles|date=16 May 2004 |access-date=13 December 2011 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |last=Barclay |first=Patrick}}{{cbignore}} The team, dubbed "The Invincibles" did not achieve similar dominance in Europe; Arsenal were beaten by Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Champions League over two legs.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/3593083.stm |title=Arsenal 1–2 Chelsea |date=6 April 2004 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport }} Bergkamp committed himself to Arsenal at the end of the season, signing a further extension to his contract.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3708777.stm |title=Bergkamp agrees new deal |date=12 May 2004 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport }}

Bergkamp started in 29 league matches in the 2004–05 season, but Arsenal's title defence ended unsuccessfully. The team finished second, 12 points behind Chelsea. At home against Middlesbrough on 22 August 2004, Bergkamp acted as captain for the injured Vieira in a match where Arsenal came back from 1–3 down to win 5–3 and equal Nottingham Forest's record of 42 league matches undefeated.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/aug/23/match.arsenal|title=Gunners have all the answers to biggest test |date=23 August 2004 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=The Guardian |last=McCarra |first=Kevin| location=London}} Against Sheffield United in the FA Cup on 19 February 2005, Bergkamp was shown a straight red card by referee Neale Barry for shoving defender Danny Cullip.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4259689.stm |title=Arsenal 1–1 Sheff Utd|date=19 February 2005 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport }} His appeal of the decision was rejected by The Football Association (FA), meaning he missed the club's next three domestic games.{{cite news |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/article-16813823-bergkamp-loses-red-card-appeal.do |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912091709/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/article-16813823-bergkamp-loses-red-card-appeal.do |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 September 2012 |title=Bergkamp loses red card appeal |date=23 February 2005 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=Evening Standard |location=London }} In Arsenal's final home match of the season, against Everton, Bergkamp had a man of the match game, scoring once and assisting three of the goals in a 7–0 win.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/may/12/match.sport|title=Rampant Gunners in seventh heaven |date=12 May 2005 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=The Guardian |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |location=London }} Bergkamp was moved by Arsenal supporters chanting "one more year", describing it as "quite special". "They obviously feel there is another year left in me, so that's great as it shows they're really behind me," he said.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4533683.stm |title=Bergkamp made to wait on new deal |date=12 May 2005 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport }} Following Arsenal's penalty shootout victory over Manchester United in the 2005 FA Cup Final, he signed a one-year contract extension.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/4569757.stm |title=Bergkamp set to stay at Arsenal |date=21 May 2005 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport }}

File:Emirates Stadium Arsenal.jpg filling up during Bergkamp's testimonial match between Arsenal and Ajax in July 2006]]

The team finished fourth in the league in Bergkamp's final season at Arsenal.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4957444.stm |title=Arsenal 4–2 Wigan|date=7 May 2006 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport }} Bergkamp scored an injury-time winner against Thun on Matchday 1 of the Champions League, having come on as a substitute in the 72nd minute.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2365306/Bergkamp-just-beats-clock.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2365306/Bergkamp-just-beats-clock.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Bergkamp just beats clock |date=15 September 2005 |access-date=13 December 2011 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |last=Winter |first=Henry}}{{cbignore}} After much campaigning from Arsenal supporters, the club designated one of its Highbury matchday themes, organised to commemorate the stadium's final season as home of Arsenal, to Dennis Bergkamp.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/turn-highbury-orange-for-dennis-bergkand-day- |title=Turn Highbury orange for Dennis Bergkamp Day! |date=3 April 2006 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=Arsenal.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603204737/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/turn-highbury-orange-for-dennis-bergkand-day- |archive-date=3 June 2013}} "Bergkamp Day" took place on 15 April 2006 and saw Arsenal up against West Bromwich Albion. It celebrated the player's contribution to Arsenal; fans were given commemorative orange "DB10" T-shirts – the colour of his national team, his initials and his squad number. Bergkamp himself came on as a second-half substitute and set up the winning Robert Pires goal moments after Nigel Quashie had levelled the scoreline. Fittingly, Bergkamp's 89th-minute goal proved to be his last for Arsenal in competitive football.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4890626.stm |title=Arsenal 3–1 West Brom |date=15 April 2006 |access-date=13 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport }} Bergkamp was an unused substitute in his final match for Arsenal against Barcelona in the Champions League final; Barcelona scored twice in the last 13 minutes to overturn Arsenal's early lead and win the competition.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4773353.stm |title=Barcelona 2–1 Arsenal |website=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2006 |access-date=27 May 2020}}

Bergkamp was the focus of the first match at Arsenal's new ground, the Emirates Stadium. On 22 July 2006, a testimonial was played in his honour at the new stadium as Arsenal played his old club Ajax. Bergkamp kicked off the match with his father, Wim, and son, Mitchel. All four children acted as the match's mascots. The first half was played by members of Arsenal and Ajax's current squads, while the second was played by famous ex-players from both sides, including Ian Wright, Patrick Vieira, Marc Overmars, Emmanuel Petit and David Seaman for Arsenal; and Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Danny Blind, Frank and Ronald de Boer for Ajax. Arsenal won the match 2–1 with goals from Henry and Nwankwo Kanu. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar had earlier opened the scoring for Ajax, making him the first goalscorer at the Emirates Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.arsenal.com/matchreport.asp?thisNav=fixtures&fxid=295613 |title=Match Report: Bergkamp Testimonial |work=Arsenal.com |access-date=27 July 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822024220/http://www.arsenal.com/matchreport.asp?thisNav=fixtures&fxid=295613 |archive-date=22 August 2006 |url-status=dead}}

Bergkamp made his international debut for the Netherlands national team against Italy on 26 September 1990 as a substitute for Frank de Boer.{{cite book|last1=Dennis Bergkamp|first1=David Winner|title=Stillness and Speed|date=2014|publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=978-1-47112-953-7|page=91|chapter=Chapter 5. Player Power}} He scored his first goal for the team against Greece on 21 November 1990.{{cite news |title=Uefa Euro 1992 – History – Netherlands–Greece |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/3005--netherlands-vs-greece/ |work=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |access-date=2 May 2012}} Bergkamp was selected for Euro 1992, where his national team were the defending champions. Bergkamp impressed, scoring three goals in the tournament and finishing as one of the joint top goalscorers of the competition.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/seasons/1992/ |title=Season 1992 UEFA EURO |work=Union of European Football Associations |access-date=14 May 2020 }} However, his team lost on penalties to eventual champions Denmark in the semi-final, following a 2–2 draw; during the match, Bergkamp scored the first Dutch goal to tie the match 1–1, and also netted his penalty in the shootout.{{cite news |title=Schmeichel helps Denmark down Netherlands |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d7b304421ec-0ee876f51d67-1000--schmeichel-helps-denmark-down-netherlands-in-euro-1992-s/ |work=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=5 October 2003 |access-date=30 April 2012}} He also scored the only goal of the match in the Netherlands' opening win against Scotland,{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/5093/ |title=Netherlands-Scotland UEFA EURO 1992 |publisher=UEFA |access-date=10 November 2023 }} and the final goal in a 3–1 win over Germany in their first round match, which allowed them to top their group.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/5097/ |title=Netherlands-Germany UEFA EURO 1992 |publisher=UEFA |access-date=10 November 2023 }} Bergkamp was named in the Team of the Tournament for his performances.

File:Dennis Bergkamp Euro '96.jpg match against Scotland|229x229px]]

In the qualification for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Bergkamp scored five goals and was selected for the finals, staged in the United States. He featured in every game for the national team, getting a goal against Morocco in the group stages (in addition to assisting Bryan Roy's late winner){{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/06/30/the-netherlands-2-morocco-1/47d3742d-de5a-45d6-a58c-286843d407f7/ |title=THE NETHERLANDS 2, MOROCCO 1 |work=The Washington Post |last1=Ritchie |first1=Joe |date=30 June 1994 |access-date=10 November 2023 }} and another one in a 2–0 win against the Republic of Ireland in the round-of-16.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/05/sports/world-cup-94-dutch-too-fast-too-sure-for-irish.html |title=WORLD CUP '94; Dutch Too Fast, Too Sure For Irish |work=The New York Times |last1=Yannis |first1=Alex |date=5 July 1994 |access-date=10 November 2023 }} Bergkamp scored the first goal for the Netherlands against eventual champions Brazil, but the team lost 3–2, exiting in the quarter-finals.{{cite news |title=Brazil end Oranje's American dream |url=https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/matches/match=3098/index.html |work=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |access-date=30 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019233751/http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/matches/match%3D3098/index.html |archive-date=19 October 2012}} At Euro 1996, Bergkamp scored against Switzerland and set up striker Patrick Kluivert's consolation goal against England, who advanced into the quarter-finals as first in their group while the Dutch finished second and faced France, being eliminated after a penalty shootout, following a 0–0 draw.{{cite news |title=Second-half surge sends Netherlands top |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b34899467-741da7c55367-1000--netherlands-eclipse-switzerland-in-euro-96-group-a/ |work=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=6 October 2003 |access-date=1 May 2012}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/englands-night-of-rapture-1337711.html |title=England's night of rapture |date=19 June 1996 |access-date=30 April 2012 |newspaper=The Independent |first=Glenn |last=Moore|location=London}}{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/52912--france-vs-netherlands/ |title=France-Netherlands UEFA EURO 1996 |publisher=UEFA |access-date=10 November 2023 }}

Against Wales in the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification on 9 November 1996, he scored his first hat-trick for the national team.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/seven-and-hell-for-the-welsh-1351702.html |title=Bergkamp admits to flying phobia |date=10 November 1996 |access-date=30 April 2012 |newspaper=The Independent|first=Trever|last=Haylett}} The Netherlands finished first in their group and qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, held in France. Bergkamp scored three times in the competition, including a memorable winning goal in the final minute of the quarter-final against Argentina.{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/apr/15/world-cup-stunning-moments-dennis-bergkamp-wonder-goal|title= World Cup: 25 stunning moments … No10: Dennis Bergkamp's wonder goal|date=15 April 2014|work=Guardian|access-date=2 April 2015}}

He took one touch to control a long 60-yard aerial pass from Frank de Boer, brought the ball down through Argentine defender Roberto Ayala's legs, and finally finished by firing a volley with the outside of his right foot, past keeper Carlos Roa at a tight angle from the right.{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=1013/results/matches/match=8784/report.html |title=Netherlands – Argentina |publisher=FIFA.com |access-date=27 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412184448/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition%3D1013/results/matches/match%3D8784/report.html |archive-date=12 April 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2020/apr/15/netherlands-v-argentina-world-cup-1998-quarter-final-live |title =Netherlands 2-1 Argentina: World Cup 1998 quarter-final – as it happened|date=15 April 2020|work=Guardian|access-date=7 May 2020}}

The goal, cited by Bergkamp as his favourite in his career, was his 36th for the national team, overtaking Faas Wilkes as the record scorer.{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4928778.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602222509/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4928778.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 June 2013|title=Dutch inspired by Bergkamp's improvisation |date=6 July 1998 |access-date=30 April 2012 |newspaper=The Independent|first=George|last=Vecsey}}{{subscription required}} Bergkamp had also previously set-up Kluivert's opening goal with his head.

{{quote box

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| quote = "I mean, I've seen it a lot of times and still can't find my mistake in that move. In the area, I did not make any mistake. There is incredible control by him."

| source = Argentine defender Roberto Ayala on Bergkamp's goal in the Netherlands' 2–1 victory over Argentina in the 1998 World Cup quarter-finals[https://www.90min.com/posts/6597990-90min-roberto-ayala-talk-defending-that-bergkamp-goal-coaching-messi-more "90min & Roberto Ayala Talk Defending THAT Bergkamp Goal, Coaching Messi & More"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009182952/https://www.90min.com/posts/6597990-90min-roberto-ayala-talk-defending-that-bergkamp-goal-coaching-messi-more |date=9 October 2020 }} Headspeath, Andrew. 90min (90min.com). April 22, 2020. Retrieved 2020-10-07.

}}

His other two goals of the tournament came in the Netherlands' 5–0 victory over South Korea on 20 June, in the team's second group match (scoring the third goal, in addition to setting up Phillip Cocu's opener),{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/match/_/gameId/198118 |title=Netherlands 5-0 South Korea (20 Jun, 1998) Final Score |publisher=ESPN |access-date=10 November 2023 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/soccer/longterm/worldcup98/results/results1.htm |title=Day-by-Day Results from the First Round |work=www.washingtonpost.com |date=26 June 1998 |access-date=10 November 2023 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/11611/Netherlands_South_Korea.html |title=Netherlands vs. South Korea |publisher=www.national-football-teams.com |last1=Strack-Zimmermann |first1=Benjamin |access-date=10 November 2023 }} and in the 2–1 win over Yugoslavia on 26 June in the round of 16, in which Bergkamp opened the scoring in the first half.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/198145 |title=Netherlands 2-1 Yugoslavia (Jun 29, 1998) Final Score |publisher=ESPN |access-date=10 November 2023 }} He also assisted Cocu's opening goal in the final group match, a 2–2 draw against Mexico, on 25 June.{{cite web |url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/11612/Netherlands_Mexico.html |title=Netherlands vs. Mexico |publisher=www.national-football-teams.com |last1=Strack-Zimmermann |first1=Benjamin |access-date=10 November 2023 }} In the semi-finals, the Netherlands lost to defending champions Brazil on penalties after drawing 1–1 in normal time, with Bergkamp netting his spot-kick in the shoot-out.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/08/sports/world-cup-98-doing-a-little-dance-taffarel-guides-brazil-into-final.html |title=WORLD CUP '98; Doing a Little Dance, Taffarel Guides Brazil into Final |date=8 July 1998 |access-date=30 April 2012 |newspaper=The New York Times|first=George|last=Vecsey}} Bergkamp made the All-Star team of the tournament, alongside compatriots Frank de Boer and Edgar Davids.

On 9 October 1999, Bergkamp scored his final goal for the Netherlands, against Brazil.{{cite news |url=http://krant.telegraaf.nl/krant/archief/19991011/teksten/spo.voetbal.nl-bra.html |title=Bogarde uitblinker tegen Brazilië |date=11 October 1999 |access-date=1 May 2012 |newspaper=De Telegraaf |first=Valentijn |last=Driessen |language=nl }} As the Netherlands were co-hosts for Euro 2000, the team automatically qualified for the tournament and were considered favourites.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/sportstalk/778764.stm |title=Can Holland improve and win Euro 2000? |date=11 June 2000 |access-date=1 May 2012 |work=BBC Sport }} Bergkamp went scoreless throughout the competition, but assisted three goals: he set-up Kluivert's goal in the Netherlands' final group match, a 3–2 win over eventual champions France,{{cite web |url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/16123/Netherlands_France.html |title=Netherlands vs. France |publisher=www.national-football-teams.com |last1=Strack-Zimmermann |first1=Benjamin |access-date=10 November 2023}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/jun/21/euro2000.sport16 |title=France 2 - 3 Holland |work=The Guardian |date=21 June 2000 |access-date=10 November 2023 }} which allowed them to top their group,{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b2e989f11-bcab1a1d1069-1000--netherlands-bite-back-to-edge-past-france-in-euro-2000-gr/ |title=Netherlands bite back to edge past France in EURO 2000 Group D |publisher=UEFA |date=6 October 2003 |access-date=10 November 2023 }} and also assisted two goals (Kluivert's opener and the first of Marc Overmars's two goals) in a 6–1 win over Yugoslavia in the quarter-finals.{{cite web |url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/16127/Netherlands_Yugoslavia.html |title=Netherlands vs. Yugoslavia |publisher=www.national-football-teams.com |last1=Strack-Zimmermann |first1=Benjamin |access-date=10 November 2023 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/65181--netherlands-vs-yugoslavia/ |title=Netherlands-Yugoslavia UEFA EURO 2000 |publisher=UEFA |access-date=10 November 2023 }} In the semi-finals, the Netherlands lost 3–1 on penalties to Italy, following a 0–0 draw.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/812047.stm |title=Italy through on penalties |date=29 June 2000 |access-date=1 May 2012 |work=BBC Sport}} Following the defeat, Bergkamp announced his retirement from international football, choosing to focus on his club career.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/blow-for-dutch-as-bergkamp-decides-on-retirement-696405.html |title=Blow for Dutch as Bergkamp decides on retirement |date=11 August 2000 |access-date=30 April 2012 |newspaper=The Independent |first=Tommy |last=Staniforth }} His final goal tally of 37 goals in 79 appearances was overtaken by Patrick Kluivert in June 2003.{{cite news|title=Kluivert milestone |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-102887919.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602223143/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-102887919.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 June 2013 |newspaper=Sunday Mirror |location=London |date=8 June 2003 |access-date=1 May 2012}} {{subscription required}}

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| quote = "He needs fewer touches to score. Sometimes just one, when others need two or three."

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Bergkamp was schooled in Dutch Total Football, a playing style and philosophy which relied on versatility. This was primarily to maximise the footballer's potential; players tried out every outfield position before finding one that suited them best. Every age group at Ajax played in the same style and formation as the first team – 3–4–3 – to allow individuals to slot in without effort when moving up the pyramid. Bergkamp "played in every position apart from goalie" and believed he benefited from the experience of playing as a defender, as it helped him "know how they think and how to beat them". When he made his debut as a substitute against Roda JC, Bergkamp was positioned on the right wing, where he remained for three years.

During his time at Inter Milan, Bergkamp was switched to the position of a main striker, but failed to cooperate with his offensive partner Rubén Sosa, whom he later called "selfish". Furthermore, due to his introverted character, he was accused of lacking consistency and leadership skills by the Italian press, and struggled to replicate his previous form during his time with Inter.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-07-07-sp-12912-story.html|title=WORLD CUP USA '94 / QUARTERFINALS : A Happy 'Kamper : Dutch Forward Bergkamp Feeling More Confident|newspaper=The Los Angeles Times|author1=Helene Elliot|date=7 July 1994|access-date=25 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/dennis-bergkamp_%28Enciclopedia_dello_Sport%29/|title=BERGKAMP, Dennis|publisher=Treccani.it|language=it|access-date=13 January 2015}} When Bergkamp joined Arsenal in 1995, he enjoyed a successful strike partnership with Wright, and in later seasons Anelka and Henry, playing in his preferred position as a creative second striker.{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/thierry-henry-arsenal-most-premier-league-assists-season-200203-van-nistelrooy-golden-boot |title=Thierry Henry's assist record of 2002/03: how Arsenal's talisman reinvented the Premier League striker |publisher=FourFourTwo |last1=Haugstad |first1=Thore |date=25 October 2019 |access-date=21 January 2020 }} The arrival of Overmars in the 1997–98 season enhanced Bergkamp's play, as he was getting more of the ball. Between August and October 1997, he scored seven goals in seven league matches.{{sfn|Palmer|p=81}} A similar rapport developed between him and Ljungberg during the 2001–02 season.

Although he was known for his composure and ability to score several goals for his team as a forward,{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/holland/squad/743887.stm|title=Dennis Bergkamp|publisher=BBC|access-date=13 January 2015}} Bergkamp was also capable of playing in a free role behind a lone striker, where he essentially functioned in the number 10 role as a playmaking attacking midfielder or deep-lying forward, due to his ball skills and creative ability, which enabled him to drop deep between the lines and link-up play, and operate across all attacking areas of the pitch. His tendency to move freely about the entire front-line made it difficult for opposing defenders to mark him.{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/settembre/05/gia_Inter_griffata_Bianchi_co_0_94090511365.shtml|title=e' gia' un' Inter " griffata " Bianchi|publisher=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|date=5 September 1994|access-date=13 January 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/5200630.stm|title=Dennis Bergkamp's career in football|work=BBC Sport|date=22 July 2006|access-date=29 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/features/dennis-bergkamp|title=Dennis Bergkamp|publisher=Arsenal.com|author1=Josh James|date=6 May 2016|access-date=29 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/nato-oggi/dennis-bergkamp-l-olandese-non-volante-che-delizio-i-palati-gunners-827904|title=Dennis Bergkamp, l'olandese non volante che deliziò i palati Gunners|publisher=TuttoMercatoWeb.com|language=it|author1=Simone Bernabei|date=10 May 2016|access-date=29 December 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,26/articleid,0721_01_1994_0005_0026_10401328/ |title=Lo zar: di Van Basten ce n'è uno |trans-title=The tsar: There's only one Van Basten |newspaper=La Stampa |page=26 |language=it |author1=Franco Badolato |date=6 January 1994 |access-date=17 November 2018 }} As such, Sam Tighe of Bleacher Report has retroactively compared Bergkamp's role as a free centre-forward to that of the modern false-9.{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1385356-9-best-false-nines-in-world-football-history |title=9 Best False Nines in World Football History |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Tighe |first1=Sam |date=26 October 2012 |access-date=17 April 2022 }}{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1802653-complete-guide-to-the-false-9-and-who-plays-it-best |title=Complete Guide to the False 9 and Who Plays It Best |publisher=Bleacher Report |last1=Tighe |first1=Sam |date=8 October 2013 |access-date=17 April 2022 }} A quick, elegant, intelligent, and gifted player, who was regarded as one of the most technically accomplished players of all time, he possessed an excellent first touch, which – allied with his quick feet, dribbling ability and change of pace – enabled him to beat defenders in one on one situations, while his attacking movement, physique, balance, and close control allowed him to hold up the ball and create space for teammates; his vision and passing range with both feet, despite being naturally right-footed, subsequently allowed him to provide assists for on-running strikers.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/nov/11/joy-of-six-first-touches-bergkamp|title=The Joy of Six: football first touches|newspaper=The Guardian|author1=Rob Smyth|date=11 November 2011|access-date=22 March 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/greatest-players-no-2.-dennis-bergkand |title=Gunners' Greatest Players 2. Dennis Bergkamp |date=17 July 2008 |access-date=18 December 2011 |publisher=Arsenal.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517020650/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/greatest-players-no-2.-dennis-bergkand |archive-date=17 May 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/dream-team-we-reveal-the-first-striker...|title=Arsenal Dream Team: 10. Dennis Bergkamp|publisher=Arsenal.com|access-date=25 March 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/feb/06/match.sport5|title=Bergkamp swoops to conquer|newspaper=The Guardian|date=6 February 1999|access-date=15 January 2015}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/when-dennis-came-what-training-bergkamp-was-really|title=When Dennis came: What training with Bergkamp was really like|magazine=FourFourTwo|author1=Adrian Clarke|date=19 June 2015|access-date=21 July 2015}} Bergkamp often stated he preferred playing in this deeper role, as he derived more pleasure from assisting goals, rather than scoring them himself.

Throughout his playing career, Bergkamp was accused of diving, and was referred to as a "cheat" and "dirty player" for retaliating against players who had previously challenged him, something his former manager Wenger denied.{{cite news|title=Bergkamp cleared in dive cheat row |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-60706357.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602221544/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-60706357.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 June 2013 |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=20 January 1998 |access-date=30 April 2012}} {{subscription required}}{{cite news |title=Bergkamp treats the Newcastle fans to wrong kind of trickery |url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-97384039 |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=10 February 2003 |access-date=30 April 2012 |last=Holt |first=Oliver }}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{subscription required}}{{cite news|title=Bergkamp is not dirty, says Wenger |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/3036972/Bergkamp-is-not-dirty-says-Wenger.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/3036972/Bergkamp-is-not-dirty-says-Wenger.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=Telegraph.co.uk|date=29 October 2002 |access-date=30 April 2012 }}{{cbignore}} In an interview with The Times in 2004, he said that while he was at Inter, he realised the importance of being mentally tough in order to survive: "A lot of people there try to hurt you, not just physically but mentally as well, and coming from the easygoing culture in Holland, I had to adopt a tougher approach. There, it was a case of two strikers up against four or five hard defenders who would stop at nothing." Bergkamp says his aggression often stems from frustration.

Widely regarded by pundits as one of the greatest players of his generation,{{Cite news |title=The Fifa 100 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/mar/04/newsstory.sport15 |website=The Guardian|date=4 March 2004 }} one of the greatest players in Premier League history and amongst Ajax's and Arsenal's greatest ever players.{{Cite web |title=Bergkamp named Hall of Fame inductee |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/2147141 |website=Premier League}}{{Cite web |title=Gunners Greatest 50 Players |url=https://www.arsenal.com/history/gunners-greatest-50-players |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=Arsenal.com}}{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ultimate-ajax-dream-team-bergkamp-van-basten-in-ibrahimovic-suarez-out/blt5bbdbd8ecd496607 |title=Ultimate Ajax dream team - Bergkamp and Van Basten in, Ibrahimovic and Suarez out |publisher=www.goal.com |date=14 February 2023 |access-date=10 November 2023 }} Bergkamp has received several accolades during his playing career. He twice finished in third place for the 1993 and 1997 FIFA World Player of the Year award and was named in FIFA 100, a list compiled by footballer Pelé of the 125 greatest living footballers.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/mar/04/newsstory.sport15 |title=The Fifa 100 |date=4 March 2004 |access-date=15 December 2011 |work=The Guardian|location=London}} In his club career, Bergkamp won two successive Dutch Footballer of the Year awards in 1991 and 1992 and was the Eredivisie top scorer for three consecutive seasons (1990–91 to 1992–93). He was named the FWA Footballer of the Year and PFA Players' Player of the Year in April and May 1998 and made the PFA Team of the Year for the 1997–98 season. Bergkamp also achieved a unique feat in being voted first, second and third on Match of the Day's Goal of the Month competition in August 1997.{{cite news |title=The Joy of Six: classiest hat-tricks |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/sep/11/newsstory.sport9 |work=guardian.co.uk |location=London |date=11 September 2007 |access-date=18 December 2011 }} For his national team, Bergkamp was the joint top scorer at Euro 1992 and was selected in the All-Star team for the tournament, an honour he also received at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

In April 2007, Bergkamp was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame by viewers of BBC's Football Focus.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/dennis-bergkand-voted-into-hall-of-fame |title=Dennis Bergkamp voted into Hall of Fame |date=3 September 2007 |access-date=15 December 2011 |publisher=Arsenal.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603204724/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/dennis-bergkand-voted-into-hall-of-fame |archive-date=3 June 2013}} A year later, he was voted second by Arsenal fans behind Thierry Henry in a list of the 50 Gunners Greatest Players. In February 2014, Arsenal unveiled a statue of Bergkamp outside the Emirates Stadium to honour his time at the club.{{cite news|title=Arsenal unveil Dennis Bergkamp statue|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-26303200|work=BBC Sport|access-date=9 October 2014|date=22 February 2014}} A statue of Dennis Bergkamp will be erected outside the KNVB headquarters in Zeist, as he has been chosen as the best Dutch international player from 1990 to 2015. The statue will join those of the eleven of the century, erected in 1999, alongside statues of Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Marco van Basten, amongst others.{{cite web|url=http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/4508/Sport/article/detail/3811022/2014/12/13/Bergkamp-krijgt-standbeeld-bij-KNVB.dhtml|title=Bergkamp krijgt standbeeld bij KNVB|work=TROUW|date=13 December 2014}} In September 2023, FourFourTwo magazine ranked Bergkamp 68th in their list of the "100 best football players of all time."{{cite news|last=White|first=Mark|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-the-100-best-football-players-of-all-time/4|title=Ranked! The 100 best football players of all time: full list|edition=356|work=FourFourTwo|date=5 September 2023|accessdate=17 November 2023}}

Bergkamp has been described by Jan Mulder as having "the finest technique" of any Dutch international and as a "dream for a striker" by former Arsenal teammate Thierry Henry.

Upon retiring, Bergkamp insisted he would not move into coaching. He turned down an offer to scout for Arsenal and instead concentrated on travelling and spending time with his family.{{cite AV media | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00p6sf2 | title=Sportsweek, 06/12/2009 | publisher=BBC Radio 5 Live | access-date=30 April 2012 | date=6 December 2009 }} However, in April 2008, he began a fast-track coaching diploma for former Dutch international footballers and undertook a trainee role at Ajax.{{cite news | url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3716438.ece | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908061106/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article3716438.ece | url-status=dead | archive-date=8 September 2011 | title=Dennis Bergkamp ends two-year exile from game | newspaper=The Times | access-date=10 April 2008 | location=London | first=Gary | last=Jacob | date=10 April 2008}}{{subscription required}}{{cite news | url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11906_3428268,00.html | title=Bergkamp offered Ajax post | work=Sky Sports | date=15 April 2008 |access-date=16 April 2008}} Having completed the Coach Betaald Voetbal course by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), Bergkamp was appointed assistant to Johan Neeskens for the newly formed Netherlands B team on 26 October 2008.{{cite news |title=Neeskens to lead Netherlands B team |url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ned/news/newsid=766646.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204131613/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ned/news/newsid=766646.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 December 2012 |work=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=25 October 2008 |access-date=1 May 2012}} For the 2008–09 season, Bergkamp returned to Ajax in a formal coaching position with responsibility for the D2 (U12) youth team. Following the promotion of Frank de Boer as manager of Ajax in December 2010, Bergkamp was appointed assistant manager to Fred Grim, dealing with Ajax' flagship A1 (U19) youth team.{{cite news | url=http://english.ajax.nl/News/Archive/Article/Updates-to-youth-teams-training-staff.htm | title=Updates to youth teams' training staff | work=Ajax.nl | date=4 January 2011 | access-date=30 April 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021190012/http://english.ajax.nl/News/Archive/Article/Updates-to-youth-teams-training-staff.htm | archive-date=21 October 2012 | df=dmy-all }}

In August 2011, Bergkamp was named De Boer's assistant at Ajax.{{cite web |last1=Higgins |first1=Marcus |title=Former Arsenal striker Dennis Bergkamp appointed Ajax assistant coach |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/1686/eredivisie/2011/06/29/2552793/former-arsenal-striker-dennis-bergkamp-appointed-ajax |website=goal.com |date=29 June 2011}} However, after the arrival of Peter Bosz as the new head coach at Ajax, Bergkamp's role at Ajax slightly changed. He no longer sat on the bench during first-team matches, but instead focused more on field training and on helping youth players reach the first team.{{cite news | url=https://www.ajaxshowtime.com/article/hoofdnieuws/97451/bergkamp-niet-meer-op-de-bank-als-assistent#T3TmUBVsCsilYJOb.97 | title=Bergkamp no longer on assistant's bench | work=Ajaxshowtime.com | date=29 June 2016 | access-date=10 February 2017 | archive-date=2 December 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202095839/http://www.ajaxshowtime.com/article/hoofdnieuws/97451/bergkamp-niet-meer-op-de-bank-als-assistent#T3TmUBVsCsilYJOb.97 | url-status=dead }} He and fellow assistant Hennie Spijkerman were sacked from their roles in December 2017.{{Cite web | title = Ajax sack assistant Dennis Bergkamp in coaching clear-out | work = BBC Sport | date = 21 December 2017 | access-date = 21 December 2017 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42445727 }}

Bergkamp has been married to Henrita Ruizendaal since 16 June 1993.{{cite news |url=http://www.anp-archief.nl/page/2246767/nl |title=Historisch Archief Community |date=16 June 1993 |access-date=15 December 2011 |work=Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau |last=Bastiaanse |first=Arthur |language=nl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426054822/http://www.anp-archief.nl/page/2246767/nl |archive-date=26 April 2012}} The couple have four children: Estelle, Mitchel, Yasmin, and Saffron.{{cite news |url=http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/1998/09/12/phead.htm |title=Bergkamp's treasure tops all his goals |date=12 September 1998 |access-date=15 December 2011 |newspaper=Irish Examiner |location=Cork |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050509081143/http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/1998/09/12/phead.htm |archive-date=9 May 2005}}{{cite news|url=http://vorige.nrc.nl/sport/article1705105.ece|title=Dennis omarmd in zijn eigen wonderland|date=24 July 2006|access-date=15 December 2011|newspaper=NRC Handelsblad|language=nl|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603125813/http://vorige.nrc.nl/sport/article1705105.ece|archive-date=3 June 2012}} His son Mitchel is a footballer.{{cite web |url=https://www.bromleyfc.co.uk/news/first-team/bromley-fc-released-and-retained-list-2024-25/ |title=Bromley FC Released and Retained List 2024/25 |website=Bromley FC |date=31 May 2024}} His daughter Estelle is the partner of Girona FC midfielder Donny van de Beek, the couple's first daughter having been born on 9 April 2022.{{Cite instagram |user=estellebergkamp |postid=CcLGsIUKCkE |title=The best feeling in the world |date=2022-04-10}}

His nephew, Roland Bergkamp is also a former professional footballer.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/9527797.stm |title=Dennis Bergkamp nephew Roland joins Brighton |date=1 July 2011 |access-date=30 April 2012 |work=BBC Sport}}

He speaks fluent Dutch (his mother tongue), English and Italian.

Bergkamp's nickname is the "Non-Flying Dutchman" due to his fear of flying. Contemporary sources believed that this stemmed from incidents with the Netherlands national team at the 1994 World Cup where the engine of the plane cut out during a flight,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2280779.stm|title=Bergkamp's fear revealed|date=25 September 2002|access-date=12 December 2011|work=BBC Sport }} and when a flight was delayed because a journalist made a joke about having a bomb in his bag.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-bergkamp-admits-to-flying-phobia-1356877.html |title=Bergkamp admits to flying phobia |date=5 October 1996 |access-date=28 May 2016 |newspaper=The Independent}} In his 2013 autobiography, Bergkamp stated that his phobia was in fact caused during his first season at Inter Milan, in which the team regularly travelled to away games in small aeroplanes.{{cite news |last1=Wallace |first1=Sam |title=Dennis Bergkamp autobiography reveals rows with Arsene Wenger that marred his latter days at Arsenal |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/dennis-bergkamp-autobiography-reveals-rows-with-arsene-wenger-that-marred-his-latter-days-at-arsenal-8837562.html |access-date=12 June 2018 |work=The Independent |date=25 September 2013}} Bergkamp decided he would never fly again after the 1994 World Cup, but did consider seeking psychiatric help in 1996:

I've got this problem and I have to live with it. I can't do anything about it, it is a psychological thing and I can't explain it. I have not flown on a plane for two years. The Dutch FA has been sympathetic, so have Arsenal, so far. I am considering psychiatric help. I can't fly. I just freeze. I get panicky. It starts the day before, when I can't sleep.

The condition severely limited his ability to play in away matches in European competitions and to travel with the national team. In some cases, he would travel overland by car or train, but the logistics of some matches were such that he would not travel at all. In the build-up to Arsenal's Champions League match against Lyon in February 2001, Wenger spoke of his concerns for Bergkamp travelling by train and car, because of the exertions involved.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/2998733/Wenger-might-quit-Arsenal-over-EU.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/2998733/Wenger-might-quit-Arsenal-over-EU.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Wenger might quit Arsenal over EU|first=Christopher|last=Davies|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=12 February 2001 |access-date=12 December 2011 }}{{cbignore}}

Bergkamp features in EA Sports' FIFA video game series; he was on the cover for the International edition of FIFA 99,{{cite web|url=http://www.fifauteam.com/international-fifa-13-covers/|title=International FIFA 13 Covers|website=fifauteam.com|date=24 August 2012|access-date=18 March 2015}} and was named in the Ultimate Team Legends in FIFA 14.{{cite news |last1=Suszek |first1=Mike |title=FIFA 14 getting legendary players for Ultimate Team on Microsoft consoles |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013-08-20-fifa-14-getting-legendary-players-for-ultimate-team-on-microsoft.html |access-date=25 August 2020 |work=Engadget |date=20 August 2013}}

{{notelist}}

File:Bergkamp.jpg

:Scores and results list Netherlands goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Bergkamp goal.{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/bergkamp-intlg.html |title=Dennis Bergkamp – Goals in international matches |website=RSSSF |access-date=13 December 2011 }}

Ajax

• Eredivisie: 1989–90{{Cite web |title=Eredivisie 1989/1990 - Teams |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/players/ned-eredivisie-1989-1990/ |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=worldfootball.net |language=en}}
• KNVB Cup: 1986–87, 1992–93{{Cite web |title=KNVB beker 1986/1987 - Final |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/ned-knvb-beker-1986-1987-finale/0/ |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=worldfootball.net |date=30 April 2023 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=KNVB beker 1992/1993 - Final |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/ned-knvb-beker-1992-1993-finale/0/ |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=worldfootball.net |date=30 April 2023 |language=en}}
• European Cup Winners' Cup: 1986–87;{{cite web |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ecwc/history/season=1986/intro.html |title=1986/87: Ajax revive their traditions |publisher=UEFA |date=1 June 1987 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503063433/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ecwc/history/season=1986/intro.html |archive-date=3 May 2010}} runner-up: 1987–88{{cite web |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ecwc/history/season=1987/intro.html |title=1987/88: Unsung Mechelen draw Ajax's sting |publisher=UEFA |date=1 June 1988 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503063438/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ecwc/history/season=1987/intro.html |archive-date=3 May 2010}}
• UEFA Cup: 1991–92{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/5865--torino-vs-ajax/ |title=1991/92, Final, 1st leg: Torino 2–2 Ajax: Overview |publisher=UEFA |access-date=27 May 2020}}
  {{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/5866--ajax-vs-torino/ |title=1991/92, Final, 2nd leg: Ajax 0–0 Torino: Overview |publisher=UEFA |access-date=27 May 2020}}

Inter Milan

• UEFA Cup: 1993–94{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/51004--salzburg-vs-internazionale/ |title=1993/94, Final, 1st leg: Salzburg 0–1 Internazionale: Overview |publisher=UEFA |access-date=27 May 2020}}
  {{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/51005--internazionale-vs-salzburg/ |title=1993/94, Final, 2nd leg: Internazionale 1–0 Salzburg: Overview |publisher=UEFA |access-date=27 May 2020}}

Arsenal

• Premier League: 1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04
• FA Cup: 2001–02,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1959840.stm |title=Arsenal lift FA Cup |website=BBC Sport |date=4 May 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021216122448/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1959840.stm |archive-date=16 December 2002}} 2002–03,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/3025589.stm |title=Arsenal retain FA Cup |website=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2003 |access-date=27 May 2020}} 2004–05;{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4558271.stm |title=Arsenal 0–0 Man Utd (aet) |website=BBC Sport |date=21 May 2005 |access-date=27 May 2020}} runner-up: 2000–01{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1324699.stm |title=Owen shatters Arsenal in Cup final |website=BBC Sport |date=12 May 2001 |access-date=27 May 2020}}
• FA Charity/Community Shield: 1998,{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/arsenal-show-no-charity-at-home-from-home-1.181732 |title=Arsenal show no charity at home from home |newspaper=The Irish Times |location=Dublin |date=10 August 1998 |access-date=27 May 2020}} 2002,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2182875.stm |title=Slick Arsenal win Shield |website=BBC Sport |date=11 August 2002 |access-date=27 May 2020}} 2004{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3532952.stm |title=Arsenal 3–1 Man Utd |website=BBC Sport |date=8 August 2004 |access-date=27 May 2020}}
• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2005–06
• UEFA Cup runner-up: 1999–2000

Individual

File:Dennis Bergkamp statue 2.jpg]]

• Dutch Football Talent of the Year: 1990{{cite web|url= https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/nedpoy.html|title=Netherlands – Player of the Year and Other Awards|work=RSSSF|access-date=22 March 2015}}
• Dutch Footballer of the Year: 1991, 1992
• Eredivisie top scorer: 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/ned-eredivisie-1990-1991/|title=Eredivisie 1990/1991 " Top Scorer|publisher=WorldFootball.net|access-date=12 May 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/ned-eredivisie-1991-1992//|title=Eredivisie 1991/1992 " Top Scorer|publisher=WorldFootball.net|access-date=12 May 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/ned-eredivisie-1992-1993//|title=Eredivisie 1992/1993 " Top Scorer|publisher=WorldFootball.net|access-date=12 May 2015}}
• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 1992{{cite web|url= https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/news/0253-0d7bc692c194-ce0e0f567c1e-1000--euro-1992-team-of-the-tournament/|title=UEFA 1992 Team of the Tournament|work=UEFA|access-date=22 March 2015}}
• IFFHS World's Top Goal Scorer: 1992{{cite web|url=http://iffhs.com/gala/13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321175913/http://iffhs.com/gala/13|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 March 2020|title=THE WORLD'S BEST TOP GOAL SCORER|access-date=21 March 2020|publisher=IFFHS.com}}
• Ballon d'Or runner-up: 1993;{{cite web|url= https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy93.html|title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 1993|work=RSSSF|access-date=14 April 2015 }} third place: 1992{{cite web|url= https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy92.html|title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 1992|work=RSSSF|access-date=14 April 2015 }}
• FIFA World Player of the Year bronze award: 1993,{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/history/edition=1993/overview.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154318/http://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/history/edition=1993/overview.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2015|title=Baggio takes 1993 World Player honour|access-date=22 March 2015|publisher=FIFA.com}} 1997{{cite web|url=http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Dennis+Bergkamp/FILE+Profile+Dennis+Bergkamp/UxeP0JmNaxd|title=Dennis Bergkamp with the FIFA Player of the Year Bronze award|access-date=22 March 2015}}
• UEFA Cup top scorer: 1993–94{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/ec/ec3tops.html|website=RSSSF|title=Fairs/UEFA Cup Topscorers}}
• Arsenal Player of the Season: 1996–97
• Most assists in the Premier League: 1998–99 (shared){{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/players/goal_assist|title=Premier League Player Stats - Assists|website=premierleague.com|access-date=1 June 2022|quote=Select season in the "Filter by season" drop-down menu.}}
• Premier League Player of the Month: August 1997, September 1997, March 2002, February 2004
• PFA Team of the Year: 1997–98 Premier League{{cite book |editor-first=Barry J. |editor-last=Hugman |title=The 1998–99 Official PFA Footballers Factfile |year=1998 |publisher=Queen Anne Press |location=Harpenden |isbn=978-1-85291-588-9 |page=352}}
• FWA Footballer of the Year: 1997–98{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
• PFA Players' Player of the Year: 1997–98{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
• BBC Goal of the Season: 1997–98, 2001–02{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/sports_talk/1060082.stm|title=Ask Albert - Number 8|date=7 December 2011|access-date=16 December 2011 |work=BBC Sport}}
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1998{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=71747/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129073958/http://www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=71747/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 November 2014|title=FIFA Technical Study Group designates MasterCard All-Star Team|date=10 July 1998|access-date=22 March 2015|publisher=FIFA.com}}
• FIFA 100
• English Football Hall of Fame: 2007{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/halloffame/dennis-bergkamp|title=DENNIS BERGKAMP|website=National Football Museum.com}}
• Premier League Hall of Fame: 2021{{cite web |title=Bergkamp named Hall of Fame inductee |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/2147141|publisher=Premier League |access-date=19 May 2021 |date=19 May 2021 }}
• FWA Tribute Award: 2025{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=19 January 2025 |title=Dennis Bergkamp honoured by FWA Tribute award – Football Writers' Association |url=https://footballwriters.co.uk/uncategorized/dennis-bergkamp-blown-away-by-fwa-tribute-award/ |access-date=15 April 2025 |website=Football Writers' Association |language=}}

{{reflist}}

Works cited

• {{cite book |last=Gouw |first=P. |title=Griekse atleten in de Romeinse Keizertijd: 31 v. Chr. – 400 n. Chr. |year=2009 |publisher=Amsterdam University Press |location=Amsterdam |isbn=978-90-5629-576-9 |ref = {{sfnRef|Gouw}} }}
• {{cite book |last=Palmer |first=Myles |title=The Professor: Arsène Wenger |year=2008 |publisher=Virgin Books |location=London |isbn=978-0-7535-1097-1 |ref = {{sfnRef|Palmer}} }}

{{Wikiquote}}

{{Sister project links|wikt=no|b=no|v=no|q=no}}

• [https://www.arsenal.com/historic/players/dennis-bergkamp Profile] at the Arsenal F.C. website
• [https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185184/speler/8726 Profile] at the Royal Dutch Football Association website (in Dutch)
• {{FIFA player}}
• {{UEFA player}}
• {{Soccerbase|633}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521141450/http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=633 |date=21 May 2008 }}
• {{wvo|1073}}
• [http://www.iffhs.de/index.php/posts/408 Dennis Bergkamp presentation] at IFHHS.de
• [https://www.ft.com/content/017c244e-d6da-11da-b64c-0000779e2340/ No more walking in a ‘Burgcamp’ Wonderland] Simon Kuper in the Financial Times (2006)

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bergkamp, Dennis}}

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