Clarence Seedorf

Born in Paramaribo, Suriname, Seedorf was raised in Almere, Flevoland, where he moved when he was two years old. He grew up in a footballing family, with both his younger brothers Jürgen and Chedric Seedorf,{{cite news|title=AC Milan sends Seedorf Jr. to France|url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/ac-milan-sends-seedorf-jr-france-201275|work=Tribalfootball|access-date=3 December 2013}} and his father, former player and talent agent Johann Seedorf.

Seedorf began his career at the age of six in the youth ranks of his local amateur sides VV AS '80 and Real Almere,{{cite web|title=Clarence Seedorf profile|url=http://www.fcintermilano.com/clanek-80-clarence-seedorf|publisher=Inter Milano|access-date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118061945/http://www.fcintermilano.com/clanek-80-clarence-seedorf|archive-date=18 January 2014|url-status=dead}} before being discovered and recruited to the ranks of nearby Dutch giants Ajax by Urgent Scoutingteam, the talent agency set up by Johan Cruyff, and which was responsible for recruiting the likes of Frank and Ronald de Boer, Edgar Davids, Rob Witschge and Patrick Kluivert to the club as well.{{cite web|title=The evolution of Barcelona's DNA from Ajax|url=http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/laliga/id/747?cc=5901|publisher=ESPN|access-date=3 December 2013}}

Following in their brother's footsteps, under the guidance of their father and talent agent, Seedorf's siblings, as well as cousin Stefano, would later also join the ranks of Ajax.

A product of the famed Ajax Youth Academy, Seedorf started his career as a right midfielder for Ajax during the early 1990s. He made his professional debut on 29 November 1992 against Groningen at the age of 16 years and 242 days, making him the youngest-ever debutant for Ajax, at the time.{{cite web|url=http://www.nos.nl/nosstudiosport/artikelen/2007/4/8/08041716wijnaldumjongstefeyenoorddebutant.html|title=Wijnaldum jongste Feyenoord-debutant|access-date=13 August 2007|publisher=NOS.nl|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930222507/http://www.nos.nl/nosstudiosport/artikelen/2007/4/8/08041716wijnaldumjongstefeyenoorddebutant.html|archive-date= 30 September 2007|url-status=dead}} He quickly established himself as the first choice on his position under manager Louis van Gaal, and in the 1993–94 season, his second with the club, he helped the Amsterdam-based side win the treble, securing the Eredivisie title, the KNVB Cup and the Dutch Super Cup in the same year.{{cite web|title=AFC Ajax " season 1993/1994|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/teams/afc-ajax/1994/2/|work=Worldfootball.net|access-date=3 December 2013}} Among his teammates was Frank Rijkaard, the player he used to idolise in his younger days.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/feb/14/clarence-seedorf-interview-champions-league|title=Clarence Seedorf paints picture of hunger and intelligence|first=Anna|last=Kessel|date=14 February 2010|website=theguardian.com|access-date=26 August 2019}}

The following season, Seedorf helped his team secure consecutive Super Cup and Eredivisie titles, as well as their fourth European Cup trophy, winning the 1994–95 UEFA Champions League after defeating AC Milan in the final.{{cite web|title=Ajax's adolescents master men of Milan|url=http://espnfc.com/columns/story?id=827853&cc=5901|publisher=ESPN|access-date=3 December 2013}} He played a key role in the final before being replaced in the 53rd minute by striker Nwankwo Kanu.[http://2000.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=1994/matches/live/day=11/session=1/match=51668/matchcenterlight/index.html UEFA Champions League – Matches – UEFA.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412204637/http://2000.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season%3D1994/matches/live/day%3D11/session%3D1/match%3D51668/matchcenterlight/index.html |date=12 April 2012 }}. 2000.uefa.com. Retrieved on 22 June 2013. Patrick Kluivert scored a late goal to lift Ajax to a 1–0 victory over the Italian giants,[https://web.archive.org/web/20111203044124/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=1994/overview/index.html#199495+kluivert+strikes+late+ajax 1994/95: Kluivert strikes late for Ajax –]. Uefa.com (24 May 1995). Retrieved on 22 June 2013. whom Seedorf would later go on to represent for a decade.[http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/86/italy/2012/06/21/3191273/seedorf-confirms-ac-milan-exit Seedorf confirms AC ola Milan exit –]. Goal.com (21 June 2012). Retrieved on 22 June 2013. While at Ajax, he was part of a trio known as "De kabel", composed of Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert and himself. Later, Winston Bogarde and Michael Reiziger would be added to the group to make it a quintet; what had started as a friendship was then taken over during the UEFA Euro 1996 to describe the group.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/columnists/holt/ The Dutch are past masters at self-destruction], mirror.co.uk

Opting not to extend his contract with Ajax following their European success and the Bosman ruling, Seedorf signed a one-year contract with Italian Serie A side Sampdoria instead.{{cite web|author= Paul Madden |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/2669/birthdays/2010/04/01/1858499/spanish-cumpleanos-javier-irureta |title=Spanish Cumpleanos: Javier Irureta |work=Goal.com |date=1 April 2010 |access-date=27 April 2010}} While not able to obtain any silverware in his first season at his new club, Seedorf appeared in 32 matches, scoring three goals helping his side to an eighth-place finish in the league table, all the while maintaining the form he had demonstrated at Ajax in the past. Seedorf was then able to secure a transfer to Real Madrid, moving to Spain's La Liga by the end of the season.[http://www1.skysports.com/football/player/9373/clarence-seedorf Clarence Seedord Transfer History]. SKY Sports. Retrieved on 3 December 2013.

Seedorf moved to Real Madrid in 1996,[http://veja.abril.com.br/noticia/esporte/seedorf-confirma-saida-do-milan-e-deixa-futuro-em-aberto Seedorf confirma saída do Milan e deixa futuro em aberto – Esporte – Notícia – VEJA.com]. Veja.abril.com.br (21 June 2012). Retrieved on 22 June 2013. where he was virtually ever present for Los Blancos in his first three seasons. In his first season, he helped the team regain the La Liga title, while in his second season, 1997–98, he played a major role in the team's Champions League success, as Madrid secured a 1–0 victory over Juventus in the final,[https://web.archive.org/web/20111207102219/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=1997/overview/index.html#199798+seventh+heaven+madrid 1997/98: Seventh heaven for Madrid –]. Uefa.com (20 May 1998). Retrieved on 22 June 2013. earning his second Champions League title of his career.

While playing for Real Madrid, Seedorf scored a notable long-range goal against Atlético Madrid in 1997.{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRFnsRPOQu8| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211113/uRFnsRPOQu8| archive-date=13 November 2021 | url-status=live|title=SEEDORF – against atletico madrid 1997|date=30 August 2011|access-date=16 February 2012}}{{cbignore}}

At the end of the 1998–99 season, Madrid and Juventus wanted to swap Seedorf for Zinedine Zidane, but the deal did not go through and the French playmaker waited two more years before joining Real Madrid.

Starting from the summer of 1999, Seedorf's role at Real Madrid became less prominent during the tenure of Dutch manager Guus Hiddink at the club. He was eventually transferred back to Italy during the 1999–2000 season, this time to Inter Milan, for a fee about 44 billion Italian lira (approximately €23 million).{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/1999/agosto/09/Oriali_Madrid_per_Seedorf_nata_ga_0_9908092250.shtml|title=Oriali a Madrid per Seedorf Ed e' nata l' idea Benarrivo|date=9 August 1999|access-date=27 January 2010|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it}}

On 24 December 1999, Seedorf moved to Inter in a $24.35 million deal after cementing his place in the Real Madrid midfield for over three years.[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/news/1999/12/24/seedorf_signing/ CNN/SI – World Soccer – Inter Milan signs midfielder Seedorf – Friday 24 December 1999 11:56 AM] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320053811/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/news/1999/12/24/seedorf_signing/ |date=20 March 2014 }}. Sportsillustrated.cnn.com (24 December 1999). Retrieved on 22 June 2013. Despite helping the team to the Coppa Italia final later that season – a 2–1 aggregate loss to Lazio where Seedorf scored Inter's only goal[http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/200004/12/38f4cbcd02888/ RaiSport – 12 Aprile 2000 – Speciale Coppe: Lazio-Inter 2–1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320053537/http://www2.raisport.rai.it/news/rubriche/coppe978/200004/12/38f4cbcd02888/ |date=20 March 2014 }}. .raisport.rai.it. Retrieved on 22 June 2013. – Seedorf could not help bring any major silverware to the club. Nonetheless, he is remembered by many Inter fans for his two goals against Juventus in a 2–2 draw on 9 March 2002, both of which were superb long-range efforts.[http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2010/04/16/1880872/derby-ditalia-debate-top-5-inter-juventus-matches-from-the# FINISHED Derby d’Italia Debate: Top 5 Inter-Juventus Matches From The Past –]. Goal.com (16 April 2010). Retrieved on 22 June 2013.

File:Seedorf with Addo.jpg against Eric Addo of PSV in a friendly game on 3 August 2007 at the Lokomotiv Stadium, Moscow.]]

After two years with Inter, Seedorf moved to their city rivals AC Milan in 2002, in an exchange with Francesco Coco.{{cite news|url=http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?L=en&N=2938|title=Agreement reached between Inter and AC Milan for Seedorf-Coco swap|date=30 May 2002|access-date=26 January 2010|publisher=inter.it|archive-date=18 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018115709/http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=2938&L=en|url-status=dead}} Seedorf won the Coppa Italia with Milan in 2003, the first time they had won the competition in 26 years. In the same season, Seedorf gained his third Champions League medal, becoming the first player to win the Champions League with three clubs. The all-Italian final saw Milan beat Juventus on penalties after a 0–0 draw, despite Seedorf failing to convert his own penalty. During the game, he also had to switch roles three times; having started the first half on the left in midfield, in the second he was moved into the center, and eventually onto the right side. The following season, 2003–04, Seedorf played a role in the Milan side that won the Serie A title. It was Seedorf's fourth national league title of his career, following his two Dutch title wins with Ajax and his one Spanish win with Real Madrid.

Seedorf played a major role as Milan reached the Champions League final again in 2005, scoring the only goal of the game in their opening group match against Shakhtar Donetsk on 14 September 2004 and appearing in all 13 competition matches.{{Cite web |date=14 September 2004|title=Seedorf Strike steals points |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2004/matches/round=1968/match=1077155/postmatch/report/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704154602/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2004/matches/round=1968/match=1077155/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=4 July 2017|website=UEFA}} He started the match against Liverpool in Istanbul in which Milan lost a 3–0 lead, eventually losing on penalties after a 3–3 draw; Seedorf did not take a penalty-kick.{{Cite web|date=25 May 2005|title=2004/05: Liverpool belief defies Milan |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0d7b89fe7b7f-c91716d11bdf-1000--2004-05-liverpool-belief-defies-milan/|access-date=7 October 2020 |website=UEFA}} Milan also finished runners-up in the Serie A, seven points behind champions Juventus, although Juventus were stripped of the title and Milan docked points for match-fixing.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/5215178.stm BBC SPORT | Football | Europe | Punishments cut for Italian clubs]. BBC News (26 July 2006). Retrieved on 22 June 2013.

A match-fixing scandal tarnished Serie A and Milan were weakened by the scandal but were allowed to continue in Europe the following season, which led to their top players remaining with the club. In that season, 2005–06, he scored a goal after just 25 seconds in a 2–2 draw against Schalke.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01ad-0e6d1020a54d-522180f8fbb8-1000--seedorf-sets-milan-milestone/ |title=Seedorf sets Milan milestone |website=UEFA |date=28 September 2005 }}

Seedorf's role as foil to midfielder Kaká became increasingly impressive as the pair combined in style to score and supply the goals which drove Milan past Bayern Munich and Manchester United to another Champions League final, again against Liverpool. This time, however, they defeated them 2–1 in Athens, with Seedorf collecting his fourth Champions League medal. In that same year, Seedorf was a part of the Milan squad that won the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup, becoming the first European player to win the trophy with three clubs (Ajax in 1995 and Real Madrid in 1998). He ended up winning the Silver Ball for the competition for his performances, notably scoring the winner against Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-final to send his club to the final.{{Cite news|last=FIFA.com|date=16 December 2007|title=Kaka soars above the competition|url=http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/clubworldcup/japan2007/news/newsid=662494.html|url-status=dead|access-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314233155/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/clubworldcup/japan2007/news/newsid%3D662494.html|archive-date=14 March 2008}}

File:Clarence Seedorf and Mesut Özil.jpg.]]

At the end of the 2006–07 season, Seedorf was voted best midfielder of the Champions League. He played his 100th game in the Champions League on 4 December against Celtic.

With Milan, Seedorf formed a formidable midfield partnership with Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo, which began since the 2002–03 season. This midfield trio was still used in the starting line-up until the 2011–12 season (Pirlo left the Rossoneri in the summer of 2011), although their form had been declining. Under the guidance of coach Carlo Ancelotti, their role was to support an attacking midfielder, whether it be Rivaldo, Rui Costa, Kaká or Ronaldinho.

Seedorf became the foreigner with the most appearances for Milan following a game against his former club, Sampdoria, which he scored in. At 395 appearances, he passed Nils Liedholm for this historic milestone. During the Sampdoria game, he also became the ninth-highest scoring foreigner for Milan, with 58 goals.

On 29 March 2010, Seedorf was the target of racist chants from Lazio fans in a 1–1 draw, which led to the Rome-based club being given a €15,000 fine by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). This led the Italy's players' union want racism stamped out in Serie A.{{cite news|title=AIC bid to kick out racism|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6061583/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=29 March 2010|access-date=18 February 2012}}

Seedorf won his second Scudetto with Milan in the 2010–11 Serie A season, where he once again played a vital role. He scored four goals and made 36 appearances in the 2010–11 season.

Seedorf added yet another medal to his trophy cabinet in the first official game of the 2011–12 season, where he played the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 comeback win over rivals Inter Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana.[http://www.legaseriea.it/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=ba3846db-2e45-4b5c-aff3-518770cd309f&groupId=10192 Supercoppa Italiana 2011: MILAN-INTER 2–1]{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. legaseriea.it (6 August 2011). He scored the winning goal of Milan's first win of the 2011–12 Serie A campaign, a 1–0 defeat of Cesena on 24 September.[https://archive.today/20130103042246/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=327155&cc=5901 Report: AC Milan v Cesena – Italian Serie A – ESPNFC]. Soccernet.espn.go.com (24 September 2011). Retrieved on 22 June 2013.

Seedorf was ranked seventh of the 20 best players of the Champions League, a list which was compiled in 2012 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the competition. The ranking was done by Champions, the official magazine of UEFA.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} On 14 May, he said that he was playing his last match with Milan against Novara that day. He also confirmed that he would continue to play football for another club. On 21 June, Seedorf held a press conference announcing his departure from Milan, stating, "I am leaving after 10 wonderful years... I leave a family" after playing for the Rossoneri for a decade and winning two Champions League, two Scudettos and a Coppa Italia.[https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jun/21/milan-clarence-seedorf-leaves?newsfeed=true Milan strengthen squad after Clarence Seedorf bids farewell | Football]. guardian.co.uk (21 June 2012). Retrieved on 22 June 2013.[https://archive.today/20130102205421/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1110556/clarence-seedorf-confirms-ac-milan-departure?cc=5901 Clarence Seedorf confirms AC Milan departure – ESPNFC]. Soccernet.espn.go.com (21 June 2012). Retrieved on 22 June 2013. Club CEO Adriano Galliani spoke of Seedorf following the player's departure in the highest regard, stating, "When Milan played well, which happened often, each and every time it occurred Seedorf played an amazing match. He is a world class player."[http://www.legaseriea.it/en/news-centre/news-detail/-/news/SEEDORF_LEAVES_MILAN/679976 Seedorf Leaves Milan –] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320053624/http://www.legaseriea.it/en/news-centre/news-detail/-/news/SEEDORF_LEAVES_MILAN/679976 |date=20 March 2014 }}. Legaseriea.it (21 June 2012). Retrieved on 22 June 2013.

File:Seedorf (10663636224).jpg

On 30 June 2012, Seedorf signed a two-year contract with Brazilian club Botafogo.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1658219.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712173109/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1658219.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 July 2012|publisher=FIFA |title=Seedorf signs with Botafogo |date=1 July 2012}} The veteran midfielder made his debut with the club on 22 July against Grêmio.{{cite web|url=http://www.livesoccertv.com/news/5858/Botafogo-lose-to-gremio-in-clarence-seedorf-s-official-debut/|title=Botafogo lose to Gremio in Clarence Seedorf's official debut |publisher=Live Soccer TV |date=22 July 2012}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20120726020956/http://www.gazetaesportiva.net/noticia/2012/07/botafogo/gremio-estraga-festa-de-seedorf-e-vence-o-botafogo-no-rio-de-janeiro.html Grêmio estraga festa de Seedorf e vence o Botafogo no Rio de Janeiro | Gazeta Esportiva.Net] (22 July 2012) On 5 August, Seedorf scored his first goal for Botafogo, curling in a free kick against Atlético Goianiense. On 5 September, Seedorf scored two goals and made an assist against Cruzeiro, helping Botafogo to a 3–1 victory.[http://www.gazetaesportiva.net/noticia/2012/08/botafogo/com-golaco-de-seedorf-botafogo-bate-o-atleticogo-de-virada.html Com golaço de Seedorf, Botafogo bate o Atlético-GO de virada | Gazeta Esportiva.Net] (4 August 2012). On 3 February 2013, for the first time on his career, Seedorf scored a hat-trick against Macaé, his first game as a starter that year. Before that game, Seedorf played the second half against Fluminense and made an assist to Bolívar, who scored the match's equalizer.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

On 10 March 2013, Seedorf won his first title with Botafogo: the 2013 Taça Guanabara, the first round of 2013 Campeonato Carioca. On 5 May, he won the second round of 2013 Campeonato Carioca – 2013 Taça Rio – against Fluminense. That is also the day of his first official title for Botafogo, the 2013 Campeonato Carioca, as the team won both rounds and no final match was needed. On 6 June, Seedorf scored his 100th goal in domestic league play: 11 with Ajax, 3 with Sampdoria, 15 with Real Madrid, 8 with Inter, 47 with Milan and 16 with Botafogo. On 14 January 2014, Seedorf announced his retirement from professional football. He announced that he is ending his playing career to take up the manager position at Milan following the sacking of Massimiliano Allegri.

Due to Surinamese rules against dual citizenship, players who take Dutch citizenship are no longer eligible to represent the Netherlands' former colony. He received his first callup on 14 December 1994 at the age of 18 against Luxembourg.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/seedorf-intl.html|website=RSSSF|title=Clarence Seedorf – International Appearances }} Seedorf scored on his debut, helping his team to a 5–0 victory in a UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying match.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/match/50681--netherlands-vs-luxembourg/|title=Netherlands 5 – 0 Luxembourg |publisher=UEFA|date=14 December 1994}}

Seedorf was in the Dutch squad for the UEFA European Championships in 1996, where his penalty miss proved decisive in the quarter-final shootout defeat to France.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b2e30f9c9-aa62ed408a94-1000--france-reach-euro-96-last-four-after-shoot-out-success-agai/|title=France reach last four after shoot-out success |publisher=UEFA |date=6 October 2003}} He also appeared for the Netherlands at Euro 2000 and 2004, as well as the 1998 FIFA World Cup, reaching the semi-finals in all three of these tournaments.

On 12 November 2006, Seedorf was recalled for the first time since June 2004 as a replacement for the injured Wesley Sneijder. He started and played the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 friendly draw against England. Seedorf won the last of his 87 caps for the Netherlands in 2007. In the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Romania (0–0 at home) and Slovenia (1–0 away win), Seedorf played four and six minutes respectively. There were doubts on his position within the national team, as Marco van Basten favoured younger players such as Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie. On 13 May 2008, Seedorf announced that he would not take part in UEFA Euro 2008 due to his ongoing personal conflict with van Basten.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/476/euro-2008/2008/05/14/695578/seedorf-blames-van-basten-for-exit|work= Goal|title=Seedorf Blames Van Basten For Exit |date=14 May 2008}}

File:Jersey of Clarence Seedorf.jpg museum]]

Nicknamed “Il Professore” and “Willy Wonka”, Seedorf was a well-rounded, hardworking and versatile player, who was gifted with strength, pace, stamina and notable physical attributes, which allowed him to play anywhere in midfield and contribute both offensively and defensively, due to his significant tactical intelligence; although he primarily served as a playmaker in the centre, throughout his career he was also deployed as an attacking midfielder, on the wing, as a mezzala, or in a holding or box-to-box role.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/1839846/cox-unlike-simeones-atletico-seedorfs-milan-searching-for-identity|title=Unlike Simeone's Atletico, Seedorf's AC Milan still searching for identity|publisher=ESPN FC|author1=Michael Cox|date=10 March 2014|access-date=26 July 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/nationalleagues/nationalleague=italy-serie-a-2000000026/news/newsid/162/639/8/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112123858/http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/nationalleagues/nationalleague=italy-serie-a-2000000026/news/newsid/162/639/8/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 January 2015|title=Seedorf reaches Milan landmark|website=fifa.com|publisher=FIFA|date=13 May 2012|access-date=23 April 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.acmilan.com/en/clarence-seedorf|title=AC Milan Hall of Fame: Clarence Seedorf|publisher=AC Milan|access-date=11 September 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.milannews.it/altre-notizie/zenga-su-seedorf-ha-tutte-le-caratteristiche-per-fare-bene-136095|title=Zenga su Seedorf: "Ha tutte le caratteristiche per fare bene"|website=milannews.it|language=it|access-date=11 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912002157/http://www.milannews.it/altre-notizie/zenga-su-seedorf-ha-tutte-le-caratteristiche-per-fare-bene-136095|archive-date=12 September 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Squadre/Milan/Primo_Piano/2006/04_Aprile/14/spogliatoio.shtml |title=Seedorf: "Sogno scudetto" |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |last=Pratesi |first=Riccardo |date=14 April 2006 |access-date=16 April 2020 }}{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=William

|date=2024-08-17 |title=12 Most 'Complete' Players in Football History [Ranked] |url=https://www.givemesport.com/most-complete-players-football-history-ranked/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=GiveMeSport |language=en}}

A world class midfielder, in addition to his fitness and athletic characteristics, as well as his ability to break down opposing plays and win back possession, he was an elegant, creative player and an excellent dribbler, possessing outstanding technique, ball skills and vision, which enabled him to retain possession when under pressure and subsequently lay the ball off to an on-rushing teammate;{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6658701.stm|title=AC Milan Pen Pics|publisher=BBC Sport|last=May|first=John|date=22 May 2007|access-date=7 January 2013}} he was also an accurate passer and crosser of the ball.{{cite web|url=http://www.advarsitysports.com/samples-with-the-rossoneri-clarence-seedorf/|title=Samples with the Rossoneri: Clarence Seedorf|website=advarsitysports.com|date=14 October 2014|access-date=23 April 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.magliarossonera.it/protagonisti/Gioc-Seedorf.html|title=Clarence Clyde SEEDORF (I)|website=magliarossonera.it|language=it|access-date=23 April 2015}} Seedorf was also capable of scoring goals due to his powerful, accurate striking ability from distance with either foot;{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/holland/squad/743795.stm|title=Euro 2000 Profile: Clarence Seedorf|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=11 September 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/clarence-seedorf/|title=Clarence Seedorf|publisher=Treccani|language=it|access-date=11 September 2014}} furthermore, he was an effective free kick taker.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/113488/pirlo-%E2%80%98my-free-kick-secrets%E2%80%99|title=Pirlo: 'My free-kick secrets'|work=Football Italia|date=28 November 2017|access-date=17 December 2017}} Despite his physical, energetic, and tenacious style of play, Seedorf was regarded as a player with good behavior, and was sent off only two times in his entire career. In addition to his success and footballing skills, Seedorf has also been praised for his longevity as a footballer.

Seedorf was appointed the new head coach of Milan on 16 January 2014, terminating his contract with Botafogo early in order to take on the managerial role, with Milan languishing in 11th in the Serie A table. On 19 January, he won his first managerial match, played against Hellas Verona, with Mario Balotelli scoring the lone goal of the game.{{Cite web | title = Milan 1-0 Verona | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 19 January 2014 | access-date = 5 July 2018 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25717720}}

Despite overseeing the club's first five-match winning run since 2011, and first Serie A victory in the Milan derby against Inter since 2011, Seedorf was dismissed by Milan on 9 June 2014 after just four months on the job, with Filippo Inzaghi being named as his successor.{{cite news|title=AC Milan sacks manager Clarence Seedorf and replaces him with youth-team coach Filippo Inzaghi|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ac-milan-sacks-manager-clarence-seedorf-and-replaces-him-with-youth-team-coach-filippo-inzaghi/|access-date=9 June 2014|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Fox News|date=9 June 2014|location=Milan, Italy}} During the Dutchman's time at the helm of the club, Milan gained a total of 35 out of a possible 57 points - the fourth-most out of all Serie A sides (one less than Napoli's corresponding total and six less than Roma's).

Seedorf was appointed manager of China League One team Shenzhen F.C. in July 2016,{{cite web|title=Former AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf takes over at Shenzhen FC|url=http://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/1986866/former-ac-milan-coach-clarence-seedorf-takes-over-shenzhen-fc|work=South China Morning Post|date=7 July 2016|access-date=10 July 2016}} but was replaced five months later by Sven-Göran Eriksson.{{cite web|title=深圳官方宣布埃里克森挂帅西多夫离任 重塑深足|date=5 December 2016|url=http://sports.sina.com.cn/china/b/2016-12-05/doc-ifxyiayq2309433.shtml|publisher=Sina|access-date=5 December 2016}} A year later Seedorf joined Brazilian club Atlético Paranaense as both a coach and a sporting director.{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/calcio-estero/2017/12/21-35933651/brasileirao_seedorf_torna_in_panchina_allener_latletico_paranaense/|title=Brasileirao, Seedorf torna in panchina: allenerà l'Atletico Paranaense|work=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=21 December 2017|access-date=21 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/114643/seedorf-set-brazil-return|title=Seedorf set for Brazil return?|work=Football Italia|date=21 December 2017|access-date=21 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/pr/futebol/times/atletico-pr/noticia/seedorf-acerta-com-o-atletico-pr-para-cargo-inedito-de-manager.ghtml|title=Seedorf acerta com o Atlético-PR para cargo inédito de manager|work=Globo Esporte|language=pt|date=21 December 2017|access-date=21 December 2017}} Within a month the deal was cancelled after both parties failed to reach an agreement.{{Citation needed|date=October 2018}} In February 2018, Seedorf was appointed as manager of Spanish club Deportivo de La Coruña for the remainder of the 2017–18 season.{{Cite web | title = Clarence Seedorf, nuevo entrenador del Real Club Deportivo | trans-title = Clarence Seedorf, new coach of Real Club Deportivo | publisher = R.C. Deportivo de La Coruña | date = 5 February 2018 | access-date = 5 February 2018 | url = https://www.rcdeportivo.es/noticia/clarence-seedorf-nuevo-entrenador-del-real-club-deportivo | language = es}} Seedorf led the team to just two wins in sixteen matches, Deportivo were relegated from La Liga, and at the end of the season he left the club.{{Cite web |title=Seedorf no seguirá al frente del Deportivo |trans-title = Seedorf will not continue to lead Deportivo |work=Mundo Deportivo |date=22 May 2018 |access-date=22 May 2018 |url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/deportivo-coruna/20180522/443768659774/seedorf-deportivo-segunda.html |language=es}}

After a deal with Sven-Göran Eriksson could not be agreed, the Fédération Camerounaise de Football appointed Seedorf as the manager of the Cameroon national team in August 2018. He was joined by former teammate Patrick Kluivert as his assistant manager.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45070860|title=Cameroon appoint Seedorf & Kluivert as deal for Eriksson falls through|date=4 August 2018|website=BBC Sport|access-date=11 October 2018}} However, after a disappointing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where Cameroon as defending champions were eliminated by Nigeria in the round of 16 after an unimpressive group stage, he was sacked in July 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49009362|title=Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert sacked by Cameroon|date=16 July 2019|website=BBC Sport|access-date=26 August 2019}}

File:Princess Máxima, Prince Willem-Alexander & Clarence Seedorf.jpg and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.]]

Seedorf speaks six languages fluently:{{cite web|url=http://www.swide.com/sport-man/clarence-seedorf-is-the-new-ac-milan-coach-6-reasons-why-he-was-destined-for-it/2014/01/17|title=Discover|access-date=12 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924112642/http://www.swide.com/sport-man/clarence-seedorf-is-the-new-ac-milan-coach-6-reasons-why-he-was-destined-for-it/2014/01/17|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Seedorf, campione anche nel business|url=http://www.businessgentlemen.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82:seedorf-campione-anche-nel-business&catid=21:canale-personaggi&Itemid=50|access-date=15 September 2014}} Dutch, English,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKTqaPwMMXk| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211113/DKTqaPwMMXk| archive-date=13 November 2021 | url-status=live|title=Kate Giles Interviews Clarence Seedorf on CNN|last=ABDOMEDIAGROUP|date=9 March 2011|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Sranan Tongo. He was often seen as a spiritual, intelligent and articulate figure in football,{{cite web|title=Big interview Clarence Seedorf paints picture of hunger and intelligence|website=TheGuardian.com|date=14 February 2010|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/feb/14/clarence-seedorf-interview-champions-league|access-date=15 September 2014}} and in a 2011 interview, Seedorf stated that he was studying to obtain a master's degree in business at the prestigious Bocconi University in Milan;{{cite web|title=Clarence Seedorf: One-on-One|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/clarence-seedorf-one-one|access-date=15 September 2014}} because of this, he earned the nickname "il professore" ("the professor") during his time playing at Milan. Seedorf married a Brazilian woman, Luviana Seedorf, with whom he owns a restaurant called Finger's in Milan. They have four children.{{cite web|title=La moglie di Seedorf fa belli i calciatori|url=http://www.sologossip.it/2010/06/04/la-moglie-di-seedorf-fa-belli-i-calciatori/|access-date=15 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410125815/http://www.sologossip.it/2010/06/04/la-moglie-di-seedorf-fa-belli-i-calciatori/|archive-date=10 April 2011}} After separating from his wife, he began a relationship with Canadian-Iranian Sophia Makramati, and converted to her faith of Islam in a March 2022 ceremony in Dubai.{{cite news |title=Após separação de brasileira, Seedorf se converte ao islamismo|trans-title=After separating from Brazilian woman, Seedorf converts to Islam|url=https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/ultimas-noticias/2022/03/08/apos-separacao-de-brasileira-seedorf-se-converte-ao-islamismo.htm |access-date=25 October 2023 |publisher=Universo Online |date=8 March 2022 |language=Portuguese}}{{cite news |last1=Moreno Velazquez |first1=Marcos Jesús |title=Clarence Seedorf asistió al sorteo del Mundial con la mujer que lo convirtió al Islam|trans-title=Clarence Seedorf attended the World Cup draw with the woman who converted him to Islam|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/us/futbol/mundial/20220401/4004/clarence-seedorf-asistio-sorteo-mundial-mujer-convirtio-islam.html |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=Mundo Deportivo |date=1 April 2022 |language=Spanish}}

Seedorf has dabbled in media-related work during recent years. In 2009, he worked with The New York Times to run a column entitled "Seedorf responds", where once a month he would answer peoples' questions regarding football.{{cite web|title=Seedorf editorialista del NY Times |url=http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/articolo28900.shtml|access-date=15 September 2014}} He joined the BBC's team covering the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, working as a television pundit.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8637613.stm |title=Klinsmann and Seedorf join BBC's World Cup team|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 April 2010 |access-date=9 March 2011}} He also presented a number of features for the BBC coverage, including one about Robben Island.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8799052.stm |title=World Cup 2010: Clarence Seedorf goes to Robben Island|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 July 2010|access-date=9 March 2011}} He joined the BBC for their Match of the Day Live coverage of UEFA Euro 2012. He has also made appearances on Match of the Day 2 during the English football league season.

Because of his strong connection with the country Suriname, where he was born, he is involved in many social development projects there. He built his own "Clarence Seedorf Stadium" in the district of Para in Suriname. In this stadium, the Para Juniors League of Suriname is being held and the teams of the Suri Profs & SV The Brothers play there regularly. With his Champions for Children Foundation, he supports projects for good causes in Suriname.{{cite web|title=Seedorf – Off the field – Champions for Children|url=http://www.seedorf.com/EN/seedorf/off_the_field/champions_for_children.aspx|access-date=15 September 2014}} For this, Suriname has honoured him to Commander of the High-Order of the Yellow Star, and in 2011 he was invested as a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau (OON).

In 2012 and 2014, Seedorf took part in Soccer Aid, a charity match at Old Trafford with former professional players and celebrities. He played for "The Rest of the World" team against England. In 2014, he scored a hat-trick, where The Rest of the World won 4–2; they raised over £4 million in total.{{cite news|url=http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/result/result-seedorf-scores-hat-trick-for-rest-of-world_158949.html|title=Result: Clarence Seedorf scores hat-trick for Rest of World in Soccer Aid|first=David|last=Wright|work=Sportsmole|date=8 June 2014|access-date=9 June 2014}}

Clarence's nephew, Collin Seedorf, is also a professional footballer, and currently plays for Dutch club, FC Eindhoven.{{Cite web |title=Twente verschenkt spät noch zwei Punkte |last=Buse |first=Daniel |work=Westfälische Nachrichten |date=8 October 2018 |access-date=9 October 2018 |url= https://www.wn.de/Sport/Lokalsport/Gronau/3506470-Fussball-Niederlande-Twente-verschenkt-spaet-noch-zwei-Punkte |language=de}}

{{notelist}}

:Scores and results list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Seedorf goal.

{{Updated|6 July 2019}}

{{Cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/clarence-seedorf-one-one-manager-who-had-biggest-cultural-impact-me-sven-goran-eriksson|title=The big interview: Clarence Seedorf – "The manager who had the biggest cultural impact on me? Sven-Goran Eriksson"|first1=Future Publishing Limited Quay|last1=House|first2=The|last2=Ambury|first3=Bath BA1 1UA All rights reserved|last3=Engl|first4=Wales company registration|last4=number 2008885|date=24 May 2017|website=FourFourTwo}}

Ajax{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/coaches/clarence-seedorf/3992/|title=Clarence Seedorf – Career Honours |work=Soccerway}}

• Eredivisie: 1993–94, 1994–95
• KNVB Cup: 1992–93
• Johan Cruijff Shield: 1993
• UEFA Champions League: 1994–95{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0250-0e886c882ffd-36cd0c025d66-1000--four-time-winner-seedorf-one-of-a-kind/ |title=Four-time winner Seedorf one of a kind |publisher=UEFA |last1=Scholten |first1=Berend |date=1 April 2019 |access-date=3 May 2020 }}

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 1996–97
• Supercopa de España: 1997
• UEFA Champions League: 1997–98{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/022d-0e9458554d19-9e9caf57a328-1000--reyes-s-fifth-win-top-uefa-club-cup-winners/|title=UEFA Europa League – News – UEFA.com|last=uefa.com|date=18 May 2016}}
• Intercontinental Cup: 1998

AC Milan

• Serie A: 2003–04, 2010–11
• Coppa Italia: 2002–03
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2011
• UEFA Champions League: 2002–03, 2006–07
• UEFA Super Cup: 2003, 2007
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2007

Botafogo

• Campeonato Carioca: 2013

Individual

• Dutch Football Talent of the Year: 1993, 1994{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/nedpoy.html|website=RSSSF|title=Clarence Seedorf – Dutch Talent of the Year }}
• ESM Team of the Year: 1996–97{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html |title=Clarence Seedorf – ESM Team of the Year |url-status=live |website=RSSSF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207144925/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html |archive-date=7 February 2016 }}
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2002,{{cite web|url=http://en.toty.uefa.com/history=2002.html|title=Clarence Seedorf - UEFA Team of the Year 2002|publisher=UEFA|access-date=1 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529200246/http://en.toty.uefa.com/history=2002.html|archive-date=29 May 2014|url-status=dead}} 2007{{cite web|url=http://en.toty.uefa.com/history=2007.html|title=Clarence Seedorf - UEFA Team of the Year 2007|publisher=UEFA|access-date=1 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709042816/http://en.toty.uefa.com/history=2007.html|archive-date=9 July 2015|url-status=dead}}
• UEFA Best Midfielder Award: 2006–07{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=1639472.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105022355/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=1639472.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 January 2013|title=UEFA Champions League Awards|date=May 2011|publisher=UEFA}}
• FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball: 2007{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablest/toyotamvp.html|website=RSSSF|title=FIFA Club World Cup Awards }}
• FIFPro World XI Nominee: 2007{{cite web|url=http://www.fifpro.org/en/events/world-xi/players?sortname2=2007|title=News & Media – FIFPro World Players' Union|access-date=25 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402144852/http://www.fifpro.org/en/events/world-xi/players?sortname2=2007|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}}
• Real Madrid Team of the Century: 2008{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/63140-ryan-giggs-vs-clarence-seedorf-whos-the-best-player|title=Ryan Giggs vs Clarence Seedorf: Who's the Best Player? |work=Bleacher Report}}
• Bola de Prata: 2013{{cite web|url=http://espn.uol.com.br/post/375422_para-seedorf-selecao-do-premio-bola-de-prata-venceria-a-champions|title=Para Seedorf, seleção do prêmio Bola de Prata venceria a Champions|publisher=ESPN.br|access-date=24 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402215035/http://espn.uol.com.br/post/375422_para-seedorf-selecao-do-premio-bola-de-prata-venceria-a-champions|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}}
• Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau{{cite web|url=http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/clarence-seedorf-delighted-knighthood|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140806052823/http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/clarence-seedorf-delighted-knighthood|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 August 2014|title=Clarence Seedorf delighted with knighthood|publisher=RNW}}
• Commander of the Honorary Order of the Yellow Star{{cite web |url=http://nos.nl/artikel/234415-seedorf-koninklijk-onderscheiden.html|title=Seedorf koninklijk onderscheiden |date=21 April 2011 |publisher=NOS}}
• Nelson Mandela Legacy Champion{{cite web |url=http://www.nelsonmandela.org/news/entry/clarence-seedorf-becomes-a-legacy-champion|title=Clarence Seedorf becomes a legacy champion |publisher=Nelsonmandela.org}}
• FIFA 100{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3533833.stm|title=Fifa names greatest list |date=4 March 2004 |publisher=BBC}}
• AC Milan Hall of Fame
• Golden Foot Award Legends: 2018{{cite web |url=http://www.radiomontecarlo.net/news/principato-di-monaco/245894/il-golden-foot-2018-e-edinson-cavani.html |title=Il Golden Foot 2018 è Edinson Cavani |date=2 November 2018 |publisher=www.radiomontecarlo.net |language=it |access-date=6 December 2018 }}

{{Clear}}

• List of footballers with 100 or more UEFA Champions League appearances
• List of men's footballers with the most official appearances
• List of people named in the Panama Papers

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.seedorf.com Clarence Seedorf official website]
• [https://www.acmilan.com/en/club/legends/players/seedorf Profile] at the AC Milan website
• [https://www.onsoranje.nl/teams/185184/speler/7570 Profile] at the Royal Dutch Football Association website (in Dutch)
• {{Wereld van Oranje|1093}}
• {{FIFA player}}
• {{UEFA player}}

{{Navboxes

| title = International tournaments

| list1 =

{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 1996}}

{{Netherlands squad 1998 FIFA World Cup}}

{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2000}}

{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2004}}

{{Cameroon squad 2019 Africa Cup of Nations}}

}}

{{Navboxes

| title = Awards

| bg = gold

| fg = black

| list1 =

{{2002 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{2007 UEFA Team of the Year}}

{{2013 Bola de Prata}}

{{UEFA Club Football Awards}}

{{Dutch Football Talent of the Year}}

{{FIFA 100}}

{{Golden Foot Legends Award}}

}}

{{Navboxes

| title = Managerial positions

| list1 =

{{AC Milan managers}}

{{Shenzhen F.C. managers}}

{{Deportivo de La Coruña managers}}

{{Cameroon national football team managers}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Seedorf, Clarence}}

Category:1976 births

Category:Living people

Clarence

Category:Footballers from Paramaribo

Category:Footballers from Almere

Category:Dutch men's footballers

Category:Dutch football managers

Category:Netherlands men's international footballers

Category:Surinamese men's footballers

Category:Surinamese football managers

Category:Surinamese emigrants to the Netherlands

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:AFC Ajax players

Category:UC Sampdoria players

Category:Real Madrid CF players

Category:Inter Milan players

Category:AC Milan players

Category:Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas players

Category:Eredivisie players

Category:Serie A players

Category:La Liga players

Category:Campeonato Brasileiro Série A players

Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players

Category:UEFA Euro 1996 players

Category:1998 FIFA World Cup players

Category:UEFA Euro 2000 players

Category:UEFA Euro 2004 players

Category:FIFA 100

Category:Dutch expatriate men's footballers

Category:Surinamese expatriate men's footballers

Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Italy

Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Spain

Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Brazil

Category:Dutch Muslims

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Brazil

Category:AC Milan managers

Category:Shenzhen F.C. managers

Category:Deportivo de La Coruña managers

Category:Cameroon national football team managers

Category:Serie A managers

Category:China League One managers

Category:La Liga managers

Category:2019 Africa Cup of Nations managers

Category:Dutch expatriate football managers

Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in China

Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Cameroon

Category:Expatriate football managers in Italy

Category:Expatriate football managers in China

Category:Expatriate football managers in Spain

Category:Expatriate football managers in Cameroon

Category:Knights of the Order of Orange-Nassau

Category:Honorary Order of the Yellow Star

Category:People named in the Panama Papers

Category:Converts to Islam

Category:Dutch sportspeople of Surinamese descent

Category:Association football people awarded knighthoods

Category:20th-century Dutch sportsmen