Faas Wilkes

Servaas Faas Wilkes a Dutch footballer born on 13 October 1923 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He occupied the forward position while playing and has earned 38 caps for the Dutch national team.

Considered as one of the best footballers from his country, Wilkis was known for his brilliant dribbling and the creative style of his play.

Background

He began his youth career with Xerxes Rotterdam in the year 1940. Later, he was absorbed in their senior team.

Debut

Wilkes got his senior team debut for Xerxes in the year 1945 at the age of 25. In the year 1949, Wilkes moved to the Italian football club Internazionale, which is also known as the Inter Milan.

Within a year of his debut at the club Xerxes, he was incorporated in the Dutch national football team. In 1954, the KNVB finally introduced professional football in Netherlands, despite that he has scored 35 goals for his nation in his national career.

Rise to glory

Wilkes was the first Dutchman to play in Italy’s Serie A. He was the first Dutch footballer who etched his name in the list of Netherlands national football team and was recognised by the world and brought glory and pride to his nation.

In the 1950-51 season, he was the top scorer for Inter Milan and scored 23 goals. Wilkes was playing for Valencia in the year 1954 he was given the title of ‘the Spanish Player of the Year’. Wilkes was twice awarded the Valencia Top Scorer title.

Club Career

During his career with Xerxes, Wilkis scored 49 goals. He moved to Internazionale and scored 47 goals in 95 matches.

He became a part of Valencia team in the year 1953 and played for three years. He became a cult hero there and scored 38 goals for the club.

Retirement

Wilkes retired from professional football at the age of 40 in the year 1963.The legacy gave a new definition to Dutch football and produced new techniques and skills in football and aided other budding footballers to follow his footsteps.