Revered both in his homeland and across Europe, Wim Jansen was a man who transcended the game’s tactical and positional boundaries, making a significant impact as both a player and a manager.
Wim Jansen’s football career started with his boyhood club, Feyenoord, where he would go on to become a club legend. He made his debut for the Rotterdam-based club in 1965, marking the start of a 15-year association that would define much of his playing career. In particular, it was during these years that Jansen helped elevate Feyenoord to both national and international prominence. His ability to dictate play, combined with a shrewd understanding of defensive responsibilities, set him apart from his peers, giving Feyenoord an edge in domestic and European competition.
The crowning achievement of his time with Feyenoord came in 1970, when the club triumphed in the European Cup. Feyenoord’s victory over Celtic in the final marked not only the pinnacle of the club’s history but also cemented Jansen’s status as one of the finest players of his generation. In addition to this European success, Jansen was also part of a Feyenoord side that claimed four Dutch League titles and a UEFA Cup in 1974. Undoubtedly, his leadership qualities were evident in his captaincy during their UEFA Cup win, where Feyenoord overcame Bill Nicholson´s Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling 4-2 aggregate victory.
A Controversial Switch: From Feyenoord to Ajax
In what can only be described as a seismic shift in Dutch football, Wim Jansen made the controversial move to Feyenoord’s bitter rivals, Ajax, in 1980. For a player so deeply rooted in Feyenoord’s history, the transfer caused shockwaves across the Dutch footballing landscape. Jansen, however, was no ordinary player, and despite the uproar, he continued to excel on the pitch. His time at Ajax was relatively brief, but significant, as he helped the club to win the Eredivisie title in the 1981–82 season.
Yet, in contrast to his glorious days at Feyenoord, his debut for Ajax was marred by an infamous incident. In December 1980, during a match at Feyenoord’s De Kuip stadium, a Feyenoord fan threw an icy snowball at Jansen, striking him in the eye during warm-ups. This injury forced him off the field within 20 minutes, in what was an emotionally charged encounter.
Despite the tension between the two clubs and their fans, Jansen’s professionalism and tactical intelligence allowed him to adapt seamlessly to Ajax’s system. His partnership with Johan Cruyff—who regarded Jansen as one of the few players worth paying attention to—was particularly noteworthy. Similarly, Jansen’s understanding of the game, coupled with Cruyff’s footballing genius, created a formidable duo on the field.
International Stardom: The Heartbreak of World Cups
While Jansen’s club career was marked by tremendous success, his international career with the Netherlands saw him involved in two of the most iconic World Cup campaigns in football history. He earned 65 caps for the Dutch national team and was a key figure in both the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cup squads, which reached the final on both occasions.
In the 1974 World Cup, Jansen was part of the “Total Football” revolution, where the Netherlands stunned the world with their fluid, dynamic style of play. Managed by Rinus Michels and led by Johan Cruyff, the Dutch team reached the final against West Germany. The Dutch took an early lead, but Jansen committed a crucial foul on Bernd Hölzenbein, resulting in a penalty that allowed Paul Breitner to equalize. As a result, the momentum shifted, and West Germany came from behind to win 2–1, leaving Jansen and his teammates heartbroken.
Nevertheless, Jansen remained a pivotal figure for the Netherlands and returned to the world stage in 1978. Once again, the Dutch team reached the final, this time against Argentina. Despite missing the talismanic Cruyff, the Dutch put up a strong fight, only to fall short in extra time, losing 3–1 to the host nation. Consequently, Jansen’s international career, while illustrious, is often remembered for its near-misses rather than the glory he so deserved.
Managerial Career: Success at Feyenoord and Beyond
Following his retirement as a player, Wim Jansen transitioned seamlessly into a managerial role, where he once again returned to his beloved Feyenoord. He initially served as a coach and assistant manager before eventually taking the reins as the club’s head coach in 1991. Under his stewardship, Feyenoord won back-to-back KNVB Cups in 1991 and 1992, a remarkable feat considering the financial instability that had plagued the club during the preceding years.
In addition to domestic success, Jansen also led Feyenoord to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991–92. However, his time as manager was not without its tensions. Disagreements with Willem van Hanegem, his former teammate and Feyenoord’s coach, over tactical approaches led to friction within the club. Jansen’s dissatisfaction with the club’s hierarchy eventually resulted in his departure from Feyenoord in 1992.
Nevertheless, Jansen’s managerial career was far from over. He ventured abroad, taking up roles in Saudi Arabia alongside Leo Beenhakker and later managing Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Japan. These experiences, while challenging due to language barriers and cultural differences, further demonstrated Jansen’s versatility and commitment to the game.
Celtic: A Season of Redemption
Perhaps the most celebrated chapter of Wim Jansen’s managerial career came when he crossed the North Sea to take charge of Scottish giants Celtic in 1997. Celtic were in a state of flux, having endured a decade of underachievement while their bitter rivals, Rangers, were on the verge of winning their tenth consecutive league title. Jansen was tasked with a monumental challenge: to end Rangers’ dominance and restore Celtic to the summit of Scottish football.
Moreover, Jansen was Celtic’s first-ever manager from outside the British Isles, a fact that added further intrigue to his appointment. His arrival was met with skepticism, but Jansen quickly silenced the doubters. Not only did he guide Celtic to the Scottish Premier Division title in the 1997–98 season, but he also secured the Scottish League Cup, marking a double triumph in his only season in charge. In particular, his most significant contribution to Celtic’s revival was the signing of Henrik Larsson from Feyenoord. Larsson would go on to become a Celtic legend, but it was Jansen who identified his potential and brought him to Glasgow.
However, despite his success, Jansen’s tenure at Celtic was short-lived. A breakdown in his relationship with general manager Jock Brown led to his departure just days after securing the league title. Consequently, his time at Celtic remains a case of what could have been, as he left behind a team poised for continued success.
Conclusion: Wim Jansen’s Enduring Legacy
Jansen was much more than just a footballer or a manager; he was a visionary who understood the nuances of the game in a way few others could. His career, from the streets of Rotterdam to the World Cup finals and managerial success in Scotland, is a testament to his soccer intelligence and adaptability. His influence on the game, particularly at Feyenoord and Celtic, is still felt today, not just through the trophies he won but also in the legacy he left behind, particularly in his role in bringing Henrik Larsson to the attention of world football.