The winger was one of the most gifted players of Holland's golden generation, but medical problems forced him to end his career 25 years ago at the tender age of 22
The left winger was still relatively unknown at the time and had only just made his international debut two weeks before. His finish in the 69th minute was the perfect way to present himself to a bigger audience, though, as De Wit scored the goal that he will forever be remembered for.
Having come off the bench at half-time, De Wit displayed a fine first touch to control a long ball from fellow substitute Ronald Koeman. He then made use of his exceptional technique by cutting inside from his flank to start a superb dribble that left several Hungarian defenders stunned. After an impressive acceleration into the area, the then 21-year-old faked a shot to send the goalkeeper to the ground before finding the top corner with a delicate chip.
De Wit’s goal helped Oranje to a play-off against Belgium for a place at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and, although the Dutch eventually failed to book their ticket for the tournament, the left winger was widely tipped to become a big star.
Tragically, his promising career came to an abrupt end hardly one year after he rose to prominence at the Nepstadion. In June 1986, De Wit suffered a cerebral haemorrhage during a recreational game of tennis while on holiday in Spain. De Wit initially recovered very well and was close to a comeback the following winter. He had already resumed regular training at Ajax and decided to travel to Sweden for a special laser treatment to make the final step to full match fitness. A medical blunder in Scandinavia caused irreparable damage though and effectively meant the end of his career. His early retirement was a huge blow for both player and fans as the wing-wizard had a bright future ahead of him.
The attacker started his professional career with Utrecht and earned himself a transfer to Dutch giants Ajax in ‘84 after two impressive seasons at his boyhood club. He quickly became a crowd favourite in Amsterdam and was rewarded for his fine form when he received a call-up for the national side in May ’85. De Wit didn’t waste much time to become a regular in Oranje and made eight international appearances during his short career.
He was regarded as one of the most gifted players of a generation containing players such as Ruud Gullit, Ronald Koeman, Frank Rijkaard and Marco van Basten and there was little doubt that De Wit would have made the Holland squad that went on to win Euro ’88.
Although it's impossible to say what De Wit could have achieved, one thing’s for sure and that is that the Utrecht native was destined for great things. Van Basten, his teammate at both Ajax and Oranje, became one of the best attackers the world has ever seen and the striker is confident De Wit could have had a similar career.
“Everybody remembers him for his goal against Hungary. That was the highlight of his career, which is actually a shame. He was still at the beginning of his career and I’m 100 perc ent sure that he would have been able to shine for a club like Barcelona,” Van Basten said to NOS after a reunion with De Wit.
"He was still at the beginning of his career and I’m 100 per cent sure that he would have been able to shine for a club like Barcelona."
- Marco van Basten
Things went differently though for the now 47-year-old. Instead of a glorious career at one of Europe’s finest, De Wit had to settle for a life outside football and two more haemorrhages further complicated his life. Nevertheless, despite his misfortune, the former attacker has always stayed positive and has found new goals.
“Thinking about all the things I can no longer do because of my handicap is not helping me forward. I rather focus on the stuff that I can still do. I really enjoy watching my son play football and always try to attend his games. Another thing that I like is draughts. It is a fun thing to do and the game element always makes me want to win my matches,” De Wit said to NOS.
An admirable attitude from a remarkable personality who could have been a household name in the football scene worldwide had it not been for his misfortune. However, although De Wit did not have the chance to fulfil his potential due to his medical problems, he will never be forgotten by Dutch fans. A quick look at that wonder strike against the Hungarians in 1985 makes you realise exactly why...
Date of birth: Sep 8, 1963 (age 47)
Place of birth: Utrecht
Position: Left winger
Clubs: Utrecht, Ajax
Int. caps: 8 (3 goals)
Int. debut: May 1, 1985 / Netherlands 1-1 Austria
Every now and then you see a player score a goal that just sums up all of his best qualities. Rob de Wit’s strike for the Netherlands in the World Cup qualifier away against Hungary in May 1985 is perhaps the perfect example.
The left winger was still relatively unknown at the time and had only just made his international debut two weeks before. His finish in the 69th minute was the perfect way to present himself to a bigger audience, though, as De Wit scored the goal that he will forever be remembered for.
Having come off the bench at half-time, De Wit displayed a fine first touch to control a long ball from fellow substitute Ronald Koeman. He then made use of his exceptional technique by cutting inside from his flank to start a superb dribble that left several Hungarian defenders stunned. After an impressive acceleration into the area, the then 21-year-old faked a shot to send the goalkeeper to the ground before finding the top corner with a delicate chip.
De Wit’s goal helped Oranje to a play-off against Belgium for a place at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and, although the Dutch eventually failed to book their ticket for the tournament, the left winger was widely tipped to become a big star.
Tragically, his promising career came to an abrupt end hardly one year after he rose to prominence at the Nepstadion. In June 1986, De Wit suffered a cerebral haemorrhage during a recreational game of tennis while on holiday in Spain. De Wit initially recovered very well and was close to a comeback the following winter. He had already resumed regular training at Ajax and decided to travel to Sweden for a special laser treatment to make the final step to full match fitness. A medical blunder in Scandinavia caused irreparable damage though and effectively meant the end of his career. His early retirement was a huge blow for both player and fans as the wing-wizard had a bright future ahead of him.
The attacker started his professional career with Utrecht and earned himself a transfer to Dutch giants Ajax in ‘84 after two impressive seasons at his boyhood club. He quickly became a crowd favourite in Amsterdam and was rewarded for his fine form when he received a call-up for the national side in May ’85. De Wit didn’t waste much time to become a regular in Oranje and made eight international appearances during his short career.
He was regarded as one of the most gifted players of a generation containing players such as Ruud Gullit, Ronald Koeman, Frank Rijkaard and Marco van Basten and there was little doubt that De Wit would have made the Holland squad that went on to win Euro ’88.
Although it's impossible to say what De Wit could have achieved, one thing’s for sure and that is that the Utrecht native was destined for great things. Van Basten, his teammate at both Ajax and Oranje, became one of the best attackers the world has ever seen and the striker is confident De Wit could have had a similar career.
“Everybody remembers him for his goal against Hungary. That was the highlight of his career, which is actually a shame. He was still at the beginning of his career and I’m 100 perc ent sure that he would have been able to shine for a club like Barcelona,” Van Basten said to NOS after a reunion with De Wit.
"He was still at the beginning of his career and I’m 100 per cent sure that he would have been able to shine for a club like Barcelona."
- Marco van Basten
Things went differently though for the now 47-year-old. Instead of a glorious career at one of Europe’s finest, De Wit had to settle for a life outside football and two more haemorrhages further complicated his life. Nevertheless, despite his misfortune, the former attacker has always stayed positive and has found new goals.
“Thinking about all the things I can no longer do because of my handicap is not helping me forward. I rather focus on the stuff that I can still do. I really enjoy watching my son play football and always try to attend his games. Another thing that I like is draughts. It is a fun thing to do and the game element always makes me want to win my matches,” De Wit said to NOS.
An admirable attitude from a remarkable personality who could have been a household name in the football scene worldwide had it not been for his misfortune. However, although De Wit did not have the chance to fulfil his potential due to his medical problems, he will never be forgotten by Dutch fans. A quick look at that wonder strike against the Hungarians in 1985 makes you realise exactly why...
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