Dennis Bergkamp had a first touch so soft it looked like the ball was apologising to him. When he joined Arsenal in 1995, he changed the club, and arguably the Premier League, forever.
Below you'll find Dennis Bergkamp's fact file, career history and honours, plus our Dennis Bergkamp collection of hoodies and T-shirts.
Dennis Bergkamp Fact File
| Full name | Dennis Nicolaas Maria Bergkamp |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 10 May 1969 (age 57) |
| Place of birth | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Position | Second striker |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Status | Retired |
| Shirt number | 10 |
| Nickname | The Non-Flying Dutchman, the Iceman |
Career History
| Years | Team | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986-1993 | Ajax | 185 | 103 |
| 1993-1995 | Inter Milan | 52 | 11 |
| 1995-2006 | Arsenal | 315 | 87 |
| 1990-2000 | Netherlands | 79 | 37 |
League appearances and goals; international figures are caps and goals.
Ajax and Inter
Born in Amsterdam in 1969, and named after Scottish striker Denis Law, Bergkamp came through the Ajax academy under Johan Cruyff. He won the UEFA Cup with Ajax and later with Inter Milan, although his time in Italy was a frustrating one. Celebrate this chapter with our Dennis Bergkamp Arsenal Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
Arsenal's Turning Point
Bergkamp's arrival at Highbury in 1995 signalled a new era. Under Arsène Wenger he won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, including the 2003-04 "Invincibles" season. His partnership with Thierry Henry was one of the finest in Premier League history. Relive it with our Dennis Bergkamp Ajax Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
Two Unforgettable Goals
At the 1998 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, Bergkamp controlled a long pass from Frank de Boer with one touch, cut inside with a second and finished with a third. It's one of the most beautiful goals ever scored at a World Cup.
In 2002 at Newcastle, he flicked the ball one way, spun the other way around Nikos Dabizas and slotted home. People still argue about whether he meant it. He did. Wear the legend with our Dennis Bergkamp World Cup Sticker Men's Hoodie.
The Non-Flying Dutchman
Bergkamp's fear of flying meant he often missed away games in Europe, earning him the "Non-Flying Dutchman" nickname. It never dimmed his genius.
Legacy
Bergkamp retired in 2006 and now has a statue outside the Emirates. Wenger called him the foundation of modern Arsenal.
Honours
Ajax
- Eredivisie: 1990
- UEFA Cup: 1992
- European Cup Winners' Cup: 1987
- KNVB Cup: 2
Inter Milan
- UEFA Cup: 1994
Arsenal
- Premier League: 1998, 2002, 2004
- FA Cup: 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005
Off the Pitch
Bergkamp's famous fear of flying began after a scare on a flight at the 1994 World Cup. After retiring he worked as a coach at Ajax, and a statue of him stands outside the Emirates Stadium.
FAQs
How old is Dennis Bergkamp?
Dennis Bergkamp was born on 10 May 1969, so he is 57 years old.
Where was Dennis Bergkamp born?
In Amsterdam, Netherlands.
How tall is Dennis Bergkamp?
Dennis Bergkamp is 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in).
What teams has Dennis Bergkamp played for?
Ajax, Inter Milan and Arsenal, plus the Netherlands.
Who was Dennis Bergkamp named after?
Scottish striker Denis Law, his father's favourite player.
Why was Bergkamp called the Non-Flying Dutchman?
His fear of flying meant he often travelled by car or train, or missed away games in Europe.
What was Bergkamp's best goal?
Many pick his goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup or his spin around Nikos Dabizas against Newcastle in 2002.
Shop the Dennis Bergkamp Collection
Celebrate Dennis Bergkamp with our made-to-order hoodies and T-shirts, printed in England in men's and kids' sizes.
See every design in the full Dennis Bergkamp collection, or browse more football legends. Want your own name on the back? Try our custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Thierry Henry and Johan Cruyff.
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