Ruud van Nistelrooy

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Van Nistelrooy is celebrated as one of the most lethal strikers in football history. He is the only player to have been the top scorer in three different UEFA Champions League seasons, and his 56 goals in the competition remain the highest by a Dutch player. He also topped the scoring charts in three different European domestic leagues: the Eredivisie, Premier League, and La Liga. His inclusion in the FIFA 100 list in 2004 recognized him among the 125 greatest living players at the time.

AwardsVan Nistelrooy won numerous individual and team honors. He was named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 1999 and won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2002-03. He was the UEFA Champions League top scorer three times and won the Pichichi Trophy in 2006-07. He also won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year twice at Manchester United and was included in the FIFA 100 list in 2004.

Honours & Distinctions

FIFA 100

FIFA·2004

Listed among the 125 greatest living footballers as selected by Pelé.

Records & Feats

All-time Dutch top scorer in UEFA Champions League

Career Milestone·2006

Van Nistelrooy scored 56 goals in the Champions League, the most by any Dutch player in the competition's history.

Only player to be top scorer in three different Champions League seasons

Career Milestone·2005

He led the Champions League in goals in 2001-02, 2002-03, and 2004-05, a unique achievement.

Top scorer in three different European domestic leagues

Career Milestone·2007

Van Nistelrooy won the scoring title in the Eredivisie (1998-99, 1999-00), Premier League (2002-03), and La Liga (2006-07).