Robert Witschge (born 22 August 1966) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.
He spent most of his 14-year professional career with Feyenoord, but started out at Ajax, amassing Eredivisie totals of 281 matches and 39 goals.
Witschge represented the Netherlands national team in the 1994 World Cup and Euro 1992.
Club career Born in Amsterdam, North Holland, Witschge started his professional career with local Ajax, being an undisputed starter at the age of 20 and a crucial element of the team that won the 1986–87 European Cup Winners' Cup. During three seasons, he shared teams with his sibling Richard.
Witschge joined French club Saint-Étienne in July 1989 but, unsettled, returned home in January 1991 with Feyenoord. He helped the Rotterdam side win four Dutch Cups, one Supercup and the 1992–93 Eredivisie.
After one weak final year with Feyenoord – 13 appearances, no goals – the 30-year-old moved to Utrecht, retiring in 1999 after one season with Saudi Arabia's Ittihad. In 2001, Witschge took up coaching, being named assistant of Marco van Basten and John van 't Schip at the national team in 2004; he rejoined the pair at Ajax four years later, again as assistant.
International career Witschge made his debut for the Netherlands on 4 January 1989 in a friendly against Israel (2–0 away win), going on to win 30 caps (three goals) and represent the nation at UEFA Euro 1992 and the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Personal life Witschge's younger brother, Richard, is also a former footballer and a midfielder.
Rob is related to Dutch actor (1925-1991); Rob's grandfather was a cousin of Cor.
Career statistics International + Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsNetherlands19893019900019910019921211993321994110199510Total303
Scores and results list Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Witschge goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Rob WitschgeNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 18 June 1992 Nya Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden 2–0 3–1 UEFA Euro 19922 24 February 1993 Stadion Galgenwaard, Utrecht, Netherlands 2–1 3–1 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification3 3–1
Honours Ajax KNVB Cup: 1985-86, 1986-87 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1986-87; runner-up: 1987-88
Feyenoord Eredivisie: 1992-93 KNVB Cup: 1990-91, 1991-92, 1993-94, 1994-95 Dutch Super Cup (in 1996 rebranded as Johan Cruyff Shield): 1991; runner-up: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
References
External links Beijen profile Stats at Voetbal International