Bernardus "Bennie" Muller (14 August 1938 – 17 January 2024) was a Dutch professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Ajax, Holland Sport, and the Netherlands national team.
Early life Muller was born in the Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam-East. His grandfather was a fruit seller named Levi Sluiter. His mother was incarcerated in Westerbork transit camp during World War II. Approximately 200 members of Muller's extended family were killed in the Holocaust.
Club career Muller played club football for Ajax beginning in 1958, and was its captain. He made his debut for Ajax against MVV and played 426 official matches for the club. He won five league titles and three domestic cups with them.
International career Muller made his debut for the Netherlands national team in an April 1960 friendly match against Bulgaria, earning 43 caps in total, and also serving as captain. His final international was an October 1968 World Cup qualification match against Bulgaria.
Personal life
Muller was Jewish.
Muller married his girlfriend Nellie on 27 September 1961. He had a daughter, Petra,Aankomst Ajax op Schiphol, Bennie Muller werd op Schiph begroet door zijn dochtertje Petra. Nationaal Archief 2010–2013 and a son Danny, who was also a professional footballer. Muller later owned a cigar shop near Amsterdam Centraal station.
Bennie Muller died on 17 January 2024, at the age of 85.
Career statistics International + Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsNetherlands196050196160196260196320196461196530196671196750196830Total432
Scores and results list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Muller goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Bennie MullerNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 24 May 1964 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands 2–0 2–0 1966 FIFA World Cup qualification2 17 April 1966 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands 3–0 3–1 Friendly
Honours Ajax Eredivisie (5): 1959–60, 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1969–70 KNVB Cup (3): 1960–61, 1966–67, 1969–70; runner-up: 1967–68 European Cup: runner-up 1969
See also List of Jewish footballers
References
External links