Klaas Nuninga (born 7 November 1940) is a former Dutch international footballer who played for GVAV-Rapiditas, Ajax and DWS during his career.
Club career Early career Nuninga began his career in the youth ranks of WVV 1896 in his home town of Winschoten. It was the same amateur club where Jan Mulder and Arie Haan began their careers. After a move to Be Quick 1887, he was recruited by GVAV-Rapiditas in 1961.
GVAV-Rapidistas Starting his professional career in Groningen, with GVAV-Rapiditas, Nuninga played alongside Tonny van Leeuwen and Martin Koeman among others, to make up a pretty competitive side at the time. It was during his playing period in Groningen that Nuninga was called up to play for the Netherlands national team, making a total of 19 appearances.
Ajax His talent would not go unnoticed, and in 1964 Nuninga transferred over to Ajax. He participated in the 1968-69 European Cup, as the first choice striker for Ajax, and started in the final, where Ajax would face, and eventually lose to AC Milan (4-1). After this loss, Nuninga was sidelined by then coach Rinus Michels.
DWS Remaining in Amsterdam, Nuninga went on to sign with DWS, with whom he would play three more seasons, making 88 appearances, and scoring 7 times before retiring from professional football.
Post career After his footballing career, Nuninga delved into business, eventually becoming a member of the board at Ajax, and afterwards the IPO commissioner of Ajax N.V.
In 2005, he stepped down from his position, after a difference in opinion and dispute with then chairman of the board, .
International career From 1963 to 1967, Nuninga made 19 appearances for the Netherlands national team, scoring a total of 4 goals.
Career statistics International + Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsNetherlands196311196451196510196672196750Total194
Scores and results list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Nuninga goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Klaas NuningaNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 11 September 1963 Olympisch Stadion, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1–0 1–1 1964 UEFA Euro qualification2 12 April 1964 Olympisch Stadion, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1–1 1–1 Friendly3 23 March 1966 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands 2–3 2–4 Friendly4 11 May 1966 Hampden Park, Glasgow, Netherlands 1–0 3–0 Friendly
Honours
Club Ajax Eredivisie: 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68 KNVB Cup: 1966–67; runner-up: 1967–68 European Cup: runner-up 1969
References