Danny Blind - Playing Career

Playing Career

Blind made his professional football debut on 29 August 1979 with Sparta. He stayed under contract with Sparta for seven seasons. In July 1986 he transferred to Ajax, attracted there by manager Johan Cruijff. However, Blind's signing was much to the chagrin of Ajax superstar Marco van Basten, who was upset that his manager had brought in a relatively unknown, defensive player from a fairly small cub like Sparta, instead of splashing out on a big-money, big-name transfer. With Ajax he amassed an amazing trophy list, winning all three European trophies (UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1987, the UEFA Cup in 1992 and the UEFA Champions League in 1995). He secured the Intercontinental Cup, in 1995 against Brazil's Grêmio, by scoring the winning penalty in the penalty shoot-out.

He was again a penalty hero when he converted twice against Real Zaragoza in the European Super Cup Final of 1995, which Ajax won 4 – 1 over the two legs. The two penalties that Blind converted where in the 65th and 69th minutes of the second leg effectively putting the title out of reach for Real Zaragoza.

Domestically, with Ajax, he won five Dutch Eredivisie Championships and four national cups. He retired on 16 May 1999.

Blind was known for being a solid, dependable defender and a leader on the field. However, he was also a technically-gifted and cultured player who could pass and strike the ball well for a non-attacking player. Whilst famous for being a centre back, Blind started his career as a left full-back.