vs. Celtic F.C., COR DU BUY SPORT label, stitched number 11 verso, long sleeved

Note: Believed worn by Piet Keizer.

Swapped with Bertie Auld; The Bertie Auld Collection.

Petrus Johannes "Piet" Keizer, born on 14th June 1943, was an integral part of the iconic "Total Football" era of Ajax Amsterdam during the 1960s and 1970s. Renowned for his exceptional skills on the left wing, Keizer played a pivotal role in Ajax's unparalleled success under the stewardship of Rinus Michels and Stefan Kovacs.

He is often hailed as one of the finest players in Dutch football history, a sentiment echoed by the esteemed Dutch writer Nico Scheepmaker, who famously stated, "Cruyff is the best, but Keizer is the better one."

Over the course of his career, he featured in 490 official matches for Ajax, finding the back of the net 189 times. His contributions were instrumental in Ajax's three consecutive European Cups, in 1971, 1972, and 1973, which solidified Ajax's reputation as a footballing powerhouse. Keizer's achievements were not confined to European glory; he also played an instrumental role in securing six Eredivisie titles, five KNVB Cups, two European Super Cups, an Intercontinental Cup, and an Intertoto Cup.

The European Cup Quarter-Final against Celtic in 1971 was a defining moment for Keizer and his team. The second leg, played at Hampden Park to accommodate the huge crowd, showcased Keizer's ability to shine on the grand stage. Though Celtic faced an uphill battle after a 3-0 deficit from the first leg in Amsterdam, in which Keizer scored the final goal, the atmosphere was electric as fans hoped for a miraculous comeback.

While Celtic displayed tenacity and attacked with fervor, Keizer's presence was felt as Ajax held their ground. The Dutch side's tactics were meticulous, with Keizer's skills on the left wing proving crucial in breaking Celtic's momentum. Even though Celtic managed a goal through Jinky Johnstone, it wasn't enough to overturn the aggregate score, and Ajax advanced to the next stage of the tournament.

Keizer's footballing prowess also extended to the international stage. He made 34 appearances for the Dutch national team, scoring 11 goals. His inclusion in the Dutch squad for the 1974 FIFA World Cup, under the management of Rinus Michels, attests to his stature in the sport. His sudden retirement in 1974, stemming from a disagreement over tactics with Ajax manager Hans Kraay, marked the end of an era.

Condition Report
Condition generally good.
As you will see from the images, there are a number of mud streaks across the back, arms and side, these from when it was worn.