Dennis Bergkamp – The Non-Flying Dutchman
Dennis Bergkamp, born on May 10, 1969, is a Dutch football player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. He has won numerous titles and awards throughout his illustrious career, including three Premier League titles and a UEFA Cup with Arsenal, as well as being named Dutch Footballer of the Year twice in 1991 and 1992, runners-up for the Ballon D’Or in 1993 and third for FIFA World Player of the Year in 1993 and 1997. Now brief story of The Non-Flying Dutchman…
Dennis Bergkamp’s Football Brilliance
Dennis Bergkamp wasn’t a typical striker, but a technical wizard with a scorer’s eye. He possessed exquisite touch, allowing him to control the ball like magic, find killer passes unseen by others, and finish with elegance or power as needed. This unique blend of creativity and composure made him a legend, inspiring fans with the beauty and efficiency of his game.
Bergkamp and Fear of Flying
However, despite his success on the pitch, Bergkamp has long suffered from a debilitating fear of flying. This fear has been so severe that it has affected his ability to travel to away games with his teams, and even caused him to miss some important matches.
Bergkamp’s fear of flying is thought to have started in 1994, when he was on board a flight with the Dutch national team a Dutch journalist joked about having a bomb on his bag. Since then, he has been unable to overcome his fear, despite seeking help from psychologists and even attempting to fly with his wife and children.
source: transfermarkt
Dennis Bergkamp The Non-Flying Dutchman
To manage his fear, Bergkamp has often opted to take alternative modes of transportation, such as trains or cars, to away matches. However, this has sometimes caused him to miss important games.
Despite his fear of flying, Bergkamp’s talent and ability on the pitch have never been in doubt. He has been praised for his exceptional technical ability, his vision and creativity, and his clinical finishing. His skill with the ball at his feet earned him the nickname “The Non-Flying Dutchman” among Arsenal fans.
His dedication was a masterclass in resilience. The ‘Non-Flying Dutchman’ became a global icon, his artistry on the field transcending earthly limitations. From Amsterdam to Arsenal, Bergkamp painted masterpieces with his boots, silencing doubters and etching his name in footballing folklore.
Bergkamp’s fear of flying is a reminder that even the most successful and accomplished individuals can struggle with anxiety and phobias. It is also a testament to the determination and resilience of the human spirit, as Bergkamp has continued to overcome his fear to play at the highest levels of professional football.
Here are some facts about Dennis Bergkamp:
- He was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on May 10, 1969.
- He made his professional debut for Ajax in 1986.
- He moved to Inter Milan in 1993.
- He joined Arsenal in 1995.
- He retired from football in 2006.
Bergkamp is a member of the Premier League Hall of Fame and the Italian Football Hall of Fame. He is also considered one of the greatest Dutch footballers of all time.
Let’s close this article with one of the most beautiful goals of the Legend and honor him.
References:
- BBC Sport. “Bergkamp’s fear of flying.” September 3, 2002. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/2225209
- The Guardian. “The Joy of Six: Dennis Bergkamp moments.” April 1, 2011. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/apr/01/joy-of-six-dennis-bergkamp-moments
- The Independent. “Bergkamp: the flying phobia that won’t go away.” April 20, 2006. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/bergkamp-the-flying-phobia-that-wont-go-away-475601.html
Images sources:
https://www.transfermarkt.com.tr/dennis-bergkamp/
https://omarmomani.blogspot.com/2016/05/dennis-bergkamp.html
