Profile

One of the game's most prolific goalscorers over the past decade, Ruud van Nistelrooy seemed lost to UEFA EURO 2008 after a disagreement with coach Marco van Basten at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. But the two men patched up their differences and the Real Madrid CF marksman returned to international action last summer.

Spent his early career in the Dutch second tier at FC Den Bosch before an impressive 13-goal debut Eredivisie campaign with SC Heerenveen.

Sixty league goals in two campaigns at PSV Eindhoven, forming a potent partnership with Luc Nilis; move to Manchester United FC delayed by a serious knee injury.

Made up for lost time at Old Trafford; enjoyed five successful seasons, top-scoring (with 25 goals) in their 2002/03 Premier League triumph and scooping the UEFA Champions League top-scorer prize three times in four years; United's record marksman in Europe (38 goals), overtaking Denis Law.

First major tournament for the Netherlands was UEFA EURO 2004; scored four goals in his first three games; one goal in three games at the 2006 World Cup but was an unused substitute for the last-16 showdown v Portugal.

Left United for Real Madrid in 2006; Pichichi winner with 25 goals as Real regained the title; ten more UEFA Champions League goals in two seasons at Real and won a second title in 2008 (though missed most of the run-in with injury).

Did you know?

Van Nistelrooy was born on the same day as the Netherlands' record goalscorer Patrick Kluivert. However, the two players have never lined up together at a major tournament.