KNVB

KNVB: The Heart of Dutch Football

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has been at the forefront of Dutch football for over a century, shaping the sport’s development and inspiring millions. Founded on December 8, 1889, by Pim Mulier as the Dutch Football and Athletics Association (NVAB), it laid the foundation for football in the Netherlands. In 1929, Queen Wilhelmina granted it the title ‘royal,’ marking the birth of the KNVB as we know it today.

Pioneering Professional Football in the Netherlands

The introduction of professional football in 1954 was a turning point for Dutch football. After resisting for years, the KNVB merged with the Dutch Professional Football Association (NBVB), launching the country into a new era of competitive football.

Unforgettable Achievements

From the Netherlands’ first international match in 1905 to the men’s European Championship triumph in 1988 and the Dutch women’s historic European title on home soil in 2017, KNVB has been part of many iconic moments. Women’s football, officially recognized in 1971, continues to thrive, inspiring generations.