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Did You Know?
In 2003, Rafael was named European Talent of the Year by readers of prestigious Italian football magazine, Calcio Manager.
Did You Know?
Rafael’s mother, Lolita, comes from Spain, and as a result he could also have elected to play for the Spanish national team. His maternal grandparents, Rafael Snr and Dolores live in Andalucia.
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In recent years, Rafael has attracted interest from a host of top European clubs including Valencia, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Juventus, AC Milan and Internazionale.
Did You Know?
Now into his third season at SV Hamburg, Rafael’s goal average in all competitions is one every two games, a phenomenal return for a midfielder.
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Since his move to SV Hamburg in 2005, the number 23 shirt with Rafael’s name on the back has broken all club sales records.
Did You Know?
While at Ajax, Rafael helped the club win the annual pre-season Amsterdam Tournament no less than five times. His best personal performance in the competition came in 2002, when he scored twice in a spectacular 4-3 win over Barcelona, the winner in the final against Inter Milan and was voted player of the tournament.
Did You Know?
In 2005, Rafael married his girlfriend, Sylvie Meis, a leading Dutch actress, model and TV presenter.
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Rafael met his future wife, the actress Sylvie Meis, after seeing her on TV and deciding to send her a birthday present – an Ajax shirt. According to Sylvie, when they went on a date, it was “love at first sight
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Rafael first joined Ajax at the age of just 10, after impressing academy coaches during an ‘open day’ for talented youngsters.
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In the course of his first 18 months in the Bundesliga, SV Hamburg remained unbeaten away from home whenever Rafael was in the side.
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Six years after making his international debut, Rafael made his 50th appearance for Holland in November 2007, in the European Championship qualifier against Belarus in Minsk. He marked the occasion by scoring his 12th goal for his country.
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At the age of 18, before making his debut for the senior Oranje team, Rafael was representing Holland simultaneously at three different levels: U-19, U-20 and U-21.
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Rafael is a keen tennis fan, and a particular admirer of former US great Pete Sampras.
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At the start of the 2007/08 season Rafael scored in seven consecutive games for SV Hamburg to equal the club record, set by the legendary Uwe Seeler in the 1963/64 season.
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Rafael is one of four Dutch players currently at SV Hamburg, the others being Nigel de Jong, Romeo Castelen and Joris Mathijsen. And their coach, Huub Stevens, is Dutch too.
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Rafael spent the first 17 years of his life living in a caravan, though says “it felt more like a house.” And as a youngster, he honed his ball skills during kick-abouts in the caravan park.
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At the halfway point of the 2007/08 season, Rafael had 35 efforts on target –more than any other player in the Bundesliga – despite the fact that he operates from midfield.
Personal gallery
In action for SV Hamburg
In action for Ajax
Did you know?
When he joined Real Madrid in August 2008, Rafael became the fifth Dutchman in the Merengue squad. The others are Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Royston Drenthe.
Did you know?
By the halfway point of the 2007/08 season, Rafael had recorded 35 efforts on target –more than any other player in the Bundesliga – despite the fact that he operates from midfield.
Fact file
Full name
Rafael Ferdinand van der Vaart
Nickname
Raffie
Date of birth
11 February 1983
Place of Birth
Heemskerk, Holland
Nationality
Dutch
Height
1.78m
Position
Playmaker/attacking midfielder
National team appearances*
55
Goals for national team*
12
Debut for national team
6 October 2001
First goal for national team
7 September 2003
*Correct as of 10 August 2008
Rafael Ferdinand van der Vaart
Nickname
Raffie
Date of birth
11 February 1983
Place of Birth
Heemskerk, Holland
Nationality
Dutch
Height
1.78m
Position
Playmaker/attacking midfielder
National team appearances*
55
Goals for national team*
12
Debut for national team
6 October 2001
First goal for national team
7 September 2003
*Correct as of 10 August 2008
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Rafael van der Vaart official football website
Rafael van der Vaart official football website