Marco van Basten was the perfect forward. Tall at 6’2”, graceful on the ball, and capable of everything — from acrobatic bicycle kicks and scissor volleys to towering headers and thunderous strikes. There was nothing he could not do on a football pitch. He could drift deep like a playmaker, battle in midfield, win balls defensively, and still finish with the elegance of an artist.

For the Netherlands, his greatness shone brightest at UEFA Euro 1988, where he claimed the Golden Boot with five goals. His impossible volley in the final against the Soviet Union is still remembered as one of the greatest goals in football history — the moment that crowned the Netherlands champions of Europe.

Individually, he was recognized as FIFA World Player of the Year (1992) and became a three-time Ballon d’Or winner (1988, 1989, 1992), proof that even in a short career he stood among the very best the world has ever seen.

But fate was cruel. Chronic ankle injuries robbed him of his prime. By 28 years old, his international journey was over, leaving the world to wonder what more he could have given.

In the GOAT debate, Van Basten remains football’s tragic genius — the only forward who could truly rival Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazário in completeness. For a brief moment, he was the perfect striker, showing us everything football could be before it was taken away too soon.