Stekelenburg's elite list puts Verbruggen among World Cup greats

At a quiet press conference, 43‑year‑old former Dutch international Maarten Stekelenburg reflected on a career that includes 451 professional duels, 63 caps and a lost World Cup final, before revealing his top‑five World Cup keepers – with Bart Verbruggen named as a contender for Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Stekelenburg began his senior career at Ajax, where he first established himself as a top‑flight goalkeeper. He later guarded the posts for AS Roma, AS Monaco, Southampton and Everton, adding experience in the Netherlands, Italy, France and England. Internationally, Stekelenburg earned 63 caps for the Netherlands, known as Oranje. His résumé includes participation in five major tournaments, seven World Cup matches and a final that ended in defeat.

Online abuse targets Dutch players after World Cup exit

In a recent interview, Stekelenburg was asked to assemble his personal top‑five list of World Cup goalkeepers. He approached the task by considering performances across different eras and competitions. Among the names he highlighted, Bart Verbruggen received particular praise. Stekelenburg said, “Bart Verbruggen would not look out of place at Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.”

Jake Paul’s three‑word lament echoes Dutch disappointment after World Cup exit

The Dutch keeper’s inclusion reflects his rapid rise and the high regard he commands among his peers. Verbruggen’s recent displays have already attracted attention from Europe’s elite clubs. Overall, Stekelenburg’s career tally of 451 duels in professional football underscores his longevity. At 43, he can look back on a career that spanned multiple leagues and a World Cup final.