Each month in the section "our heroes" you will read about the club's greatest idols. Who are these heroes and what have they meant to the club? With this month: Marco van Ginkel. The midfielder came to Eindhoven no less than four times, three of which were rentals and one permanent. The former captain was known for his leadership, commitment and his amazingly taken penalties.
The man who will never leave the hearts of true PSV'ers: Marco van Ginkel. He has been important for PSV for several seasons and has become a true trophy contender. With five prizes in the PSV shirt, he recently left the club.
Return after return
Marco van Ginkel was rented three times by PSV from Chelsea FC. After which he was acquired permanently on July 1, 2021. A true red and white, in other words. Marco's career began much earlier. The thirtysomething born in Amersfoort has seen numerous clubs. For example, he started in the youth of Vitesse, after which he also made minutes at AC Milan, Chelsea FC and Stoke City. In the Premier League, injuries prevented him from playing many matches. Still, it was a foreign football adventure full of great moments.
Severe injuries and setbacks
Marco's football career was not easy. The midfielder suffered serious knee problems that kept him out of action for more than two (!) years. He tore his cruciate ligament. The nightmare for every football player. After that, a failed knee operation and a dangerous infection kept him sidelined for a while. Marco had to fight a great battle both mentally and physically to come back. This battle he undertook and overcame. After 983 days, the midfielder made his comeback at PSV.
Filled trophy cabinet in Eindhoven
Marco played 118 official matches for PSV, in which he managed to find the net 34 times. He is also a real team player: he assisted his teammates fourteen times. During his time with PSV he also added to his trophy cabinet. Marco became Dutch champion twice. And that's not all. He also won the Johan Cruijff Schaal twice and the TOTO KNVB Beker once.
Penalty-killer
Van Ginkel was PSV's regular penalty taker and it paid off. With no fewer than ten penalty kicks taken, he can certainly call himself a penalty killer. From the spot Marco often made the difference and was seen as a certainty.
Audience favorite
Marco has always had a special status in Eindhoven. He returned several times, won PSV national championships and, above all, was simply an example pro for others. Among PSV supporters, he was a true crowd favorite and everyone wished him the move he made to Vitesse last winter. PSV cooperated in the transfer to Vitesse where Marco signed for a year and a half.