Overview

Fernando Ricksen (27 July 1976 – 18 September 2019) was a Dutch professional footballer who featured mainly as a right back or right midfielder. He attracted attention for his energetic, combative style and is best known for a six-year spell at Rangers. At international level he earned 12 caps for the Netherlands.

Club career

Ricksen began his senior career in the Netherlands before moving to higher-profile clubs abroad. His progression included domestic Dutch sides followed by a move to Scotland where he became a prominent figure. Later he transferred to Russia and played for a leading club there, where he added more trophies to his record.

  • Early career in the Netherlands with local professional clubs
  • Major period at Rangers, where he became widely recognised by supporters
  • Later spell in Russia, taking part in successful domestic and European campaigns

Playing style and reputation

Ricksen was known for his stamina, directness and willingness to get involved physically. Comfortable on the right flank, he could perform defensive duties as a full back and contribute to attacking play as a midfielder. His intensity on the pitch made him a fan favourite but also resulted in a reputation for occasional disciplinary incidents.

International career

On the international stage Ricksen represented the Netherlands, appearing a dozen times. While he was not a long‑term fixture in the national team, his call-ups underline the level he reached during the peak years of his club career.

Illness, advocacy and legacy

In 2013 Ricksen publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (also known as ALS). He and his family became active in raising awareness about the condition, and his situation prompted widespread sympathy and fundraising efforts from former clubs, teammates and fans. Ricksen died in September 2019, and is remembered both for his competitive football career and for the openness with which he faced his final years.

Beyond statistics and trophies, his legacy is often described in terms of character: a passionate competitor on the pitch and a figure who helped draw attention to a devastating illness off it, prompting ongoing support for research and patient care.