Fons van Wissen: Dutch international footballer (1933–2015)

International career

Van Wissen first appeared for the Netherlands national team in 1957 and became a regular selection for a number of seasons. Over his international career he was capped thirty times and found the net on four occasions. He also took part in qualification campaigns for the FIFA World Cup, appearing in four official World Cup qualification matches for the Dutch side. These appearances came at a time when national teams were consolidating professional structures and preparing for broader international competition.

Playing profile and era

Active during the transition from amateur to professional football in the Netherlands, van Wissen was part of a post‑war generation that helped lay foundations for later Dutch achievements. Contemporary reports and assessments emphasize his reliable inclusion in the national squad and his contribution to the team balance. His goal tally and number of caps indicate a player who combined international consistency with occasional attacking impact.

Career highlights

• International debut: April 1957, friendly versus Belgium.
• Thirty appearances for the Netherlands national team, scoring four goals.
• Participation in four FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
• Representation during a pivotal decade for Dutch football’s development.

Legacy and context

While not as widely known as later Dutch icons, van Wissen’s steady presence in the national squad reflects the essential role of dependable internationals in team building. His career is typically cited in historical overviews of Dutch football when discussing the era that bridged local club traditions and the growing professional game. For readers seeking broader context on the sport and era, see more about football and the Netherlands national team, or general profiles of notable Dutch players.

Fons van Wissen died on 7 July 2015, and is remembered in Dutch football histories as a respected international who contributed to the national side during a transitional period.