Overview
Frederik Arnoldus "Frits" Flinkevleugel (3 November 1939 – 10 April 2020) was a Dutch professional footballer best known for his role as a right back. Born in Amsterdam, he spent his career with Amsterdam clubs and represented his country at senior level. Contemporary reports and obituaries highlighted his reliability on the flank and long involvement in Dutch domestic football during the 1960s and 1970s. For general background on his playing position see right back.
Club career
Flinkevleugel's club career was rooted in Amsterdam. He is most frequently associated with DWS, an Amsterdam club that was active in the top tiers of Dutch football in the 1960s, and later with FC Amsterdam, a team formed from local mergers that competed in the national league system in the 1970s. His club affiliations are often listed as:
- DWS (Door Wilskracht Sterk) — a prominent Amsterdam side in his era
- FC Amsterdam — the city club that brought together several local teams
As a fullback, he combined defensive duties with the work required to support team play along the right-hand touchline. Those seeking an introduction to his home city can refer to Amsterdam.
International career
Flinkevleugel was selected for the Netherlands national team and made appearances between 1964 and 1967. During this period he represented his country in friendly and competitive fixtures, serving as a defensive option at fullback while international football in the Netherlands was evolving in style and organisation. More on the national team context is available via national team resources.
Style, reputation and legacy
Reports and contemporary accounts portray Flinkevleugel as a dependable, hard-working defender typical of his generation: disciplined, strong in marking and positional awareness, with an emphasis on limiting opponents rather than flamboyant attacking runs. While not among the most famous Dutch players internationally, he remains a remembered figure in Amsterdam football history and among supporters of his clubs. His career illustrates the role of committed domestic professionals in the development of Dutch club football.
Death and remembrance
Frits Flinkevleugel died on 10 April 2020 at the age of 80. His death was reported as caused by the COVID-19 illness that affected many people worldwide in 2020; major notices recorded the loss and reflected on his contributions to Dutch football. For context about the illness noted in reports, see COVID-19. Contemporary news pieces and club tributes help document how teammates, clubs and local media remembered him after his passing.
For a concise identification: he is often described simply as a Dutch footballer born in Amsterdam who served as a dependable right back at club and national levels during the mid-20th century.