Overview
Nico de Bree (16 September 1944 – 6 May 2016) was a Dutch professional footballer best known for his long career as a goalkeeper. Over more than a decade of senior football he established himself in both the Netherlands and Belgium, combining domestic league appearances with participation in European club competition. He is remembered for steady shot-stopping and for being part of successful Belgian sides in the 1970s.
Playing career and clubs
De Bree began his professional career with local side Elinkwijk before moving to N.E.C. in 1966. He played 204 matches for the Nijmegen club, becoming a regular first-team goalkeeper. In the early 1970s he transferred to the Belgian league, where he represented several teams and stayed for the remainder of his playing days. His Belgian clubs included R.W.D. Molenbeek (commonly known as RWDM), Anderlecht, Winterslag and Beerschot.
Honours and notable achievements
While at RWDM de Bree was part of the squad that captured the Belgian league title in 1975, a major achievement for the club. Later, as a member of Anderlecht, he was on the fringes of the team that won the 1978 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, a now-defunct European competition for domestic cup winners. The Cup Winners' Cup was an important continental tournament at the time and provided Dutch players like de Bree exposure to European football.
Style and legacy
As a goalkeeper de Bree was regarded as dependable and experienced, the type of player managers relied on for consistency between the posts. His decision to continue his career in Belgium reflected a common path for Dutch players seeking new opportunities across the border. Although not among the most famous internationals, his longevity at club level and presence in title-winning squads mark him as a respected professional of his era.
Personal and later life
De Bree remained connected to football circles after retiring from playing. In later years he lived abroad and died on 6 May 2016 in Vienna. His passing followed a battle with cancer at the age of 71. Tributes from former clubs and teammates noted his contribution to both Dutch and Belgian football.
Clubs and references
- Dutch beginnings: Elinkwijk
- N.E.C. — 204 matches
- Belgian clubs: RWDM, Anderlecht, Winterslag, Beerschot
- European honour: 1978 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (with Anderlecht)
- Domestic honour: 1975 Belgian league title (with RWDM)
For concise career summaries and match records consult club archives and contemporary reports; this article offers an overview of de Bree's career without exhaustive match-by-match detail. The role of the goalkeeper, the nature of Belgian and European competitions of the 1970s, and cross-border player movement provide useful context for understanding his professional choices and achievements. Additional information can be found through historical club records and dedicated football history resources such as player databases and position-specific analyses about the goalkeeper role.