Henk van der Bijl, former Feyenoord goalkeeper, dies at 101

Feyenoord has announced the passing of former goalkeeper Henk van der Bijl at the age of 101. As the club's oldest living former player, Van der Bijl was a significant figure in the team's history during the 1940s and 1950s.

Born in Rotterdam in 1925, Van der Bijl was part of the youth squad that witnessed the official opening of De Kuip stadium in 1937. His football career was interrupted by World War II, during which he was stationed in Poland. Upon returning to Rotterdam after the war, he made his official first-team debut in September 1946.

Known for his fearless and uncompromising goalkeeping style, he earned the nickname ‘Henkie Bijl’ and was a favorite among supporters. He played 210 official matches for Feyenoord before moving to Fortuna Vlaardingen in 1957, eventually retiring from professional football in 1958.

Van der Bijl remained closely connected to the club throughout his life. In December 2023, at age 98, he made a final visit to De Kuip to watch a cup match. He celebrated his 100th birthday on March 24, 2025.