View source for Marc Overmars

{{Short description|Dutch football player and executive}}
{{about|the football player|the computer scientist|Mark Overmars}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Marc Overmars
| image = Marc Overmars.jpg
| caption = Overmars in 1998
| fullname = Marc Overmars<ref name="Hugman">{{Hugman|15121|access-date=22 May 2017}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|3|29|df=y}}<ref name="Hugman"/>
| birth_place = [[Emst]], Netherlands
| height = 1.73 m<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/4632/Marc_Overmars.html|title=Overmars, Marc – Stats| publisher = National-Football-Teams|access-date = 6 June 2015}}</ref>
| position = [[Midfielder#Winger|Winger]]
| currentclub = 
| youthyears1 = 1978–1987
| youthclubs1 = SV Epe
| youthyears2 = 1987–1990
| youthclubs2 = [[Go Ahead Eagles]]
| years1 = 1990–1991
| clubs1 = [[Go Ahead Eagles]]
| caps1 = 11
| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 1991–1992
| clubs2 = [[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]]
| caps2 = 31
| goals2 = 1
| years3 = 1992–1997
| clubs3 = [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]
| caps3 = 136
| goals3 = 36
| years4 = 1997–2000
| clubs4 = [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
| caps4 = 100
| goals4 = 25
| years5 = 2000–2004
| clubs5 = [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]]
| caps5 = 97
| goals5 = 15
| years6 = 2008–2009
| clubs6 = [[Go Ahead Eagles]]
| caps6 = 24
| goals6 = 0
| totalcaps = 399
| totalgoals = 78
| nationalyears1 = 1993–2004
| nationalteam1 = [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]]
| nationalcaps1 = 86
| nationalgoals1 = 17
| image_size = 250px
}}
'''Marc Overmars''' ({{IPA|nl|ˈmɑr(ə)k ˈoːvərmɑrs}}; born 29 March 1973) is a Dutch former professional [[association football|footballer]] and former [[director of football]] at [[Belgian First Division A|Belgian Pro League]] side [[Royal Antwerp F.C.|Royal Antwerp]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Omstreden Marc Overmars aan de slag als technisch directeur bij Antwerp FC |url=https://www.ad.nl/buitenlands-voetbal/omstreden-marc-overmars-aan-de-slag-als-technisch-directeur-bij-antwerp-fc~a0128a4e/ |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=AD.nl |date=21 March 2022}}</ref> He was previously director of football at [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]. During his football career, he played as a [[Midfielder#Winger|winger]] and was renowned for his speed and technical skills.

Overmars was born in [[Emst]] and was passionate about football from an early age. He began his playing career at SV Epe before joining [[Go Ahead Eagles]]' youth team in 1987. He secured a place in the first team by the 1990–91 season, but joined [[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]] in time for the following season. His stay at the club was short; after 31 appearances he signed for Ajax in 1992. He established himself as an important member of the team that won three [[Eredivisie]] titles from 1994 and 1996 and the [[UEFA Champions League]] in [[1995 UEFA Champions League final|1995]]. In December 1995, Overmars sustained a cruciate ligament injury which ruled him out of playing for eight months.

In 1997, he joined [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]; his performances at the club were indifferent to begin with and attracted criticism from football pundits and fans. By the end of his first season, Overmars became a focal point of Arsenal's league and cup [[Double (association football)|double]] success. He scored the winning goal against league rivals [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] which set his team on their way to securing the [[Premier League]] title and opened the scoring against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in the [[1998 FA Cup final]]. In 2000, he moved to [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] in a deal worth £25&nbsp;million and became the most expensive player in Dutch football history. The club failed to win silverware during his stay and numerous managerial changes made him a peripheral player. A persistent knee injury prompted Overmars to announce his retirement in 2004, but he reversed his decision in 2008 and went on to play one season for Go Ahead Eagles before retiring again.

In 2012, Overmars was named as Ajax's director of football. In February 2022, he left the role after a "series of inappropriate messages to several female colleagues", according to a formal statement by the club.<ref>{{cite news |title='Ashamed' Overmars leaves Ajax role |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60285797 |access-date=7 February 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=7 February 2022}}</ref> Among other things, he had sent [[dick pic]]s to at least one employee.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Sponsoren verlaten FC Antwerp vanwege aanstelling Overmars |url=https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2022/03/24/sponsoren-verlaten-fc-antwerp-vanwege-aanstelling-overmars-a4104899 |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=NRC |date=24 March 2022 |language=nl |last1=Tunali |first1=Tan }}</ref> In March 2022, he was presented as director of football by [[Royal Antwerp F.C.|Royal Antwerp]], causing the withdrawal of four sponsors of the club the same week.<ref name=":0" />

Overmars represented the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands national team]] for eleven years. He scored on his international debut in 1993 against [[Turkey national football team|Turkey]], and was a member of the Dutch squad for four major tournaments: the [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994]] and [[1998 FIFA World Cup|1998]] [[FIFA World Cup]]s, and [[UEFA Euro 2000|2000]] and [[UEFA Euro 2004|2004]] [[UEFA European Championship|European Championships]].

== Early life ==
Overmars was born in [[Emst]], Gelderland, growing up on a family farm with his parents and assisting his grandfather with the potato harvest each year.<ref name="early">{{cite news|title=Overmars to provide cutting edge |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/overmars-to-provide-cutting-edge-1244574.html |first=Glenn |last=Moore |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=9 August 1997 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> There were no machines or tractors, so when the time came to extract the potatoes, his family tied a rope around Overmars' waist, connected it to a cart and made him run while they pulled the crop out.<ref name="early"/>

His father Ben described him as a "clumsy" child, whose main interest was playing football: "He used to come down 24 stairs to breakfast bouncing a ball on his head."<ref name="mvd">{{cite news |title=I'm Marc overdrive |first=Fred |last=Burcombe |page=56 |newspaper=News of the World |location=London |date=24 January 1999}}</ref> This had an effect on his schoolwork; Overmars was uninterested in school, but did pass "a couple of [[Education in the Netherlands|GCE]]s".<ref name="mvd"/> Ben did not know whether he made the effort to take his exams just to please him.<ref name="mvd"/> As a teenager, Overmars did weight-training which improved his speed.<ref name="early"/> He also attributed his pace to his mother who was quick, but "had no time for sports".<ref name="early"/>

== Club career ==
=== Early career ===
Overmars began his playing career at local club SV Epe. In 1987, he joined [[Go Ahead Eagles]] at the age of 14. After making his breakthrough into the first team, he joined [[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]] for [[Dutch guilder|ƒ]]500,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=Marc Overmars naar Ajax |trans-title=Marc Overmars to Ajax |page=15 |newspaper=Leeuwarder Courant |location=Leeuwarden |date=9 July 1992|language=nl}}</ref>

=== Ajax ===
[[File:Louis van Gaal (1988).jpg|160px|thumb|[[Louis van Gaal]], the manager of Ajax who signed Overmars]]

After one season at Willem II, Overmars signed for [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]] in July 1992.<ref name="ajaxj">{{cite news |url=http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars&coll=ddd&image=ddd%3A010646595%3Ampeg21%3Aa0521&page=76&maxperpage=50&sortfield=date |title=Ajax versterkt zich met Marc Overmars |language=nl |trans-title=Ajax strengthen themselves with Marc Overmars |newspaper=De Telegraaf |location=Amsterdam |date=9 July 1992 |page=19}}</ref> Both clubs settled on a transfer fee of ƒ2.5&nbsp;million, after Ajax's initial bid of ƒ1.5&nbsp;million was rejected.<ref name="ajaxj"/> Manager [[Louis van Gaal]] was very fond of Overmars beforehand and described him as a "multi-functional player".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars&coll=ddd&image=ddd%3A010622671%3Ampeg21%3Aa0302&page=76&maxperpage=50&sortfield=date |title=Marc Overmars naar Ajax |language=nl |trans-title=Marc Overmars to Ajax |newspaper=Leeuwarder Courant |location=Leeuwarden |date=9 July 1992 |page=15}}</ref> Overmars' debut came in a 3–0 win against [[FC Dordrecht|Dordrecht]] on 16 August 1992.<ref>{{cite news |title=Schoppen troef aan Krommedijk |trans-title=Spades trump to Krommedijk |first=Tonny |last=van Ede |page=17 |newspaper=De Telegraaf |location=Amsterdam |date=17 August 1992 |language=nl}}</ref> His first goal for Ajax was away to [[RKC Waalwijk]] in October<ref>{{cite news |url=http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars+Waalwijk+++&coll=ddd&image=ddd%3A010646625%3Ampeg21%3Aa0382&page=7&maxperpage=10&sortfield=date |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140126211216/http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars+Waalwijk+++&coll=ddd&image=ddd:010646625:mpeg21:a0382&page=7&maxperpage=10&sortfield=date |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2014 |title=Voetballende kunstenaar |language=nl |trans-title=Footballing artist |newspaper=De Telegraaf |location=Amsterdam |date=21 May 1993 |page=19 }}</ref> and he scored a further seven goals in the [[1992–93 Eredivisie|1992–93 season]]. Several teams chose to combat Overmars' threat with heavy tackles; he detested this, adding: "I do not fall on purpose, but if they keep kicking, I would sometimes give something back in return."<ref>{{cite news |title=Marc Overmars krachtpatser |trans-title=Marc Overmars powerhouse |page=17 |newspaper=De Telegraaf |location=Amsterdam |date=17 February 1993|language=nl}}</ref> Ajax finished the campaign third in the league; their form in the final few months was described as "maddening" by football writer [[David Winner (writer)|David Winner]], as they defeated eventual champions [[Feyenoord]] by five goals, but dropped points to "minnows like [[MVV Maastricht]]".<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F43xAycfmHUC&pg=PT37 |title=Stillness and Speed: My Story |page=37 |first1=Dennis |last1=Bergkamp |first2=David |last2=Winner |publisher=Simon and Schuster |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-4711-2954-4}}</ref> The team lost to [[AJ Auxerre|Auxerre]] in the quarter-finals of the [[1992–93 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]], but did not end the season trophyless – they beat [[SC Heerenveen|Heerenveen]] 6–2 to win the [[1992–93 KNVB Cup|KNVB Cup]].<ref name="finad">{{cite news |url=http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars+Heerenveen+&coll=ddd&page=1&maxperpage=10&image=ddd%3A010622936%3Ampeg21%3Ap025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140126211056/http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars+Heerenveen+&coll=ddd&page=1&maxperpage=10&image=ddd:010622936:mpeg21:p025 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2014 |title=Ondanks wrede uitslag respect voor Heerenveen |language=nl |trans-title=Despite brutal outcome, respect for Heerenveen |newspaper=Leeuwarder Courant |location=Leeuwarden |date=21 May 1993 |page=25 }}</ref> Overmars scored two goals in the final.<ref name="finad"/>

Ajax began the 1993–94 season with a 4–0 defeat of Feyenoord to lift the [[Johan Cruyff Shield|Dutch Supercup]]; Overmars scored the team's fourth goal.<ref name=DutchShield>{{cite news |url=http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars+Feyenoord+&coll=ddd&image=ddd%3A010637611%3Ampeg21%3Aa0167&page=26&maxperpage=10&sortfield=date |title=Feyenoord beneden Amsterdams peil |language=nl |trans-title=Feyenoord below Amsterdam's level |newspaper=Limburgsch dagblad |location=Sittard |date=9 August 1993 |page=9 |access-date=31 March 2014 |archive-date=31 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331151855/http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars+Feyenoord+&coll=ddd&image=ddd%3A010637611%3Ampeg21%3Aa0167&page=26&maxperpage=10&sortfield=date |url-status=dead }}</ref> In August 1993, he was awarded the [[Dutch Footballer of the Year|Dutch Golden Shoe]], as voted for by Dutch journalists.<ref name="hids">{{cite news |url=http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=marc+overmars&coll=ddd&page=1&maxperpage=10&sortfield=date&image=ddd%3A010691584%3Ampeg21%3Aa1351#image |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140126211218/http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=marc+overmars&coll=ddd&page=1&maxperpage=10&sortfield=date&image=ddd:010691584:mpeg21:a1351%23image |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2014 |title=Gouden start voetbalseizoen |language=nl |trans-title=Gold football season starts |newspaper=De Telegraaf |location=Amsterdam |date=14 August 1993 |page=27 }}</ref> Overmars was happy with how his career progressed and said it was a "dream" to play for Ajax.<ref name="hids"/> Although he featured in 42 matches – five fewer matches than in the previous season – his goal count was much improved: he scored 12 goals in total, all of which came in the [[1993–94 Eredivisie|Eredivisie]].<ref name="goalst">{{cite news |title=Topscorers |page=14 |newspaper=Dagblad van het Noorden |location=Groningen |date=9 May 1994|language=nl}}</ref> His goals helped Ajax win the league; the team ended the campaign 25 points clear of second place Feyenoord.<ref name="goalst"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Willem II verrast met zege op Ajax |trans-title=Willem II surprised with victory over Ajax |page=7 |newspaper=Amigoe |location=Curacao |date=9 May 1994|language=nl}}</ref>

Overmars enjoyed further success in the [[1994–95 AFC Ajax season|1994–95 season]]. Ajax retained the league and won the [[1994–95 UEFA Champions League|UEFA Champions League]], beating [[AC Milan|Milan]] in the [[1995 UEFA Champions League final|final]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The Joy of Six: football teams that broke up too soon |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2013/may/03/joy-of-six-teams-broke-up |first1=Jacob |last1=Steinberg |first2=Georgina |last2=Turner |first3=Rob |last3=Bagchi |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=3 May 2013 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> He scored against [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] at the semi-final stage of the latter competition.<ref>{{cite news |title=Exhilarating Ajax rout Germans |page=18 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=20 March 1995}}</ref> In later years, Overmars criticised the expansion of the Champions League to include non league champions: "When I won it with Ajax it was only the teams who finished first who took part. It's not special any more. I think the Champions' League is just a starter for what they want to do in the future, create a [[Proposals for a European Super League in association football|European League]]."<ref>{{cite news|title=United are Over-rated |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+UNITED+ARE+OVER-RATED%3B+We%27re+as+good+and+we%27ll+prove+it...-a060145780 |first=Frank |last=Wiechula |newspaper=The People |location=London |date=22 August 1999 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Overmars's exposure to European football had prompted him to be a sought-after player in England.<ref name="oveg">{{cite news |title=Buy, George: Marc over the moon |first=Harry |last=Harris |page=32 |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=6 September 1994}}</ref> He knew of [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]'s interest, but was puzzled as to why a move "didn't work out."<ref name="oveg"/> In the summer of 1995 he was linked with a move to [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]], but said: "No thanks I want to stay with Ajax for two more seasons."<ref>{{cite news |title=Marc snubs United |first=Alan |last=Nixon |page=35 |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=29 July 1995}}</ref>

In December 1995, Overmars injured himself during Ajax's match against [[De Graafschap]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Blessure Overmars zeer ernstig |trans-title=Overmars very serious injury |page=11 |newspaper=Amigoe |location=Curacao |date=22 December 1995|language=nl}}</ref> Close examination showed the player had torn ligaments on his left knee, which was "completely severed".<ref>{{cite news |title=Double Dutch Euro shock |first=Mark |last=Irwin |page=29 |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=23 December 1995}}</ref> He therefore missed the remainder of the [[1995–96 AFC Ajax season|1995–96 season]] and advised Ajax to purchase a new striker to make up their loss.<ref>{{cite news |title=Marc Overmars: "Ajax moet maar nieuwe spits kopen" |trans-title=Marc Overmars: Ajax should buy new striker |page=13 |newspaper=Amigoe |location=Curacao |language=nl|date=27 December 1995}}</ref> The club however signed left winger [[Peter Hoekstra (footballer)|Peter Hoekstra]] in January 1996.<ref>{{cite news |title=Robson and Wright abandon fate to FA |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4770805.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140330165737/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4770805.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 March 2014 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=6 January 1996 |access-date=25 January 2014}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Ajax played a second consecutive [[1996 UEFA Champions League Final|Champions League final]] in May 1996, but lost to [[Juventus FC|Juventus]] by a [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Juventus spot on in shoot-out lottery |first=Rob |last=Hughes |page=44 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=23 May 1996}}</ref> They did however retain [[1995–96 Eredivisie|the league]] for a third season.

The introduction of the [[Bosman ruling]] in 1995 had negative consequences for Ajax in the 1996–97 season.<ref name=bosm>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/ajax-coming-to-terms-with-end-of-an-era-1273801.html |title=Ajax coming to terms with end of an era |newspaper=The Independent |last=Winner |first=David |date=19 March 1997 |access-date=23 January 2014 |location=London}}</ref> The club lost several players, and reinvested poorly according to Winner.<ref name=bosm/> Injuries also affected their challenge for honours; many players were exhausted as a result of [[UEFA Euro 1996]] and the short summer break that came with it.<ref name=bosm/> Chairman [[Michael van Praag]] was determined to keep the club's players and said that Overmars had signed a four-year contract in 1996.<ref name=bosm/> He added, "We are not going to allow them to break their contracts so they are not leaving."<ref name=bosm/> On the pitch, Overmars made his return from injury against [[AZ Alkmaar|AZ]] on 28 August 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weltfussball.de/spieler_profil/marc-overmars/ned-eredivisie-1996-1997/afc-ajax/3/ |title=Marc Overmars |publisher=weltfussball.de |access-date=2 April 2014 |language=de}}</ref> He had his least productive season for Ajax, scoring two goals. The club finished the season in fourth position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/ned97.html |title=Netherlands 1996/97 |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=20 February 2005 |access-date=2 April 2014 |first=Jan |last=Schoenmakers}}</ref>

=== Arsenal ===
Overmars signed for Arsenal in June 1997.<ref name=sfa>{{cite news |title=Overmars rewards Arsenal's patience |first=David |last=Maddock |page=48 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=18 June 1997}}</ref> The fee was reported to be between [[Pound sterling|£]]5&nbsp;million and £7&nbsp;million,{{#tag:ref|Although Wenger insisted Overmars' transfer to Arsenal cost the club £5 million, the figure is reputed to have been more.<ref name=dm/> ''The Times'' for instance cited £7&nbsp;million at the time of his signing.<ref name=sfa/>|name=position|group=lower-roman}} with the player on a five-year contract, paid £18,000 per week.<ref>{{cite news |title=Football's multimillion own goal |first=Fraser |last=Nelson |page=5 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=7 August 1997}}</ref> Overmars relished the challenge of playing in England: "I like English football because there is more pace. With my speed and quality I think it will be good for me here."<ref>{{cite news |title=Overmars joins the Arsenal Eurocrats |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=26 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=18 June 1997}}</ref> Arsenal manager [[Arsène Wenger]] believed Overmars had his "best years ahead of him" and met his criteria of a player "used to the pressures of playing for a big club and everything that goes with it".<ref name=sfa/> He opined that Arsenal lost the [[Premier League]] at home the [[1996-97 Arsenal F.C. season|previous season]] – "we were maybe the best away team," and commented on their inability to play expansive football.<ref name=myp>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=92dibTyUbo0C&pg=PA67 |title=The Professor: Arsène Wenger |page=67 |first=Myles |last=Palmer |publisher=Random House |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-7535-4661-1}}</ref> Wenger felt the signing of Overmars would rectify that problem.<ref name=myp/>

[[File:Arsene Wenger.JPG|165px|thumb|left|[[Arsène Wenger]] defended Overmars from criticism early into his Arsenal career.]]

Overmars made his competitive debut for Arsenal against [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] in a 1–1 draw on 9 August 1997.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jimmy puts spring into Leeds' step |first=Paul |last=Wilson |page=43 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=10 August 1997}}</ref> Two weeks later, he scored his first goal for the club, away to [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Dutch masters fill the canvas |first=Tom |last=Watt |page=C4 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=24 August 1997}}</ref> Arsenal went to the top of the league table on goal difference in September 1997, after a 4–0 win against [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]].<ref name=ham>{{cite news |title=Arsenal fly high with Bergkamp |first=Brian |last=Glanville |page=48 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=25 September 1997}}</ref> Overmars, who scored two goals in the match, had now "run into devastating form" according to [[Brian Glanville]].<ref name=ham/> His impact however waned in the subsequent months and so did Arsenal's form; a 3–1 defeat to [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] on 13 December 1997 meant the club dropped to fifth place.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arsenal fade into a Wright red mist |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |page=S3 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=15 December 1997}}</ref> The turn of the year saw improvement to Overmars' game, which coincided with "the more general rejuvenation of the whole team".<ref name=dm/> He scored both of Arsenal's goals in their win over Leeds United on 11 January 1998.<ref>{{cite news |title=George's script is rewritten |first=Amy |last=Lawrence |page=B2 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=11 January 1998}}</ref> Overmars up until this point was subject to criticism from commentators and fans. Wenger emphasised that this was his first year in England and there was more to come from him.<ref name=dm>{{cite news |title=Overmars holds key for Arsenal |first=Matt |last=Dickinson |page=41 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=28 January 1998}}</ref> He said Overmars was a "positive buy" and pointed out that his goalscoring record was "not bad for a winger".<ref name=dm/>

Arsenal caught up with league leaders Manchester United by the time both clubs played each other at [[Old Trafford]] in March 1998.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arsenal whet the appetite before lunch |first=David |last=Lacey |page=A12 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=14 March 1998}}</ref> Overmars was a constant threat in the match and scored in the 80th minute. He received the ball from [[Nicolas Anelka]] and ran with it, before managing to flick it beyond the goalkeeper, [[Peter Schmeichel]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Overmars, overjoyed and not over yet |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/feb/16/newsstory.sport |first=Paul |last=Wilson |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=15 March 1998 |access-date=23 January 2014}} Note: This article was republished on [[theguardian.com]] on 16 February 1999</ref> Arsenal went on to win, which put them six points behind Manchester United, with three games in hand.<ref name=oldt>{{cite news |title=Overmars keeps title race alive |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/65594.stm |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=14 March 1998 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Overmars afterwards said, "This was a great result for us. But you don't win the Premier League against Manchester United; you have to beat the other clubs."<ref name=oldt/> Arsenal overtook Manchester United in April 1998, and won the league after beating [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] on 3 May 1998; Overmars scored two goals in the match.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arsenal crowned champions |first=David |last=Lacey |page=A1 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=4 May 1998}}</ref> The team later faced [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in the [[1998 FA Cup Final]] and it was Overmars who scored the opening goal, in the 23rd minute.<ref name=cupf>{{cite news |title=Overmars provides the driving force |first=Oliver |last=Holt |page=31 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=18 May 1998}}</ref> Anelka's goal in the second half ensured victory and completed a league and cup [[Double (association football)#England|double]] for Arsenal.<ref name=cupf/> Wenger praised Overmars after the final:

{{blockquote|All Europe thought Overmars was dead because of his damaged knee, but in every important game we have had this season, he has scored. He has got great mental strength. He is a world-class player.<ref name=cupf/>}}

Overmars began the [[1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season|1998–99 season]] for Arsenal in good form; scoring the opening goal in a 3–0 win against Manchester United, thus being named as the man of the match of the [[1998 FA Charity Shield]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-show-united-little-charity-1170865.html |title=Arsenal show United little charity |newspaper=The Independent |last=Moore |first=Glenn |date=10 August 1998 |access-date=23 January 2014 |location=London}}</ref> He also found himself on the scoresheet at home to [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]] in the opening game of the league campaign.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/152618.stm |title=Overmars chops down Forest |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=17 August 1998 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> Arsenal participated in the [[1998–99 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]], but their time in the competition was brief. The team did not make it past the [[1998–99 UEFA Champions League group stage|group stage]], and in the decisive game against [[FC Dynamo Kyiv|Dynamo Kyiv]] which they lost, Overmars was ruled out with an abdominal injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=Overmars is latest Arsenal striking loss |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/1998/nov/03/newsstory.sport6 |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=3 November 1998 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Dynamo's surge blacks out Arsenal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/1998/nov/05/newsstory.sport3 |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=5 November 1998 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> In February 1999, he scored a "controversial" winning goal against [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]] in the [[1998–99 FA Cup|FA Cup]] fifth round.<ref name=shef>{{cite news |title=Arsenal cut prices for Cup rematch |first=Tommy |last=Staniforth |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-arsenal-cut-prices-for-cup-rematch-1071264.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=16 February 1999 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> [[Nwankwo Kanu]] failed to return the ball to the opposition, in order to allow one of their players to receive treatment for an injury.<ref name=shef/> Due to the controversial circumstances in which the game was won, Wenger immediately offered a replay.<ref name=shef/> His proposal was accepted by [[The Football Association]] (FA) and Arsenal went on to win the replayed match 2–1, where the opening goal was scored by Overmars.<ref>{{cite news|title=Overmars has gift of second sight |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/feb/24/match.sport |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=24 February 1999 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Arsenal exited the competition in the semi-final stage against Manchester United, who went on to win the league.<ref>{{cite news |title=Giggs magic sinks Gunners |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_cup/319696.stm |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=14 April 1999 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Glorious United crowned champions |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/345445.stm |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=27 May 1999 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref>

In November 1999, Overmars scored his first [[hat-trick]] for Arsenal, at home to [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Fear of failure drives Overmars |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/1999/nov/22/match.sport3 |first=Jon |last=Brodkin |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=22 November 1999 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> His performance was lauded by journalist [[Lynne Truss]], who wrote in ''[[The Times]]'': "Overmars was in top [[Jack Russell Terrier|Jack Russell]] form, bounding after the ball and prepared to savage anybody who tried to take it away from him."<ref>{{cite news |title=Lynne Truss |page=56 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=22 November 1999}}</ref> He twisted his ankle in action for Arsenal against [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]] in January 2000 and was out of action for six weeks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arsenal fail to take advantage |first=Stephen |last=Wood |page=24 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=4 January 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Premiership Today |first1=George |last1=Caulkin |first2=Bill |last2=Edgar |first3=Russell |last3=Kempson |first4=David |last4=McVay |first5=Nick |last5=Szczepanik |first6=Steve |last6=McCormack |page=55 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=9 February 2000}}</ref> Unlike the previous two seasons, Arsenal never did pose a serious threat to Manchester United, who went on to retain the league in [[1999–2000 FA Premier League|1999–2000]].<ref>{{cite news |title=You premier plonkers |page=86 |first=Peter |last=Welbourn |newspaper=News of the World |location=London |date=30 April 2000}}</ref> Overmars had suggested before the campaign that Arsenal were as strong as their rivals, "especially in attack where we now have so many more options".<ref>{{cite news |title=Overmars: We're as good as United |page=85 |newspaper=News of the World |location=London |date=22 August 1999}}</ref> Arsenal ended the league season strongly, winning eight games in a row between March and May to move from fifth to second place.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/1999-2000 |title=Arsenal – 1999–2000 |publisher=Statto Organisation |access-date=2 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019141604/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/1999-2000 |archive-date=19 October 2013}}</ref> In April 2000, Overmars scored the winning goal against Everton and was the standout performer in the game.<ref>{{cite news|title=Marc is all over them |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+MARC+IS+ALL+OVER+THEM%3B+EVERTON+0+ARSENAL+1+-+Pulled+apart...-a061852826 |first=Steve |last=Bates |newspaper=The People |location=London |date=30 April 2000 |access-date=2 April 2014}}</ref> His final game for Arsenal was the [[2000 UEFA Cup Final]] against [[Galatasaray S.K. (football)|Galatasaray]], which they lost 4–1 on penalties after a goalless draw.<ref>{{cite news |title=Marc of fury |page=71 |newspaper=News of the World |location=London |date=31 December 2000}}</ref>

In 2008, Overmars was voted as the 12th-greatest player in Arsenal's history by the club's supporters.<ref name="www.arsenal.com gunners-greatest-players-12">{{cite news|url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/gunners-greatest-players-12.-marc-overmars|title=Greatest 50 Players - 12. Marc Overmars|date=10 July 2008|access-date=6 January 2014|work=Arsenal F.C.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122072848/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/gunners-greatest-players-12.-marc-overmars|archive-date=22 January 2014}}</ref>

=== Barcelona ===
[[File:Manu-Petit-2000.JPG|155px|thumb|[[Emmanuel Petit]] joined Overmars at Barcelona in 2000.]]

After the Netherlands' exit at [[UEFA Euro 2000|Euro 2000]], [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]] and [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]] were reportedly interested in signing Overmars; the latter club hastened their efforts once [[Joan Gaspart]] was elected as [[List of FC Barcelona presidents|president]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Barcelona president sets sights on pair of Gunners |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/barcelona-president-sets-sights-on-pair-of-gunners-709286.html |first=Kieran |last=Daley |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=26 July 2000 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Overmars was "flattered" by Barcelona's interest and said moving to such a club would "excite any player".<ref>{{cite news|title=Overmars warms to Barcelona overtures |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/overmars-warms-to-barcelona-overtures-709287.html |first=Alan |last=Nixon |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=27 July 2000 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Gaspart travelled to [[London]] to open negotiations with Arsenal and eventually reached an agreement to sign Overmars and his teammate [[Emmanuel Petit]] for a combined fee of around £32&nbsp;million in July 2000.<ref name=ovba>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/855343.stm |title=Overmars and Petit join Barcelona |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 July 2000 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> Overmars cost £25&nbsp;million, making him the most expensive player in Dutch football history.<ref name="www.arsenal.com gunners-greatest-players-12"/><ref name=ovba/> The announcement of his transfer was unconventional; he publicised it on his personal website before informing the media.<ref>{{cite news |title=The new season clicks off |first=Barry |last=Collins |page=47 |newspaper=The Sunday Times |location=London |date=20 August 2000}}</ref> His site garnered 250,000 hits in one day, highlighting the internet's "potential for exponential growth" in regards to football.<ref>{{cite news|title=Icons make most of dot.com potential |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/icons-make-most-of-dotcom-potential-696571.html |first=Nick |last=Harris |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=5 August 2000 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Overmars was delighted with the move, saying, "I can't wait to pull on the famous shirt and play my first game."<ref name=ovba/>

Overmars made his debut for Barcelona against Arsenal in the [[Amsterdam Tournament]] in August 2000.<ref name=amstd>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/865254.stm |title=Overmars injured on debut |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 August 2000 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> He lasted 45 minutes and was substituted after sustaining an ankle injury.<ref name=amstd/> His first competitive start came at home to [[Málaga CF|Málaga]] on 8 September 2000.<ref name=debuba>{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2000/09/10/pagina-14/682545/pdf.html |title=Buenas vibraciones |language=es |trans-title=Good vibrations |first=Andrés |last=Astruells |work=El Mundo Deportivo |location=Barcelona |date=10 September 2000 |page=14}}</ref> His performance in the match started off well, then faded before coming back in the second half, opined [[Andrés Astruells]] in ''[[El Mundo Deportivo (newspaper)|El Mundo Deportivo]]''.<ref name=debuba/> He scored his first goal for the club at home to [[Racing de Santander|Racing Santander]] on 23 September 2000; it involved him [[dribbling]] the ball around the goalkeeper.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nou Camp going wild Overmars |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+NOU+CAMP+GOING+WILD+OVERMARS%3B+European+round-up.-a065454965 |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=25 September 2000 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Barcelona made an indifferent start to the [[2000–01 FC Barcelona season|2000–01 season]] and by February 2001, journalist [[Sid Lowe]] commented it looked improbable that [[Lorenzo Serra Ferrer]] would remain as manager of the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stan too much of a man |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/feb/19/europeanfootball.sport1 |first=Sid |last=Lowe |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=19 February 2001 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Wenger was touted as his replacement after reportedly meeting with Gaspart.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2001/02/28/pagina-51/430440/pdf.html |title=Arsène Wenger, un acierto |first=Júlia |last=Salsas |trans-title=Arsène Wenger, a success |language=es |work=El Mundo Deportivo |location=Barcelona |date=28 February 2001 |page=51}}</ref> Overmars believed his former manager was going to leave Arsenal and revealed that, "Barcelona have asked for lots of information about Wenger. I think something could happen soon."<ref>{{cite news |title=Overmars: Wenger will leave Arsenal |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/1241245.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 March 2001 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> In [[La Liga]], Overmars scored the team's seventh goal in their 7–0 win against [[Athletic Bilbao]] in February 2001; his performance was rated four stars out of five by ''El Mundo Deportivo''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2001/02/04/pagina-4/431956/pdf.html |title=Tercer 'hat-trick' de Luis Enrique |trans-title=Third hat-trick from Luis Enrique |language=es |work=El Mundo Deportivo |location=Barcelona |date=4 February 2001 |page=4}}</ref>

Barcelona exited the semi-final stage of the [[2000–01 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] to [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in April 2001.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kluivert hands it to the Reds |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/apr/20/uefa.sport |first=Dominic |last=Fifield |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=20 April 2001 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Serra Ferrer was sacked a week later and replaced by [[Carles Rexach]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Barcelona sack coach Ferrer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/apr/24/europeanfootball.sport1 |first=Martin |last=Thorpe |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=24 April 2001 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> As the season drew to a close, Overmars turned into an influential player for Barcelona. Lowe labelled him as "Barça's only decent player in recent weeks" and was surprised he started on the bench against [[Real Valladolid]] in June 2001.<ref name=sid>{{cite news|title=Racing threaten to leave Liga after passport scandal erupts |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/jun/11/europeanfootball.sport1 |first=Sid |last=Lowe |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=11 June 2001 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> When Overmars came on, he scored the equaliser to earn Barcelona a 2–2 draw.<ref name=sid/> The team ended the campaign in fourth place after a dramatic 3–2 win against [[Valencia CF|Valencia]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2001/06/18/pagina-3/439493/pdf.html |title=¡Champions, sí! |language=es |trans-title=Champions, yes! |first=Santi |last=Molla |work=El Mundo Deportivo |location=Barcelona |date=18 June 2001 |pages=2–3}}</ref>

In the [[2001–02 FC Barcelona season|2001–02 season]], Barcelona once more finished fourth in the league. Petit left the club to join [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] before the season commenced, as he had found his first team opportunities limited.<ref>{{cite news |title=Henry upset by Petit's Chelsea move |first=Brian |last=Doogan |newspaper=Daily Express |page=47 |location=London |date=16 August 2001}}</ref> While on international duty with the Netherlands in September 2001, Overmars suffered a bruised knee and as a result did not play for Barcelona for a month.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2001/06/18/pagina-3/439493/pdf.html |title=Llega la hora del 'Pibito' Saviola |language=es |trans-title=The time of 'Pibito' Saviola arrives |first=Oriol |last=Domènech |work=El Mundo Deportivo |location=Barcelona |date=18 June 2001 |pages=2–3}}</ref> In November 2001, he scored Barcelona's third goal against Liverpool in the [[2001–02 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]], which came after 29 uninterrupted passes.<ref name=livp>{{cite news|title=Masterpass; Barca's 29 passes end in an Overmars winner 2 mins 49 secs of possession with 60 touches |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3A+MASTERPASS%3B+Barca%27s+29+passes+end+in+an+Overmars+winner+2...-a080243264 |first=Mike |last=Allen |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=22 November 2001 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> It was described by the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' as "arguably the greatest team goal ever scored".<ref name=livp/> Compared to the previous season, Overmars was used more sparingly in matches. Rexach had changed the team's formation to accommodate new signing [[Javier Saviola]] and promoted [[Xavi (footballer, born 1980)|Xavi]] as a first-team regular.<ref>{{cite news|title=Llegada con frío al fortín de Vitoria |language=es |trans-title=Check the fort cold Vitoria |first=joan |last=Josep Pallàs |work=El Mundo Deportivo |location=Barcelona |date=1 December 2001 |page=13}}</ref> Overmars made an impact as a substitute against Galatasaray in December 2001; he set up Saviola twice to earn Barcelona a 2–2 draw.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2001/matches/round=1546/match=1018322/postmatch/report/index.html#saviola+rescues+barcelona |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726133357/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2001/matches/round=1546/match=1018322/postmatch/report/index.html#saviola+rescues+barcelona |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 July 2012 |title=Saviola rescues Barcelona |work=[[UEFA]] |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=5 December 2001 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> [[Mircea Lucescu]], the manager of Galatasaray, complimented Overmars afterwards: "When we were 2–0 up I told my players at half-time to maintain the result, but Overmars is a great player. We did not have a solution to him and it threw our game off balance."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0eab12e27277-4168bcd35472-1000--coaches-united-in-overmars-praise/ |title=Coaches united in Overmars praise |work=[[UEFA]] |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |date=5 December 2001 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref>

Overmars was subject to transfer speculation in early 2002 because of his limited role in the first team,<ref>{{cite news |title=Mars on way out of Barca |page=87 |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=10 February 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=All Over for Marc? |page=47 |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=13 February 2002}}</ref> but he revealed he was happy to stay at Barcelona: "My priority now is that the team wins. Personal issues are not important. I'm here for whatever you need me."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2002/02/19/pagina-14/477505/pdf.html |title=Overmars: "Mi prioridad es que gane el equipo" |language=es |trans-title=Overmars: "My priority is the team wins" |work=El Mundo Deportivo |location=Barcelona |date=19 February 2002 |page=14}}</ref> In the Champions League, he started in the semi-final first leg against [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]]; the team lost 2–0 and were defeated 3–1 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite news|title=Real lifted by touch of English expertise |page=42 |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=24 April 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Real have the final word over arch-rivals |page=46 |first=Matt |last=Dickinson |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=2 May 2002}}</ref> In May 2002, Rexach was dismissed and replaced by Louis van Gaal, who was managing the club for a second time.<ref>{{cite news|title=Van Gaal back at Barca |page=28 |first=Jorge |last=Silva |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=14 May 2002}}</ref> Overmars was wary of the appointment beforehand, saying, "Van Gaal is a good manager, but I do not know if his return would be good for Barcelona."<ref>{{cite news|title=Van Gaal lined up for return to Barcelona |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/may/09/europeanfootball.sport1 |first=Graham |last=Hunter |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=9 May 2002 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> He underwent surgery on his right knee at the end of the season and was out of action for six months.<ref>{{cite news|title=Operation for Barcelona midfielder Overmars |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-53049938.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611025713/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-53049938.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 June 2014 |publisher=Associated Press |date=17 May 2002 |access-date=23 January 2014}} {{subscription required}}</ref>

The [[2002–03 FC Barcelona season|2002–03 season]] saw Barcelona make their worst ever start to a league season; the club was two points off a relegation spot after defeat to [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]] in December 2002.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2l6zHv_reuUC&pg=PA347 |title=Fear and Loathing in La Liga: Barcelona vs Real Madrid |page=347 |first=Sid |last=Lowe |publisher=Random House |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-4464-9663-3}}</ref> Van Gaal departed the club in January 2003 and following a board meeting, Gaspart resigned as president a month later.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/2755377.stm |title=Gaspart leaves Barca |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 February 2003 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> [[Radomir Antić]] presided as manager for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2003/02/01/pagina-6/528658/pdf.html |title=Antic, nuevo técnico del Barça hasta el 30 de junio |language=es |trans-title=Antic, new Barcelona manager until 30 June |first=Cristina |last=Cubero |work=El Mundo Deportivo |location=Barcelona |date=1 February 2003 |page=6}}</ref> He encouraged the team to play with more width and made minimal changes; for instance, he switched Overmars from a left winger to a right one.<ref name="Antic's arrival instils fresh life into Barcelona">{{cite news|title=Antic's arrival instils fresh life into Barcelona |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/2399006/Antics-arrival-instils-fresh-life-into-Barcelona.html |first=Tony |last=Jefferies |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=3 April 2003 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Overmars tore a muscle in his thigh during a [[2002–03 Copa del Rey|Copa del Rey]] match against [[Terrassa FC|Terrassa]] in May 2003 and was sidelined for a month.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2003/06/01/pagina-12/542100/pdf.html |title=Overmars, a punto para reaparecer |language=es |trans-title=Overmars, ready to reappear |first=Oriol |last=Domènech |work=El Mundo Deportivo |location=Barcelona |date=1 June 2003 |page=12}}</ref> In his [[2003–04 FC Barcelona season|final season for Barcelona]], the club appointed [[Frank Rijkaard]] as manager and elected [[Joan Laporta]] as president.<ref>{{cite news |title=2003. New look under president Joan Laporta |url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/club/history/detail/card/2003-new-look-under-president-joan-laporta |publisher=FC Barcelona |access-date=23 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093909/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/club/history/detail/card/2003-new-look-under-president-joan-laporta |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The club finished second in [[2003–04 La Liga|La Liga]] and were knocked out of the [[2003–04 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] by [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] in the fourth round.<ref>{{cite news |title=Spain: Final Positions |page=S19 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=24 May 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/3560199.stm |title=Celtic stun Barcelona |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 March 2004 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> Overmars made 29 appearances in the first team, three fewer than in the previous campaign. He was prolific in the [[Copa del Rey]], a competition he scored twice in three matches. His performance against [[Ciudad de Murcia]] earned him recognition in ''El Mundo Deportivo'', who wrote "frequent injuries have prevented him from consolidating his [position] as indisputable".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2003/12/18/pagina-5/567886/pdf.html |title=Antic, nuevo técnico del Barça hasta el 30 de junio |language=es |trans-title=Ronaldinho and Overmars delights the fulminating |first=Roberto |last=Martínez |work=El Mundo Deportivo |location=Barcelona |date=18 December 2003 |page=5}}</ref> Due to a persistent knee injury, he announced his retirement from football in July 2004 and left Barcelona without compensation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3926605.stm |title=Overmars ends career |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 July 2004 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref>

=== Go Ahead Eagles ===
In July 2008, Overmars played in [[Jaap Stam]]'s testimonial match in a team of "former Stam-mates" against Ajax.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080814223016/http://netherlands.worldcupblog.org/background-stories/wonderful-tribute-to-jaap-stam.html |url=http://netherlands.worldcupblog.org/background-stories/wonderful-tribute-to-jaap-stam.html |title=Wonderful tribute to Jaap Stam |publisher=World Cup Blog |date=28 July 2008 |archive-date=14 August 2008 |access-date=9 March 2014}}</ref> His performance, which saw him trouble defender [[George Ogăraru]], earned him invitations from Dutch and German clubs to make his professional comeback.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gsp.ro/international/campionate/marc-overmars-ogararu-m-a-facut-sa-revin-pe-gazon-115305.html |title=Marc Overmars: "Ogăraru m-a făcut să revin pe gazon!" |language=ro |trans-title=Marc Overmars: "Ogăraru I resumed on the pitch!" |newspaper=Gazeta Sporturilor |location=Bucharest |date=26 December 2008 |access-date=9 March 2014}}</ref> He declined the offers at first, but in August 2008 announced he was to come out of retirement to play again for Go Ahead Eagles.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.destentor.nl/sport/gaeagles/3537194/Marc-Overmars-maakt-rentree-bij-Go-Ahead-Eagles.ece |title=Marc Overmars maakt rentree bij Go Ahead Eagles |language=nl |trans-title=Marc Overmars makes comeback at Go Ahead Eagles |newspaper=De Stentor |location=Apeldoorn |date=10 August 2008 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> Overmars' comeback lasted only one season as his knee continued to give him discomfort.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.7sur7.be/7s7/fr/1761/Eredivisie/article/detail/772190/2009/03/16/Marc-Overmars-retirera-ses-crampons-en-fin-de-saison.dhtml |title=Marc Overmars retirera ses crampons en fin de saison |language=fr |trans-title= Marc Overmars remove his boots at the end of season |work=7sur7 |date=10 August 2008 |access-date=30 March 2014}}</ref>

== International career ==
Overmars' first call-up to the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]] senior national squad came in February 1993 for a [[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|1994 World Cup qualifier]] against [[Turkey national football team|Turkey]]. He scored five minutes into his debut, after good play from [[Wim Jonk]].<ref name=deby>{{cite news |url=http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars+Turkije&coll=ddd&image=ddd%3A010637882%3Ampeg21%3Aa0326&page=1&maxperpage=10 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140126211035/http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars+Turkije&coll=ddd&image=ddd:010637882:mpeg21:a0326&page=1&maxperpage=10 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2014 |title=Moeizaam herstel Oranje |language=nl |trans-title=Sluggish recovery Orange |first=Albert |last=Geesing |newspaper=Leeuwarder Courant |location=Leeuwarden |date=25 February 1993 |page=15 }}</ref> The team went on to win 3–1 and Overmars said the goal was good for his confidence.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars+Turkije&coll=ddd&image=ddd%3A010637882%3Ampeg21%3Aa0326&page=1&maxperpage=10 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140126211035/http://kranten.delpher.nl/nl/view/index?query=overmars+Turkije&coll=ddd&image=ddd:010637882:mpeg21:a0326&page=1&maxperpage=10 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2014 |title=Droomdebuut Overmars |first=Jan |last=Mennega |language=nl |trans-title=Dream Debut Overmars |newspaper=Leeuwarder Courant |location=Leeuwarden |date=25 February 1993 |page=15 }}</ref> [[Dick Advocaat]], the manager of the Netherlands, was complimentary of the debutant's performance.<ref name=deby/> In April 1993, Overmars earned the national team a penalty against [[England national football team|England]] after [[Des Walker]] fouled him.<ref name=eng>{{cite news |title=England made to pay heavy penalty |first=Rob |last=Hughes |page=48 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=29 April 1993}}</ref> [[Peter van Vossen]] converted the spot kick to complete a comeback for the Netherlands, who had been 2–0 down after 24 minutes.<ref name=eng/>

The national team qualified for the [[1994 FIFA World Cup]] in November 1993.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bergkamp double for the Dutch |page=44 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=18 November 1993}}</ref> Advocaat selected Overmars for the tournament and he featured in all of the Netherlands' five matches.<ref name=rssf>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/overmars-intl.html |title=Marc Overmars – International Appearances |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=7 January 2009 |access-date=25 January 2014 |first=Karel |last=Stokkermans}}</ref> Against the [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Republic of Ireland]] in the round of 16, he took advantage of [[Terry Phelan]]'s header intended for goalkeeper [[Packie Bonner]] and sprinted away to set up [[Dennis Bergkamp]] to score.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dutch destroy Irish dreams |first=Peter |last=Ball |page=48 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=5 July 1994}}</ref> The Netherlands were eliminated in the quarter-finals against [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]]; Advocaat deployed Overmars as an extra attacker, but for much of the match he played as one of five in midfield.<ref name=braik>{{cite news |title=Branco brings joy to Brazil |first=Hugh |last=McIlvanney |page=74 |newspaper=The Sunday Times |location=London |date=10 July 1994}}</ref> His corner in the 76th minute was met by [[Aron Winter]] and levelled the scores at 2–2 for a brief period – a goal from [[Branco (footballer)|Branco]] resolved the match in favour of Brazil.<ref name=braik/> Overmars' performances in the competition led him to be named the [[FIFA World Cup awards#FIFA Young Player Award|best young player]] of the 1994 World Cup.<ref name=swardy>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301224721/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 March 2014 |title=Previous FIFA World Cups™ |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) |access-date=25 January 2014}}</ref>
[[File:Arsenal shirts worn by former players.jpg|left|thumb|215px|Overmars' Netherlands shirt, second from left on display]]
In October 1995, he scored a hat-trick for the Netherlands in their [[UEFA Euro 1996 qualification|Euro 1996 qualifier]] away to [[Malta national football team|Malta]].<ref>{{cite news |title=France thrive in Cantona's absence |first=David |last=Powell |page=48 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=12 October 1995}}</ref> He was pleased with his performance – "things are getting better," and felt he needed to practise his shooting and inward running technique.<ref>{{cite news |title=Marc Overmars nu compleet |trans-title=Marc Overmars now complete |page=11 |newspaper=Amigoe |location=Curacao |date=12 October 1995|language=nl}}</ref> Overmars did not participate in the [[UEFA Euro 1996|tournament finals]] as he was recuperating from his knee ligament injury.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ajax bias may backfire for Dutch |first=Ray |last=Wilkins |page=45 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=3 June 1996}}</ref> Sports writer [[Rob Hughes]] said the Netherlands draw against [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] showed why "they sorely miss the speed and balance of Marc Overmars".<ref>{{cite news |title= Dutch fail to match famous forebears |first=Rob |last=Hughes |page=52 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=11 June 1996}}</ref> The player returned to international action for the [[1998 FIFA World Cup|1998 World Cup]] [[1998 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 7|qualifier]] against [[Wales national football team|Wales]] in November 1996.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jones made Wales captain by popular demand |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-jones-made-wales-captain-by-popular-demand-1351512.html |first=Trevor |last=Haylett |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=9 November 1996 |access-date=31 March 2014}}</ref> He believed his best position for the national team was up front, but manager [[Guus Hiddink]] wanted him to remain as a winger.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wales still wary of Dutch disunity |first=Russell |last=Kempson |page=50 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=9 November 1996}}</ref>

Overmars was selected in the squad for the 1998 World Cup, staged in France.<ref>{{cite news |title=Holland – Group E |page=52 |newspaper=The Sunday Times |location=London |date=31 May 1998}}</ref> Before the tournament began, he scored two goals in a [[Exhibition game#Association Football|friendly]] against Paraguay.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dublin shrugs off decision |page=48 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=2 June 1998}}</ref> He was on the scoresheet in the national team's 5–0 win against [[South Korea national football team|South Korea]] in the group stage.<ref name=sktc/> While training before the quarter-final match against [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]], he sustained an injury which seemingly ruled him out of contention.<ref>{{cite news|title=United are Over-rated |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Overmars+injury+scare.-a060720832 |first=Steve |last=Davies |newspaper=The Racing Post |location=London |date=4 July 1998 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Calm replaces conflict as Dutch decide to have the last laugh |first=Oliver |last=Holt |page=31 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=6 July 1998|quote=Nor did the projected absence of Marc Overmars affect their optimism.}}</ref> He did feature late into the game as a substitute, but aggravated his injury. He was subsequently forced to sit out the entire semi-final against Brazil, which the Netherlands lost on penalties.<ref>{{cite news |title=Big guns fired up and ready for battle |page=44 |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=7 July 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Football is the loser as stylish Dutch bow out |first=Ray |last=Wilkins |page=31 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |date=9 July 1998}}</ref>

Overmars suffered a minor setback prior to [[UEFA Euro 2000|Euro 2000]] with a sore thigh muscle.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} However, he resumed training and was declared fit for the Netherlands opening match against [[Czech Republic national football team|Czech Republic]], where he started on the bench. His introduction brought about the only goal of the match – a penalty scored the 89th minute.<ref name=rdsr>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/holland/786836.stm |title=Holland escape with lucky win |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 June 2000 |access-date=31 March 2014}}</ref> [[Ronald de Boer]] was adjudged to have had his shirt pulled whilst jumping to meet Overmars' cross.<ref name=rdsr/> In the quarter-finals, he scored twice in the team's 6–1 win against [[Serbia and Montenegro national football team|Yugoslavia]].<ref name=basd>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/805482.stm |title=Holland v Yugoslavia clockwatch |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 June 2000 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> The Netherlands went on to lose their semi-final to [[Italy national football team|Italy]] on penalties.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/812047.stm |title=Italy through on penalties |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 June 2000 |access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> Overmars played in eight of the national team's ten [[FIFA World Cup 2002|2002 World Cup]] [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)#Group 2|qualifiers]], but it was an unsuccessful campaign as they failed to qualify for the finals.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/holland/10589788/World-Cup-2014-Louis-van-Gaal-relishing-second-chance-to-exorcise-the-ghost-of-Hollands-2002-nightmare.html |title=World Cup 2014: Louis van Gaal relishing second chance to exorcise the ghost of Holland's 2002 nightmare |first=Elko |last=Born |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=22 January 2004 |access-date=9 March 2014}}</ref>

After a year's absence from international football due to injury, Overmars was recalled to the Netherlands squad for their friendly against [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] in April 2003.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-04-26/overmars-back-in-dutch-squad-for-portugal-game/1843964 |title=Overmars back in Dutch squad for Portugal game |publisher=ABC News |date=26 April 2003 |access-date=8 March 2014}}</ref> Two months later, he came on as a substitute against [[Belarus national football team|Belarus]] in a [[UEFA Euro 2004|Euro 2004]] [[UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying|qualifier]] and scored the opening goal of the game.<ref>{{cite news |title=Yesterday's highlights |page=S5 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=8 June 2003}}</ref> He was selected for the tournament held in Portugal, and was advised by Advocaat not to train more than once a day, so that his body would resist burn out.<ref>{{cite news |title=Overmars orders |page=35 |newspaper=Liverpool Daily Post |date=5 June 2004}}</ref> Overmars only started three matches in Euro 2004, his final game was the Netherlands loss to Portugal in the semi-final.<ref name=rssf/> In all, he played in 86 games for his national side, scoring 17 goals.

== Style of play ==
{{Quote box|width=340px|bgcolor=#E0E6F8|align=right|quote= He was a good dribbler who could beat people one-on-one and that was important for a winger in our system. But he also had a very good assist record and he could score goals.|salign=left |source= — Louis van Gaal on Overmars, June 2004<ref>{{cite news |title=Why Overmars will be missed |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3928401.stm |first=John |last=May |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 July 2004 |access-date=28 January 2014}}</ref>}}

A diminutive footballer, Overmars in his prime was described as "the archetypal winger", whose speed, vision, two-footedness and [[Dribbling#Association football|dribbling]] ability meant he was able to get the better of most defenders and either score or assist goals.<ref name="www.arsenal.com gunners-greatest-players-12"/><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tKEmKldjP5gC&pg=PA235-IA3 |title=The Complete Guide to Coaching Soccer Systems and Tactics |page=235 |first=Jacob |last=Daniel |publisher=Reedswain Inc |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59164-136-0}}</ref><ref name=news.bbc.co.uk>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/holland/squad/743852.stm|title=Marc Overmars|publisher=BBC|access-date=17 September 2015}}</ref> Indeed, pace and acceleration was an important part of his game and reflective of his nicknames "[[TGV]]" and "Roadrunner".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.quotenet.nl/Nieuws/Marc-Overmars-terug-op-de-velden-34871|title=Marc Overmars terug op de velden |language=nl |trans-title=Marc Overmars back on the field |first=Jonathan |last=Ursem |work=Quote |date=11 August 2008 |access-date=30 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Happy birthday Marc Overmars |url=http://www.itv.com/sport/football/update/2013-03-29/happy-birthday-marc-overmars/ |work=ITV Sport |publisher=ITV |date=29 March 2013 |access-date=23 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305152230/http://www.itv.com/sport/football/update/2013-03-29/happy-birthday-marc-overmars/ |archive-date=5 March 2014}}</ref> Former teammate [[Emmanuel Petit]] said his strength lay "...&nbsp;in pushing the ball beyond his marker and darting past him into space to deliver [[Cross (football)|crosses]]".<ref>{{cite news|title=The fastest men on turf |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/THE+FASTEST+MEN+ON+TURF%3B+Speed+kings+Owen+and+Overmars+will+set+the...-a060664219 |first=Kevin |last=Garside |newspaper=The Mirror |location=London |date=22 August 1998 |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref> Former defender [[Gary Neville]] opined that Overmars was the best winger he came up against in his time at Manchester United, not least because of his versatility,<ref>{{cite AV media |people=Chamberlain, Ed (presenter); Neville, Gary |title=Ford Monday Night Football: Blackburn Rovers vs. Manchester United |trans-title =Post match analysis |publisher=BSkyB |medium=Television production |date=2 April 2012}}</ref> which was exemplified by Overmars's ability to play on both the left and the right wing, despite being naturally right footed.<ref name="www.arsenal.com gunners-greatest-players-12"/><ref name="Antic's arrival instils fresh life into Barcelona"/>

Football pundit [[Alan Hansen]] believed Overmars benefited from a "strange feature of the modern English game" – defenders backing off and allowing him to run until he was in a shooting position.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dyzxNw1IAcYC&pg=PA193 |title=A Matter Of Opinion |page=193 |first=Alan |last=Hansen |publisher=Random House |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4464-8621-4}}</ref> Despite his talent, Overmars was also known to be injury-prone throughout his career.<ref name=news.bbc.co.uk/>

== Post-football career ==
In February 2005, Overmars became a shareholder of Go Ahead Eagles.<ref name=joinb>{{cite news |url=http://www.vi.nl/nieuws/overmars-commissaris-bij-go-ahead-eagles.htm |title=Overmars commissaris bij Go Ahead Eagles |language=nl |trans-title=Overmars Commissioner at Go Ahead Eagles |newspaper=Voetbal International |location=Amsterdam |date=11 April 2005 |access-date=7 March 2014}}</ref> Two months later, he joined the club's supervisory board to deal with technical matters. Hans de Vroome, chairman of Go Ahead Eagles, said he was "more than satisfied" with Overmars' arrival, adding: "The board needs someone with a solid football background."<ref name=joinb/>

In 2011, Overmars took up a position as youth coach of Ajax for one day per week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1441/Ajax/article/detail/2849432/2011/08/15/Na-Stam-ook-Overmars-terug-bij-Ajax.dhtml |title=Na Stam ook Overmars terug bij Ajax |language=nl |trans-title=After Stam, Overmars also returns to Ajax |first=Peter |last=Van Remmen |newspaper=Algemeen Dagblad |location=Rotterdam |date=15 August 2011 |access-date=7 March 2014}}</ref> At the end of the 2011–12 season, Overmars left his post at Go Ahead Eagles. He said: "I have been active on a voluntary basis at the club for seven years. That's a big time in my life."<ref name=leavg>{{cite news |url=http://www.nu.nl/sport/2767053/overmars-gaat-weg-bij-go-ahead-eagles.html |title=Overmars gaat weg bij Go Ahead Eagles |language=nl |trans-title=Overmars goes off at Go Ahead Eagles |work=NU.nl |date=19 March 2012 |access-date=7 March 2014}}</ref> The club's disappointing league form "accelerated" his decision.<ref name=leavg/>

Overmars became director of football at Ajax in July 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/166/076/2/index.html |title=Overmars named Ajax technical director |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) |date=6 July 2012 |access-date=18 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309173116/https://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/166/076/2/index.html |archive-date=9 March 2014}}</ref> He resigned from his position at Ajax on 6 February 2022 after admitting to sending a series of inappropriate messages to female colleagues.<ref>{{cite news |title=Overmars 'ashamed' after quitting Ajax over inappropriate messages |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/feb/06/overmars-ashamed-after-quitting-ajax-over-inappropriate-messages |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=6 February 2022|access-date=7 February 2022}}</ref> Among other things, he had sent photos of his genitals to at least one employee.<ref name=":0" />

On 21 March 2022, he was presented as Director of Football by [[Royal Antwerp F.C.|Royal Antwerp]], causing the withdrawal of four sponsors of the club in the same week.<ref name=":0" />

On 10 January 2024, Overmars was banned for one year by FIFA from world football for his inappropriate behaviour.

An independent sports tribunal banned Overmars from any position in Dutch football for two years over the incidents, with one year suspended. The KNVB then asked Fifa to turn the domestic suspension into a global one. “We have a duty to report this sanction to Fifa’s disciplinary committee ... which has decided to take over the suspension as of 16 November 2023,” the KNVB said.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Reuters |date=2024-01-10 |title=Marc Overmars gets worldwide football ban over inappropriate behaviour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/jan/10/marc-overmars-worldwide-football-ban-inappropriate-behaviour-women-fifa |access-date=2024-09-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Overmars married his long-term partner Chantal van Woensel in May 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraaf.nl/prive/21574964/__Marc_Overmars_zegt__ja___.html |title=Marc Overmars getrouwd |language=nl |trans-title=Marc Overmars married |newspaper=De Telegraaf |location=Amsterdam |date=17 May 2013 |access-date=29 January 2014}}</ref> Prior to the wedding, the couple had two sons, Frenkie and Nick, both of whom are footballers.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20130518/futbol/internacional/ajax-fiesta-barcelona_54373628329.html |title=El Ajax, fiel a la fiesta de Barcelona |language=es |trans-title= Ajax, faithful to the Barcelona party |first1=Oriol |last1=Domènech |first2=Javier |last2=Gascón |work=El Mundo Deportivo |location=Barcelona |date=18 May 2013 |access-date=29 January 2014}}</ref> He is a co-owner of a restaurant in [[Epe, Netherlands|Epe]], in the province of [[Gelderland]], where he resides.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://netherlands.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/marc-overmars-oranje-will-be-defeated-in-the-semis.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812105224/http://netherlands.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/marc-overmars-oranje-will-be-defeated-in-the-semis.html|title=Marc Overmars: "We don't need to fear Brazil!" |work=World Cup Blog |date=1 July 2010 |archive-date=12 August 2011 |access-date=29 January 2014}}</ref> The family business, Overmars Vastgoed bv, was founded in the 1990s and continues to invest in, amongst other things, commercial and residential buildings.<ref name=bust>{{cite news |url=http://www.vi.nl/nieuws/marc-overmars-biedt-ajax-een-kans-voor-open-doel.htm |title=Marc Overmars biedt Ajax een kans voor open doel |language=nl |trans-title=Marc Overmars Ajax provides an open goal |first=Simon |last=Zwartkruis |newspaper=Voetbal International |location=Amsterdam |date=30 November 2010 |access-date=29 January 2014}}</ref> With his father Ben and brother Edwin, he also runs a car restoration service named Overmars Classic Cars.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2844/Archief/archief/article/detail/643425/2005/03/09/Het-Overmars-imperium.dhtml |title=Het Overmars-imperium |language=nl |trans-title=The Overmars empire |first1=Charles |last1=Bromet |first2=Merijn |last2=Rengers |newspaper=de Volkskrant |location=Amsterdam |date=9 March 2005 |access-date=29 January 2014}}</ref> In 2002, Overmars appeared in the [[:nl:Quote 500|Quote 500]] richest Dutch people list for the first time, at number 441.<ref name=bust/>

In December 2022, Overmars was admitted to hospital after suffering a "[[Stroke|mild stroke]]".<ref>{{cite web |title=Marc Overmars: Ex-Arsenal winger in hospital after 'mild stroke' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64128134 |website=[[BBC Sport]] |date=30 December 2022 |access-date=30 December 2022}}</ref> In reality, it was later revealed that he had suffered a [[cardiac arrest]], and will need a year to recover as his heart presently is only able to pump blood at 30% efficiency.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/football/marc-overmars-suffers-irreparable-damage-after-heart-attack-with-part-of-muscle-dying/ar-AA16vxP6|title=Marc Overmars suffers irreparable damage after heart attack with part of muscle dying|website=Msn.comaccess-date=19 January 2023}}</ref>

== Career statistics ==
=== Club ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup
!colspan="2"|League cup
!colspan="2"|[[UEFA#Club|Europe]]
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
|-
|[[Go Ahead Eagles]]
|[[1990–91 Eerste Divisie|1990–91]]<ref name="nft">{{cite web |url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/4632/Marc_Overmars.html |title=Marc Overmars |publisher=National Football Teams |access-date=3 April 2014}}</ref>
|[[Eerste Divisie]]
|11||1||||||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||||||11||1
|-
|[[Willem II (football club)|Willem II]]
|[[1991–92 Eredivisie|1991–92]]<ref name="wf">{{cite web |title=Marc Overmars » Club matches |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe42175/marc-overmars/club-matches/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=7 February 2022}}</ref>
|[[Eredivisie]]
|31||1||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||31||1
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]
|[[1992–93 Eredivisie|1992–93]]<ref name="ajax">{{cite book |title=Ajax 100 jaar – jubileumboek 1900–2000 |page=181 |first1=Evert |last1=Vermeer |first2=Marcelle |last2=van Hoof |publisher=Luitingh-Sijthoff |year=2000 |isbn=90-245-3497-6}}</ref>
|Eredivisie
|34||3||5||4||colspan="2"|–||8||1||colspan="2"|–||47||8
|-
|[[1993–94 Eredivisie|1993–94]]<ref name="ajax"/>
|Eredivisie
|34||12||4||0||colspan="2"|–||5||0||1{{efn|name=dsc|Appearance in [[Dutch Super Cup]]}}||1||44||13
|-
|[[1994–95 AFC Ajax season|1994–95]]<ref name="ajax"/>
|Eredivisie
|28||8||3||0||colspan="2"|–||11||1||1{{efn|name=dsc}}||0||43||9
|-
|[[1995–96 AFC Ajax season|1995–96]]<ref name="ajax"/>
|Eredivisie
|15||11||0||0||colspan="2"|–||6||2||2{{efn|One appearance in [[Intercontinental Cup (1960–2004)|Intercontinental Cup (football)]]; one appearance in [[Dutch Super Cup]]}}||0||23||13
|-
|[[1996–97 Eredivisie|1996–97]]<ref name="ajax"/>
|Eredivisie
|25||2||1||0||colspan="2"|–||10||0||0||0||36||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!136!!36!!13!!4!!0!!0!!40!!4!!4!!1!!193!!45
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
|[[1997–98 Arsenal F.C. season|1997–98]]<ref name="wf"/>
|[[Premier League]]
|32||12||9||2||3||2||2||0||colspan="2"|–||46||16
|-
|[[1998–99 Arsenal F.C. season|1998–99]]<ref name="wf"/>
|Premier League
|37||6||7||4||0||0||4||1||1{{efn|Appearance in [[FA Charity Shield]]}}||1||49||12
|-
|[[1999–2000 Arsenal F.C. season|1999–2000]]<ref name="wf"/>
|Premier League
|31||7||1||1||1||0||14||5||colspan="2"|–||47||13
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!100!!25!!17!!7!!4!!2!!20!!6!!1!!1!!142!!41
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j1867.html |title=Marc Overmars |publisher=BDFutbol |access-date=30 March 2014}}</ref>
|[[2000–01 FC Barcelona season|2000–01]]
|[[La Liga]]
|31||8||5||0||colspan="2"|–||10||0||colspan="2"|–||46||8
|-
|[[2001–02 FC Barcelona season|2001–02]]
|La Liga
|20||0||1||0||colspan="2"|–||11||1||colspan="2"|–||32||1
|-
|[[2002–03 FC Barcelona season|2002–03]]
|La Liga
|26||6||0||0||colspan="2"|–||6||1||colspan="2"|–||32||7
|-
|[[2003–04 FC Barcelona season|2003–04]]
|La Liga
|20||1||3||2||colspan="2"|–||8||0||colspan="2"|–||31||3
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!97!!15!!9!!2!!0!!0!!35!!2!!0!!0!!141!!19
|-
|Go Ahead Eagles
|[[2008–09 Eerste Divisie|2008–09]]<ref name="wf"/>
|Eerste Divisie
|24||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||24||0
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!399!!78!!38!!12!!5!!2!!95!!12!!5!!2!!542!!106
|}

{{notelist}}

=== International ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name="rssf"/>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="12"|[[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]]
|[[Netherlands national football team 1993|1993]]||7||1
|-
|[[Netherlands national football team 1994|1994]]||14||1
|-
|[[Netherlands national football team 1995|1995]]||8||4
|-
|[[Netherlands national football team 1996|1996]]||2||0
|-
|[[Netherlands national football team 1997|1997]]||4||0
|-
|[[Netherlands national football team 1998|1998]]||14||4
|-
|[[Netherlands national football team 1999|1999]]||3||0
|-
|[[Netherlands national football team results (2000–2009)#2000|2000]]||10||4
|-
|[[Netherlands national football team results (2000–2009)#2001|2001]]||8||1
|-
|[[Netherlands national football team results (2000–2009)#2002|2002]]||2||0
|-
|[[Netherlands national football team results (2000–2009)#2003|2003]]||8||1
|-
|[[Netherlands national football team results (2000–2009)#2004|2004]]||6||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!86!!17
|}

:''Scores and results list the Netherlands goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Overmars goal.''

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Marc Overmars
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| align="center"|1 || 24 February 1993 || [[Stadion Galgenwaard]], [[Utrecht]], Netherlands || {{fb|TUR}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–1 || [[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA – Group 2)|1994 FIFA World Cup qualification]] ||<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/overmars-intl.html |title=Overmars keert terug in Nederlands elftal |trans-title=Overmars returns to Dutch team |language=nl |first=Matty |last=Verkamman |newspaper=Trouw |location=Amsterdam |date=5 November 1996 |access-date=25 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/intldetails/1993e1.html |title=International matches 1993 |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=2 January 2005 |access-date=25 January 2014 |first=Andre |last=Zlotkowski}}</ref>
|-
| align="center"|2 || 12 June 1994 || [[Varsity Stadium]], [[Toronto]], Canada || {{fb|CAN}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|3–0 || [[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]] ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/intldetails/1994ic2.html |title=International matches 1994 – Intercontinental, May to August |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=2 February 2005 |access-date=25 January 2014 |first=Neil |last=Morrison}}</ref>
|-
| align="center"|3 || rowspan="3"|11 October 1995 || rowspan="3"|[[Ta'Qali Stadium]], [[Ta'Qali]], Malta || rowspan="3"|{{fb|MLT}} || align="center"|1–0 || rowspan="3" style="text-align:center"|4–0 || rowspan="3"|[[UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying Group 5|UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying]] || rowspan="3"|<ref name=malt>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/intldetails/1995e4.html |title=International matches 1995 – Europe, October to December |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=2 February 2005 |access-date=25 January 2014 |first=Neil |last=Morrison}}</ref>
|-
| align="center"|4 || align="center"|2–0
|-
| align="center"|5 || align="center"|3–0
|-
| align="center"|6 || 15 November 1995 || [[De Kuip]], [[Rotterdam]], Netherlands || {{fb|NOR}} || align="center"|3–0 || align="center"|3–0 || UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying ||<ref name=malt/>
|-
| align="center"|7 || rowspan="2"|1 June 1998 || rowspan="2"|[[Philips Stadion]], [[Eindhoven]], Netherlands || rowspan="2"|{{fb|PAR}} || align="center"|1–1 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|5–1 || rowspan="2"|Friendly || rowspan="2"|<ref name=parn>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/intldetails/1998ic.html |title=International matches 1998 – Intercontinental |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=2 February 2005 |access-date=25 January 2014 |first=Neil |last=Morrison}}</ref>
|-
| align="center"|8 || align="center"|2–1
|-
| align="center"|9 || 5 June 1998 || [[Amsterdam Arena]], [[Amsterdam]], Netherlands || {{fb|NGA}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|5–1 || Friendly ||<ref name=parn/>
|-
| align="center"|10 || 20 June 1998 || [[Stade Vélodrome]], [[Marseille]], France || {{fb|KOR}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|5–0 || [[1998 FIFA World Cup Group E|1998 FIFA World Cup]] ||<ref name=sktc>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980711032529/http://www.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world_cup_98/results_and_reports/newsid_107000/107079.stm |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world_cup_98/results_and_reports/newsid_107000/107079.stm |title=Stylish Dutch turn on goal power |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |archive-date=11 July 1998 |access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref>
|-
| align="center"|11 || 27 May 2000 || Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands || {{fb|ROM}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–1 || Friendly ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/intldetails/2000e2.html |title=International matches 2000 – Europe, April to June |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=2 February 2005 |access-date=25 January 2014 |first=Ambrosius |last=Kutschera}}</ref>
|-
| align="center"|12 || rowspan="2"|25 June 2000 || rowspan="2"|De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands || rowspan="2"|{{fb|FR Yugoslavia}} || align="center"|5–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|6–1 || rowspan="2"|[[UEFA Euro 2000 knockout stage|UEFA Euro 2000]] || rowspan="2"|<ref name=basd/>
|-
| align="center"|13 || align="center"|6–0
|-
| align="center"|14 || 7 October 2000 || [[GSP Stadium]], [[Nicosia]], Cyprus || {{fb|CYP|1960}} || align="center"|3–0 || align="center"|4–0 || [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 2|2002 FIFA World Cup qualification]] ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/intldetails/2000e4.html |title=International matches 2000 – Europe, October to December |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=2 February 2005 |access-date=25 January 2014 |first=Erlan |last=Manaschev}}</ref>
|-
| align="center"|15 || 25 April 2001 || Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands || {{fb|CYP|1960}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|4–0 || 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/intldetails/2001e1.html |title=International matches 2001 – Europe, January to June |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=2 February 2005 |access-date=25 January 2014 |first=Ambrosius |last=Kutschera}}</ref>
|-
| align="center"|16 || 7 June 2003 || [[Dinamo Stadium (Minsk)|Dinamo Stadium]], [[Minsk]], Belarus || {{fb|BLR}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–0 || [[UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying Group 3|UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying]] ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/intldetails/2003e1.html |title=International matches 2003 – Europe, January to June |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=2 February 2005 |access-date=25 January 2014 |first=Ambrosius |last=Kutschera}}</ref>
|-
| align="center"|17 || 1 June 2004 || [[Stade Olympique de la Pontaise]], [[Lausanne]], Switzerland || {{fb|FAR}} || align="center"|3–0 || align="center"|3–0 || Friendly ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/intldetails/2004e.html |title=International matches 2004 – Europe |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=2 February 2005 |access-date=25 January 2014 |first=Neil |last=Morrison}}</ref>
|}

== Honours ==
'''Ajax'''
*[[Eredivisie]]: [[1993–94 Eredivisie|1993–94]], [[1994–95 Eredivisie|1994–95]], [[1995–96 Eredivisie|1995–96]]<ref name=Profile>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/marcovermars_prs278/person.shtml|title=Marc Overmars: Profile|website=Eurosport.com}}</ref>
*[[KNVB Cup]]: [[1992–93 KNVB Cup|1992–93]]<ref name=finad />
*[[Johan Cruyff Shield|Dutch Supercup]]: [[1993 Dutch Supercup|1993]]<ref name=DutchShield />
*[[UEFA Champions League]]: [[1995 UEFA Champions League Final|1994–95]]<ref name=Profile />
*[[Intercontinental Cup (1960–2004)|Intercontinental Cup]]: [[1995 Intercontinental Cup|1995]]<ref name=Profile />

'''Arsenal'''
*[[Premier League]]: [[1997–98 FA Premier League|1997–98]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/1299/Marc-Overmars/overview |title=Marc Overmars: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref>
*[[FA Cup]]: [[1998 FA Cup Final|1997–98]]<ref name=Profile />
*[[FA Charity Shield]]: [[1998 FA Charity Shield|1998]]<ref name=Profile />

'''Individual'''
*[[Dutch Football Talent of the Year]]: 1992<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/nedpoy.html |title=Netherlands – Player of the Year and Other Awards |publisher=Rec. Sport. Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) |date=12 December 2013 |access-date=2 March 2014 |first=Allard |last=Doesburg}}</ref>
*[[Dutch Golden Shoe Winner]]:1993<ref name="hids"/>
*[[FIFA World Cup awards#FIFA Young Player Award|FIFA World Cup Best Young Player]]: [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994]]<ref name=swardy/>
*[[List of AFC Ajax records and statistics#AFC Ajax prize winners|AFC Ajax Player of the Year]]: [[1995-96 AFC Ajax season|1996]]

== See also ==
* [[List of athletes who came out of retirement#Football|List of athletes who came out of retirement]]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=lower-roman}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Marc Overmars}}
*{{FIFA player|91967}}
*{{Wvo|1084}}
*{{Soccerbase|6043}}
*{{Soccerway|marc-overmars/57654}}

{{Navboxes
|title=Netherlands squads
|bg=#F1771D
|fg=white
|bordercolor=
|list1=
{{Netherlands squad 1994 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Netherlands squad 1998 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2000}}
{{Netherlands squad UEFA Euro 2004}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Awards
|bg=gold
|fg=navy
|list1=
{{AFC Ajax Player of the Year}}
{{Dutch Golden Shoe Winner}}
{{Dutch Football Talent of the Year}}
{{FIFA World Cup Best Young Player}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Overmars, Marc}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Epe, Netherlands]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
[[Category:Dutch expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Men's association football wingers]]
[[Category:Dutch men's footballers]]
[[Category:Netherlands men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Go Ahead Eagles players]]
[[Category:Willem II Tilburg players]]
[[Category:AFC Ajax players]]
[[Category:Arsenal F.C. players]]
[[Category:FC Barcelona players]]
[[Category:Eredivisie players]]
[[Category:Eerste Divisie players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:1994 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:1998 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2000 players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2004 players]]
[[Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players]]
[[Category:AFC Ajax non-playing staff]]
[[Category:Royal Antwerp F.C. non-playing staff]]
[[Category:Footballers from Gelderland]]
[[Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Dutch expatriate sportspeople in Belgium]]
[[Category:Dutch sports executives and administrators]]
[[Category:Directors of football clubs in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:20th-century Dutch sportsmen]]