1976: Born July 1st in Oss, Holland.

Plays for Nooit Gedacht and Margriet before joining FC Den Bosch, then in Dutch second division.

1997: Moves to first division with Heerenveen. Scores 13 times in 30 appearances in 1997-98 season.

1998: Signs for PSV Eindhoven on his 22nd birthday for £4.2 million (15 million guilders) - a record between Dutch clubs.

August 29th - scores first league goal for PSV, against his former club.

October 31st - hits hat-trick for PSV against Sparta.

November 18th - makes international debut for Holland in 1-1 draw with Germany.

1999: May - ends season as top scorer in Dutch league with 31 goals, second in European Golden Boot Rankings. Voted Dutch player of the year by fellow professionals. Scores first and so far only international goal against Morocco.

2000: February 21st - wins ninth cap for Holland in 2-1 friendly victory over Germany.

March 6th - Picks up knee injury attempting bicycle kick in friendly against Danish side Silkeborg with goals tally on 29 for season.

April 21st - PSV agree to sell him to Manchester United in £19 million deal.