VAN DE KERKHOF BROTHERS

Here I will represent you careers of van de Kerkhof brothers: Reinier "René" Lambertus and Wilhelmus "Willy" Antonius. As you already know they are twin brothers born on this day (16 of September) in Helmond. His father Renier (1910 – 1956) was also a amateur footballer. Both brothers at young age jointed local amateur club RKSV MULO. They made senior football debuts in 1970 in Twente jersey. Lot of their career they played together. Rene played as right winger while other brother played as midfilder. In Twente they played for three seasons. In those three seasons Rene played 99 Eredivisie matches (scoring 34 goals) while Willy played 93 league matches scoring 14 goals. After Twente they jointed one of the best clubs in Holland, PSV. They played together in PSV for ten seasons when Rene moved to Greece. His brother Willy stayed in PSV until the end of his career in 1988. In those 10 seasons with PSV Rene played more then 250 matches. Rene moved abroad to Greece where he played one season for Apollon Smyrnis and one for Hong Kong club Seiko SA. After two seasons abroad he came back to play for Helmond and FC Eindhoven. Willy stayed with PSV where he finished his career. He played more then 400 league matches which puts him at second place in PSV history. During their time in PSV they were three times Eredivision champions, they also won two KNVB Baker and one UEFA Cup. Later Willy added three more league titles, one cup and Champions League titles in 1987/88.

Both brothers played for their national team. They were members of Dutch squads at WC 1974 and 1978. Both of those World cups they finished as runner-ups. In 1974 they lost from Germany and in 1978 Argentina was better. They are only twins that played in WC final. They also played in two EURO tournaments 1976 and 1980. In 1976 they finished as 3rd placed. Rene was 47 times capped for national team while his brother played 63 matches.   

First season with Twente

In 1973 both moved to PSV

In 1981/82 Panini produced only sticker of Willy so here is team photo from that album

In 1983 Rene moved to play one season in Greece Apollon. Later he went to Hong Kong club Seiko SA. Willy stayed in PSV rest of his career. 

In 1985 Rene came back to Holland to play for Helmond Sport. He stayed there for about two and half seasons. Willy retired in 1987/88 when he become European champion with PSV.

Last matches of his career Rene played for FC Eindhoven (last in 3rd row)  

Willy and Rene today