When you think of PSV Eindhoven, names like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Romário or Luuk de Jong may spring to mind. But the top scorer in PSV history is none other than a club legend whose name still echoes through the Philips Stadion corridors: Willy van der Kuijlen. In this article, ShanyaKick will take you through Willy’s record, his rivals, and how his legacy still hovers over Eindhoven’s footballing skyline.
The Legend: Willy van der Kuijlen
Willy van der Kuijlen, born December 6, 1946 in Helmond, Netherlands, was a one-club icon who rose through PSV’s youth ranks and became the embodiment of goal-scoring excellence. Over 18 seasons (1964–1981) in PSV’s first team, he made 528 league appearances, tallying 308 league goals, which remains the highest in club history. His total goal count for PSV across all competitions edges a bit higher, but it’s that 308 mark in league play that cements his status as the top scorer in PSV history.
Van der Kuijlen wasn’t just prolific; he was versatile. He often played as a playmaking forward, drifting into midfield to influence the game, but always keeping an eye for goal. His nickname “Skiete Willy” (Shoot, Willy) captured his reputation for shooting power and clinical finishing. Over his PSV career, he won three Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Cup trophies, and helped lead PSV to its first major European triumph: the 1978 UEFA Cup.
Even after hanging up his boots, Van der Kuijlen remained woven into the club’s fabric—serving as youth coach, assistant manager, scout, and honorary figure. His legacy is so ingrained that many consider him “Mister PSV.”
How He Set The Standard: Records & Milestones
To understand why Willy’s name stands head and shoulders above the rest, here are the key records and milestones:
| Record / Milestone | Stat / Achievement |
| League goals for PSV | 308 goals in 528 matches |
| Appearances for PSV (league) | 528 matches |
| All competitions total for PSV | Slightly higher than 308 (including cup, European) |
| Years at club | 1964–1981 |
| Titles won with PSV | 3× Eredivisie, 2× KNVB Cup, 1× UEFA Cup |
| National team (Netherlands) | 22 caps, 7 goals |
| Additional awards | Eredivisie top scorer in multiple seasons |
He was also a multi-time Eredivisie top-scorer during his career, showcasing that his scoring prowess wasn’t just cumulative but consistent over time.
Rivals & Contenders: Who Comes Next on the List?
Although Van der Kuijlen is untouchable at the top, several other players come close or are celebrated for their goal-scoring feats at PSV:
- Coen Dillen — Often cited as the second greatest PSV scorer, he notched 288 goals.
- Luuk de Jong — In modern times, he’s among the closest challengers in recent decades.
- Luc Nilis, Hallvar Thoresen, Mateja Kežman, Romário — Names that appear in the top-5 or top-10 PSV scorers lists, thanks to spells of brilliance.
However, none of them surpass Willy’s combination of longevity and consistency in PSV colors.
Why His Record Likely Stands for Generations
- Longevity and loyalty: Staying at one club for most of his prime years allowed him to build that record.
- Consistency: Season after season, he hit goal tallies that few modern players can maintain over time.
- Changing football landscape: Modern transfers, rotations, injuries, and more competitive squad depth make it harder for a player to spend so many uninterrupted seasons at one club.
- Legacy effect: His name is legend; younger strikers at PSV carry that weight, but it’s a tall bar to clear.
That said, modern strikers like Luuk de Jong still chase personal records at PSV, but breaking 308 league goals is a monumental task in today’s game dynamics.
Legacy and Impact Beyond Numbers
Willy van der Kuijlen’s influence goes beyond mere goal statistics. He became a cultural and emotional icon at PSV. His image is memorialized in the stadium, and supporters still tell stories of his killer finishes and match-winning instincts. He represented what it meant to be loyal to a club: to live and breathe its colors for nearly two decades.
His record also inspires debates about club legends across Europe — comparing him with elite scorers at clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Manchester United. But within Eindhoven, his status is unmatched.
Final Thoughts
The top scorer in PSV history is, without question, Willy van der Kuijlen — 308 league goals and an everlasting legacy at the club. His combination of skill, loyalty, and consistent scoring make him more than just a record holder — he is a living legend in the DNA of PSV.
ShanyaKick urges every PSV fan and every football lover: next time you watch a match, keep an eye on the names chasing his record. And if you’re curious about the top scorers at other clubs, compare the legends — it tells you a lot about football’s evolution.
