Happy birthday! Ruud van Nistelrooy turns 49 today

Ruud van Nistelrooy is celebrating his 49th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed footballers of his generation.

Popular footballer-coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 49th birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

van Nistelrooy, a cultural icon

Born Rutgerus Johannes Martinus van Nistelrooy in Oss on July 1, 1976, his career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in Dutch history. van Nistelrooy's not just a great footballer, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Ruud hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Ruud van Nistelrooy as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 49.

Happy Birthday, Ruud, you're the best!

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