Roel Dijkstra

File:Roeldijkstra.jpg

Roel Dijkstra is a Dutch comic book series about a fictional football player. The series was created in 1975 by Jan Steeman (1933-2018; winner of the 2005 Dutch Stripschapprijs) and Andrew Brandt. The first 21 volumes, drawn by Steeman and his successors, were published between 1977 and 1995 by Dutch publisher Oberon. Steeman and Brandt produced the first ten.

Storyline

The eponymous Roel Dijkstra is a Dutch football player inspired by Johan Cruijff. He started out as a player with the local football club "FC Leidrecht", which plays in the second division. His football qualities do not go unnoticed and an international transfer is therefore inevitable: he moved on to "FC Hadfort" in the United Kingdom, and where he struggles with adjustment problems.

He then played for "FC Union" in Corsica, and then "FC Rapiditas" before returning to "FC LeIdrecht". The story revolves around Dijkstra and his difficulties adjusting to life in a foreign country, shifty club bosses, friendship with fellow players, and football championships.

This series was discontinued in 1994.

In 2017 and 2018 two more volumes were released, Thuisfront (Homefront) and Pamplona,. Both were serialised in the revived Eppo-magazine.

Album 1

In 1977 Roel Dijkstra is still playing in FC Leidrecht's second team, but his talent is being noticed. During a match, he demonstrates his insight and speed, and soon he gets the chance to train with the first team. While his teammates react with jealousy or skepticism, Roel tries to prove himself to the strict coach and his experienced fellow players. His dream of becoming a professional footballer finally seems within reach — if he can handle the pressure.

Album 2

In 1977 FC Leidrecht is training hard under coach Bastermann to prepare for the new season in the Eredivisie. Roel faces the tough, physical game of professional football and learns that effort alone is not enough. At home, he tinkers with his car but unintentionally becomes involved in a theft: burglars suddenly appear in the workshop. While Roel tries to escape, he finds himself in the middle of a dangerous situation that could put his future as a footballer at stake.

Album 3

In 1978 Roel Dijkstra is enjoying a rare quiet moment, far away from the football pitch. While staying with his parents, he becomes involved in a series of strange events in the village. What starts as an mundane chore soon turns into something more dangerous. Together with Marjan, Roel tries to understand the mysterious unrest, but their curiosity gets them into trouble. Amidst accidents, suspicious characters, and a looming conspiracy, Roel must keep his composure — both on and off the pitch.

Album 4, Dangerous game

In 1978, FC Leidrecht is gearing up for a tough European tournament, where it must take on some of the continent's best teams. Roel Dijkstra has to deal with a new, temperamental Italian goalkeeper and a series of fierce opponents. Tension rises as the club takes on the mighty Tornado from Germany. Roel tries to motivate his team and hold his own under the immense pressure. On and off the pitch, this tournament proves to be not only a battle for the ball, but also for character and perseverance.

Album 5

In 1979 During a soaked match on a heavy pitch, Roel Dijkstra once again shows what he is made of. As the rain pours down and the ball plows through the mud, Roel keeps fighting to lead his team to victory. The conditions are dreadful, but the perseverance of Roel and his team keeps them going. When an English scout watches from the stands, Roel realizes that this duel could well be decisive for his future — a chance to make his dreams come true, or lose it all.

Album 6

In 1980 Roel Dijkstra travels with his team to a Southern European country for a friendly tournament, but he soon notices that the atmosphere is anything but relaxed. A military dictatorship reigns in the country, and even an innocent outing can go wrong. When Roel comes into contact with a mysterious man on the run from the police, he unwittingly finds himself caught in a political web of lies and violence. While trying to stay out of trouble, he discovers that in this country, it is not just on the field that things are played hardball.

Album 7

In 1981 Roel Dijkstra plays for his new club, where he has to deal with an arrogant striker who considers himself unbeatable. During a tough friendly match, it becomes clear that it is not all about talent, but also about commitment and teamwork. Roel tries to defuse the tensions, but an altercation with some supporters on the street gets out of hand. His self-control is severely tested — both on and off the pitch, Roel must fight to earn respect.

Album 8

In 1981 Roel Dijkstra signs a new contract and travels to a tropical island to play for a mysterious club. His host, wealthy businessman Hurdle, promises him a carefree stay, but Roel soon realizes there is more going on. Behind the luxurious façade lurk intrigues, secretive deals, and a fearful population. While trying to focus on the football, Roel discovers that this ‘magical field’ is a dangerous playing field — where power, money, and corruption dictate the rules.

Album 9

In 1982 Back in the Netherlands, Roel Dijkstra visits his old club and old friends. He is approached by a smooth businessman who tries to foist an attractive but vague contract on him. While Roel doubts this man's intentions, he becomes entangled in a world of vested interests and deceit where sport and money intersect. His honesty and common sense are put to the test — for not everyone posing as a supporter plays fair.

Album 10

In 1982, Roel Dijkstra travels by plane to Southern Europe in Corsica, for a well-deserved vacation, but during the flight he strikes up a conversation with a mysterious man who seems to know more about him than he should. What should have been a relaxing trip turns into a series of strange events — from a near miss at the airport to suspicious figures who appear to be following him. Roel soon realizes that he is unwittingly becoming entangled in a dangerous plot in which not only his safety but also his reputation is at stake.

Album 11

In 1983 FC Leidrecht plays a crucial match against the notorious Rambursia team. As the pressure mounts, Roel Dijkstra sharpens his team with his perseverance and game insight. However, the opponent proves to be a tough force not only on the pitch. Off the field, Maarschalk, a smooth businessman with dubious intentions, lurks for an opportunity to capitalize on Roel's success. Caught between sporting triumph and temptation, Roel must decide who he can truly trust.

Album 12, American adventure

In 1983 Roel Dijkstra is playing an important match against FC Vulcanis, in which everything is at stake. The new manager, Pieter de Graaf, wants to see attacking football, but not everyone on the team shares that vision. While Roel gives his all on the pitch, tensions arise behind the scenes between players, the board, and the press. The pressure of professional football, television cameras, and critical journalists make it difficult for him to maintain his pure style of play. Yet, despite everything, Roel tries to remain true to his own game and convictions.

Album 13

In 1984 Roel Dijkstra prepares for an important match while an American film crew follows him for a sports report. The filming is difficult and causes considerable tension within the team. When Roel discovers after training that his car has been tampered with, it seems someone is deliberately trying to sabotage him. Meanwhile, he tries to hold his own amidst the press, teammates, and personal relationships. But one unfortunate incident could seriously jeopardize his reputation and his future on the field.

Album 14

In 1985 The league is approaching its climax, and FC Leidrecht is battling FC Rapiditas for the championship. Roel Dijkstra feels the pressure to prove not only his team but also himself as Europe's top scorer. During the nerve-wracking match, emotions run high: misunderstandings, mistakes, and collisions threaten victory. When the opponent takes the lead, all seems lost. But Roel refuses to give up — he puts everything on the line to turn the tide, even if it means taking personal risks for the team.

Album 15

In 1985 Roel Dijkstra travels to Mexico with his club FC Rapiditas for the prestigious Mini World Cup. The reception is warm, but the atmosphere in the country is tense. Amidst tanks, security, and intrusive journalists, Roel tries to focus on the tournament. During the opening match, he is impressed by the Mexican passion for football — until suddenly an incident on the pitch turns everything upside down. As panic breaks out in the stadium, Roel realizes that there is more at play behind this match than just sport.

Album 16

In 1987 FC Rapiditas is in a sporting crisis: after a series of disappointing matches, the team's self-confidence is nowhere to be found. Roel Dijkstra tries to breathe new life into the squad, but the motivation seems to have vanished. When goalkeeper Vallia also starts making mistakes and the opponent strikes mercilessly, defeat seems inevitable. Frustrations run high, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Roel realizes that something drastic must change — or Rapiditas will drop out of the top for good.

Album 17

In 1987, A new sponsor causes unrest at FC Rapiditas. While goalkeeper Vallia indulges in media shows and advertising campaigns, Roel Dijkstra watches with dismay as sporting discipline disappears. The pressure of commercial interests weighs increasingly heavily on the team. When Frank van Leen gets involved in shady dealings, Rapiditas unwittingly finds itself caught in a web of gambling scandals and power games. Roel tries to keep the squad together — but notices that the game off the pitch is sometimes more ruthless than on the grass.

Album 18

In 1992, After a grueling football season, Roel Dijkstra is finally enjoying a well-deserved vacation. But even on the beach of a tropical island, peace won't leave him alone: ​​a mysterious man turns up with urgent messages from “the president”. To his annoyance, Roel once again finds himself embroiled in football affairs — and in a dark gambling plot that shakes the international sports world to its foundations. What starts as a phone call on the beach leads to a dangerous game in which the black market turns out to be worth millions.

Album 19

In 1992, A new season is dawning, and expectations are buzzing at FC Rapiditas. Roel Dijkstra faces new teammates—including the Brazilian Crea and the talented Kajakow from Romania. The atmosphere seems good, but behind the smiles of some players lurk tensions and hidden ambitions. As the club prepares for the league, Roel discovers that team spirit does not arise on its own. Old rivalries resurface, and it soon becomes clear that this season will be decisive for his future at FC Rapiditas.

Album 20

In 1994 Roel Dijkstra travels to Africa with his team for a friendly tournament, but the promised sporting adventure quickly turns into a political minefield. During a match in the country of Akanda, chaos erupts: helicopters land on the pitch and soldiers intervene. As the players are dragged into a conflict between rulers and rebels, Roel tries to keep his team safe. Amidst the unrest, he meets Ebony, a local footballer who knows more about what is really going on — and who confronts Roel with the dark side of African football.

Album 21

In 1995, FC Rapiditas stands on the eve of a decisive match that could make or break the season. Tension runs high within the team, where frustrations, doubt, and personal conflicts rear their heads. During the match, everything seems to go wrong: strange decisions by the referee, unexpected errors, and an opponent who appears untrustworthy. As the pressure mounts, Roel Dijkstra must keep his team together and fight against invisible forces — both on and off the field.

The titular character

Roel Dijkstra

Personal information
Full name	Roel Dijkstra
Date of birth	( -Missing required parameter 1=month!-00)Missing required parameter 1=month!
Place of birth	? , Netherlands
Date of death	( -Missing required parameter 1=month!-00)Missing required parameter 1=month!
Height
Playing position	Forward
Youth career
-1977	FC Leidrecht
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1974-1978	FC Leidrecht
1978-1980	Hartford FC
1980-1981	FC Leidrecht
1981-1982	Union Corsica
1982-	Rapiditas FC
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Search Roel Dijkstra on Amazon.

Roel Dijkstra was the star-player of the eponymous comic strip. The eponymous character was directly inspired by the legendary Dutch footballer and manager, Johan Cruyff. Also thhe book 'Roel Dijkstra: Johan Cruyff an English-language paperback edition, was published on November 25, 2011. It is a book centered around Johan Cruyff, intertwining the legendary Dutch footballer's legacy with the beloved, long-running Dutch comic book character Roel Dijkstra.

Roel Djikstra in 1987

Honours

Club

• Eredivisie: 1982-83, 1987, 1991
• KNVB Cup: 1977, 1985, 1994
• European Cup: 1987, 1992
• Cup Winners' Cup: 1978
• Mini World Cup Tournament: Mexico 1985
• Cagliari International Tournament: Summer 1991
• Repubblik Torrida International Tournament: Summer 1978
• International Super Cup Tournament
  • Runner-up: USA 1983

Individual

• Eredivisie Topscorer: 1982-83, 1984-85
• Euopean Golden Boot Topscorer: 1984-85

Titles

No.	Title	Year	Writers
1.	Buitenspel & Doorbraak	1977	Jan Steeman/Andrew Brandt
2.	Hattrick	1977	Jan Steeman/Andrew Brandt
3.	Obstructie	1978	Jan Steeman/Andrew Brandt
4.	Gevaarlijk spel	1978	Jan Steeman/Andrew Brandt
5.	Op vreemd terrein	1979	Jan Steeman/Andrew Brandt
6.	Hard tegen hard	1980	Jan Steeman/Andrew Brandt
7.	De superspits	1981	Jan Steeman/Andrew Brandt
8.	Het magische veld	1981	Jan Steeman/Andrew Brandt
9.	Thuiswedstrijd	1982	Jan Steeman/Andrew Brandt
10.	Venijn op Corsica	1982	Jan Steeman/Andrew Brandt
11.	De maarschalk	1983	Keith Watson/Dave Hunt
12.	Amerikaans avontuur	1983	Keith Watson/Dave Hunt
13.	Uitgeschakeld	1984	Keith Watson/Jaap Bubenik
14.	De invaller	1985	Keith Watson/Jaap Bubenik
15.	De miljoenentransfer	1985	Keith Watson/Jaap Bubenik
16.	De schijnbeweging	1987	Keith Watson/Jaap Bubenik
17.	De sponsor	1987	Keith Watson/Jaap Bubenik
18.	De zwarte toto	1992	Keith Watson/Jaap Bubenik
19.	Het contract	1992	Lebovic Marinko/Jaap Bubenik
20.	Ebony	1994	Lebovic Marinko/Roy Robson
21.	Het mijnenveld	1995	Lebovic Marinko/Roy Robson
22.	Thuisfront	2017	Roelof Wijtsma/Willem Ritstier
23.	Pamplona	2018	Roelof Wijtsma/Willem Ritstier

See also

• Rob Ridder

External links

• Roel Dijkstra (1977 series) at comics.org

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