The Non-Flying Dutchman: A Legend Grounded by Fear Yet Soared on the Pitch

Illustration of an airplane taking off in the background with a football on the grass in the foreground, featuring a player's bright orange socked foot resting on it. The words "Non Flying Dutchman" are written on the side of the boot.

Dennis Bergkamp:

Arsenal Legend with a Fear of Flying

Dennis Bergkamp is celebrated as one of Arsenal’s all-time greats, known for his creativity, vision, and an incredible first touch. However, beyond his footballing genius, Bergkamp is also remembered for something unique—his fear of flying. This phobia had a significant impact on his career, particularly when it came to European away games.

Back view of a man wearing an Arsenal shirt with "Dennis" printed on it, celebrating on the pitch.

Dennis Bergkamp is celebrated as one of Arsenal’s all-time greats, known for his creativity, vision, and an incredible first touch. However, beyond his footballing genius, Bergkamp is also remembered for something unique—his fear of flying. This phobia had a significant impact on his career, particularly when it came to European away games.

The Origins of Bergkamp's Flying Phobia

Silhouette of a man looking up at an airplane in the sky, deep in thought. — Dennis Bergkamp stopped flying in the mid-1990s.

Bergkamp’s fear of flying, or aviophobia, is often popularly attributed to a harrowing flight during the 1994 World Cup when the Dutch team faced a mechanical issue en route to the USA. This experience was particularly traumatic for him and contributed significantly to his anxiety around air travel. However, it is essential to note that his fear did not originate solely from this incident; rather, it developed over time due to a series of unsettling flying experiences. From that moment, Bergkamp swore off flying, and his anxiety became so intense that he would refuse to board planes for the remainder of his career.

How Arsenal Adapted to Bergkamp's Fear

Close-up of a steering wheel with a blurred road stretching ahead, symbolizing a journey by car. — Dennis Bergkamp's preferred driving to games instead of flying.

Bergkamp’s refusal to fly posed challenges, especially for Arsenal’s European matches. For long away trips, such as Champions League games, he often traveled by car or train while the rest of the team flew. This arrangement limited his ability to play in crucial away games, particularly in far-off countries. Yet, his contributions on home soil made him an invaluable asset.

The Sculptor’s Touch: Immortalized at the Emirates

Statue of Dennis Bergkamp outside Emirates Stadium, capturing the legendary footballer's iconic pose. — The statue of Dennis Bergkamp, a tribute to Arsenal's legendary forward, stands proudly outside Emirates Stadium, celebrating his remarkable contributions to the club.

Bergkamp’s talent was often described as having a “sculptor’s touch.” His ability to control the ball with grace and precision was almost artistic, and this legacy lives on in the form of a statue outside Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. The statue captures Bergkamp in mid-flight, metaphorically contrasting his grounded fear of flying with his brilliance on the pitch.

A Tribute to Greatness: Visit Bergkamp’s Statue

Spectators enjoying a football match inside Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal FC. — Fans immerse themselves in the electric atmosphere of a match at Emirates Stadium. While visiting the iconic Dennis Bergkamp statue, consider taking a stadium tour or catching a game to fully experience the magic of Arsenal.

Large mural outside Emirates Stadium featuring the backs of Arsenal legends, with Dennis Bergkamp on the far left. — A striking mural outside Emirates Stadium celebrates the legacy of Arsenal legends, including Dennis Bergkamp, who stands proudly on the far left.

Despite his fear of flying, Dennis Bergkamp remains a footballing legend. His phobia may have kept him grounded, but on the field, he soared higher than most, leaving an unforgettable legacy at Arsenal and in world football. Today, you can visit Dennis Bergkamp's statue outside the Emirates Stadium.

While there, if you're not attending a game, you can enjoy a tour of the Emirates Stadium. Check out our page for more about the Arsenal Tour and Stadium for more information.

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