Adrianus Johannes "Arjan" de Zeeuw (born 16 April 1970) is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.
Born in Castricum, North Holland, De Zeeuw started his career at Vitesse '22 in the Dutch amateur leagues,[2] and studied for a degree in medical science whilst playing for the club.
In 1995, he considered quitting football after he felt Telstar had priced him out of a move to Eredivisie side Utrecht, but decided to stay with the club for one more year.
[7] At Wigan he soon became a vital team member, proving to be highly dependable at the back, and received the club's Player of the Year award in 2001 and 2002.
The majority of Portsmouth supporters lamented this decision and loss of their former captain, who had a very consistent season with Wigan at the heart of their defence, helping them to a better-than-expected mid-table finish and even received praise from then Prime Minister Tony Blair.
[citation needed] He refused to retaliate after El Hadji Diouf spat in his face during a match at the Reebok Stadium in November 2004.
In a poll to celebrate the centenary of the Professional Footballers' Association fans voted De Zeeuw to be the best player of all time for Wigan Athletic.