[3] Born in The Hague, Matthijs Clavan started his club career with RVC Rijswijk before moving to ADO.

[3][4] At the age of 15, he acquired the nickname Mick, as his speed and cunning playing style drew comparisons with Mickey Mouse.

[3][4][5] Aside from his footballing skills, Clavan also showed a capricious character, such as when in 1951, while on military service, he insulted a sergeant and was convicted to two months in jail.

[5][6] In 1954, professionalism was introduced to Dutch football, which prompted Clavan to move to the newly formed "paid club" SHS.

[1] Clavan gained his final cap on 26 January 1965, aged 35, as a substitute for Klaas Nuninga in a 1–0 away win against Israel.