Jansen served in several roles at Feyenoord, including winning the KNVB Cup in consecutive seasons as manager in the early 1990s.

[2] He scored once in the 1969–70 European Cup campaign, opening a 2–0 home win over A.C. Milan in the second leg of the second round, as Feyenoord overturned a 1–0 loss from the first game.

He scored his only international goal in his eighth game on 4 September 1968, a 2–0 win over Luxembourg in his hometown for 1970 FIFA World Cup qualification.

[6] He committed the foul on Bernd Hölzenbein in 1974 which allowed Paul Breitner to equalise with a penalty as the Germans came from behind to beat the Dutch.

A holding midfielder, Jansen excelled at breaking up attacking plays from adversaries, getting the ball from them, and covering for his teammates.

Despite standing at 5'5, Jansen's defensive skills along with his tenacity, pace, and incredible stamina allowed him to form a formidable midfield trio at Feyenoord with Franz Hasil and Willem Van Hanegem, and in the Dutch national team, with van Hanegem and Ajax player Johan Neeskens.

Van Hanegem remarked that he received all the "smart balls" from Jansen and praised him as a versatile player, noting: "Wim could play anywhere, just not in goal.

"[7] Jansen also excelled in offensive duties, such as providing chances for his teammates to score goals, with a record of 113 assists, according to German website Transfermarkt.

[9] He became technical director in 1992, and his old teammate, Willem van Hanegem, coached the team to the league championship in 1993 and the Dutch Cup again the following season.

[11] On 3 July 1997, Wim Jansen was appointed head coach of Celtic, replacing the sacked Tommy Burns.