2008. Marco's career as national team coach is anything but smooth, causing him to increasingly doubt whether he can become the coach he so desperately wants to be. The power struggle with his childhood idol and friend Cruijff leads to a major confrontation between them. Marco is forced to take stock of his career.

2003. After retiring from soccer, family life offers him a fresh start, but Marco continues to yearn for soccer and success. When he unexpectedly receives an offer to become an assistant coach at Jong Ajax, he finds it hard to turn it down. Just as things are starting to fall into place, a claim for millions from the tax authorities lands on his doorstep.

Marco brings the Netherlands its only international title ever: the 1988 European Championship. But for Marco, that's not enough. The 1990 World Championship is his new goal. Partly because of the enormous fame he has gained, Marco completely loses himself in the run-up to the World Championship. As a result, he risks losing the love of his life, his girlfriend Liesbeth.

1986. When Marco's brother comes to watch one of Marco's games against FC Groningen for the first time in years, Marco makes a reckless slide tackle that injures his ankle. The tension mounts further when he is offered a contract by AC Milan and, at the same time, has to promise Cruijff that he will win the European Cup for him.

1985. Teenager Marco is a rising star at Ajax and meets his idol, Johan Cruijff. He forms a close bond with him both on and off the field. While out with John van 't Schip, he meets Liesbeth, with whom he falls head over heels in love. As Marco's soccer career takes off, his mother's health begins to decline.

1974. Ten-year-old Marco is a very good soccer player, but his father who doesn't take children's soccer seriously, just doesn't notice him. To earn his father's recognition in a family situation that isn't always pleasant, Marco gives it his all. In the present day, 1992, Marco must deal with the consequences of an extreme medical procedure: the fitting of the Ilizarov apparatus.

1992. Marco van Basten is 28 years old and at the absolute peak of his career. The persistent pain in his ankle forces him to undergo surgery, as he is convinced he can become an even better soccer player. In his eagerness to recover, Marco undergoes treatments that become increasingly unconventional.