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.

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.