Noud van Melis (10 February 1924 – 8 August 2001) was a Dutch footballer, who played as a centre forward.[1][2]
Van Melis was born in Eindhoven[1][2] and started playing football at local third-level club RKVV Tongelre.[3] In 1946, he moved to EVV Eindhoven.[3] Over time, a team was built around the proficient goalscorer Van Melis.[3][4] During the early 1950s, this team was among the best in the Netherlands, culminating in the 1953–54 season, in which they became national champions.[2][3][4]
After the 1953–54 season, professional football was introduced in the Netherlands, and Van Melis took the opportunity to get paid by moving to Rapid JC.[3][4] In the 1955–56 season, he was an important part of the Rapid JC squad which became Dutch champions.[4]
In 1958, he returned to EVV Eindhoven, who by then had descended to the Eerste Divisie.[1][4] After two seasons, he retired at the age of 36.[1][4]
A stand at the Jan Louwers Stadion, home stadium of FC Eindhoven (as EVV Eindhoven is now known), is named after him.[5]
Van Melis earned 13 caps for the Netherlands between 1950 and 1957.[2][6][7] He scored in each of his first eight international appearances, netting twelve goals.[6][7] In total, he scored 15 times.[2][6][7] In 1952, he was selected for the Dutch squad at the Summer Olympics, but did not make an appearance.[8][9]
Van Melis was known as a very productive goalscorer[3][4] who was adept at positioning.[4] Despite being positioned on the pitch as a traditional centre forward, he also possessed qualities associated with more modern forwards, due to his pace, technique, and insight.[4]
EVV Eindhoven