Picture Credit: X
In sad news for the football world, former Real Madrid and Netherlands manager Leo Beenhakker passed away at the age of 82. The legendary coach was known for his successful contribution to European clubs and national teams. Born in Rotterdam, the Dutchman successfully coached clubs like Feyenoord and Ajax, as well as national sides from Saudi Arabia, Trinidad & Tobago, and Poland. He guided Ajax to Eredivisie titles in 1979-80 and 1989-90 before winning the Dutch League again with Feyenoord in 1998-99. He played a key role in helping Real Madrid win three consecutive Spanish titles.
In a condolence note shared by Real Madrid, the club expressed deep sadness over Beenhakker’s passing. It stated, “Real Madrid, its president, and board of directors are deeply saddened by the death of Leo Beenhakker, the legendary Real Madrid coach who led Los Blancos between 1986 and 1989, and in 1992. Real Madrid would like to express their condolences and affection to his family, clubs, and loved ones.”
Lost a coaching icon and truly unique figure: Ajax over Leo Beenhakker's death
Referring Beenhakker as a "coaching icon and a truly unique figure" the club stated," Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker."
Beenhakker was successful in managing the Dutch national team in 1986 and 1990. The Rotterdam-born coach led the Oranje to the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where they lost to eventual champions West Germany in a heated last-16 match. The well-traveled Dutch coach has also managed Swiss team Grasshoppers, Mexican side Team América, Istanbulspor in Turkey, Spain's Real Zaragoza, and Saudi Arabia.
Leo Beenhakker gained success in guiding his hometown club, Feyenoord, to Eredivisie titles in both 1999 and 2000. In 2006, he made history by leading Trinidad and Tobago to their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. The team earned a memorable draw against Sweden and put up a spirited performance against England before being eliminated by Paraguay in the group stage.
Beenhakker’s final role in international management came with Poland, whom he successfully led to their first European Championship qualification in 2008. Following that, he held several strategic roles, including technical director at Újpest FC in Hungary, director of football for Trinidad and Tobago, and later as a director and advisor for Sparta Rotterdam until 2018.
