Football world in grief: coaching legend Leo Beenhakker died at the age of 82

Football world in grief: coaching legend Leo Beenhakker died at the age of 82

Leo Beenhakker, a legend of Dutch football, died on April 10, 2025 at the age of 82. His family confirmed the death of the former bond coach in the Netherlands, which trained the national selection from 1985 to 1986 and in 1990. The Dutch team met Germany in a memorable World Cup in 1990 and lost 1-2, a game that was entered into the history books due to the spitting incident by Frank Rijkaard. OE24 reports that BEENHAKKER celebrated its greatest success.

The Beenhakker coaching career extended over an impressive 45 years. Among other things, he was a coach at renowned clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam, Feyenoord and Real Madrid, where he won three championships in a row from 1987 to 1989. Real Madrid posthumously paid him his respect and described him as a "legendary trainer". He also had great influence in the Netherlands and won championships with Ajax and Feyenoord several times. At the age of only 26, he was also the youngest head coach in Dutch professional football.

success on international stage

During his term at Poland, he was awarded the Order Polonia Restita for his services. After his release from the Polish national team in 2010, he was still active in football and took on various roles, including sports director at Feyenoord and technical director at Sparta Rotterdam. He kept a strong presence in Dutch football until he announced his resignation from active football training in 2015. Beenhakker also worked as a technical consultant and thus remained connected to the sport.

The role in Dutch football

The Dutch national team, also known as "Oranje", has an eventful history in international football. Not only was Beenhakker an important part of this story, which was characterized by winning the 1988 European Championship and three times Vice World Championships in 1974, 1978 and 2010, but the team was always one of the top nations in world football. The Dutch Football Association was founded in 1889 and has experienced a variety of remarkable moments since then. Players like Johan Cruyff and Ruud Gullit have shaped the history of football and are part of the heritage, to which Beenhakker also contributed.

Leo Beenhakker leaves a heir that goes far beyond his own success. His leadership and strategic talent have inspired generations of players and coaches. Wikipedia recognizes his contributions and success in a comprehensive overview of his career. His legacy will live in Dutch football and beyond.