Leo Beenhakker, Renowned Coach of Real Madrid and Netherlands, Passes Away at 82

Synopsis

Leo Beenhakker, a legendary Dutch soccer coach known for his successful tenures with various European clubs and national teams, has passed away at the age of 82. His contributions to football and memorable achievements will be remembered fondly.

Key Takeaways

Leo Beenhakker was a prominent Dutch soccer coach.
He led Real Madrid to multiple championships.
His coaching career spanned several elite clubs.
Managed the Netherlands in the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
Guided Trinidad and Tobago to their first World Cup in 2006.

The Hague, April 11 (NationPress) Leo Beenhakker, the distinguished Dutch football coach celebrated for his remarkable achievements with elite European clubs and national squads, has died at the age of 82, as confirmed by his family to Dutch national broadcaster NOS.

Born in Rotterdam, Beenhakker began his coaching journey with SC Veendam in 1968. He subsequently managed SC Cambuur and Go Ahead Eagles before becoming part of Ajax Amsterdam's coaching team in 1978. Elevated to head coach in 1979, he guided Ajax to the Eredivisie title during the 1979-80 season. He returned to Ajax in 1989, where he again clinched the league championship in the 1989-90 season.

“The Dutch football community says goodbye to an icon. A vibrant football personality whose humor and eloquence have greatly enriched the football lexicon... The KNVB expresses its heartfelt condolences to all family, friends, and associates of Leo Beenhakker during this challenging time,” stated the Netherlands football federation.

Internationally, Beenhakker rose to fame as the head coach of Real Madrid, leading the Spanish club to three consecutive La Liga titles from 1986 to 1989. Under his leadership, Real Madrid also won the Copa del Rey in 1989 and the Spanish Super Cup in both 1988 and 1989.

“Real Madrid C. F., along with its president and board, are profoundly saddened by the passing of Leo Beenhakker, the legendary coach who managed the team from 1986 to 1989 and again in 1992. The club extends its condolences and affection to his family, clubs, and loved ones,” Real Madrid stated in a press release.

In 1997, Beenhakker took over at Feyenoord Rotterdam, steering them to an Eredivisie championship in the 1998-99 season and a Johan Cruyff Shield victory in 1999.

On the international front, Beenhakker managed the Netherlands national team, overseeing their run in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where they were knocked out by Germany in the second round.

Later, he guided the national teams of Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Poland. Notably, he led Trinidad and Tobago to their inaugural World Cup appearance in 2006 and helped Poland qualify for Euro 2008, marking their first entry into the European Championship.