Old Dutch National trainer Leo Beenhakker died
Legendary Football Coach Leo Beenhakker Dies at 82
By Johan
April 12, 2025
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Leo Beenhakker, the iconic Dutch football coach known for his long and illustrious career both at home and abroad, has passed away at the age of 82. A former national coach of the Netherlands and a key figure at clubs like Ajax and Feyenoord, Beenhakker leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of football.
Spanning more than five decades, his coaching career saw him achieve significant success. Beenhakker led Ajax to Eredivisie titles in 1980 and 1990, and later guided Feyenoord to the league championship in 1999. He also took Ajax to the semi-finals of the European Cup I in 1980 and, twenty years later, became the first manager to guide Feyenoord through the winter break in the Champions League.
His most notable triumphs abroad came with Real Madrid, where he won three consecutive La Liga titles in 1987, 1988, and 1989—cementing his status as a top manager on the international stage.
Beenhakker’s tenure with the Dutch national team was more challenging. After failing to qualify for the 1986 World Cup, he returned to the helm just ahead of the 1990 tournament. Despite having star players like Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Ronald Koeman at his disposal, the Netherlands were knocked out in the round of 16 in Italy.
Leo Beenhakker will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in Dutch football history—a coach who left an indelible mark on every team he led.
Failed World Cup 1986
After Kees Rijvers was dismissed following a loss to Hungary in 1985, Rinus Michels stepped in as head coach. He also lost his first game but managed to win the second. Unfortunately, due to heart-related health issues, Michels had to step down. His protégé, Leo Beenhakker—who had played a key role in Rijvers’ departure—was appointed as his replacement.
With Hungary quickly securing qualification, the Netherlands had to aim for second place, which would mean a play-off spot. With the gifted Robbie de Wit—whose promising career would later be cut short by a brain aneurysm—among the ranks, the Dutch managed a crucial away win against Hungary, earning a play-off against Belgium.
The first leg, played in Belgium, ended in a 1-0 loss for the Netherlands. Early in the match, Wim Kieft received a red card in just the fourth minute following some theatrics from Belgian midfielder Franky Vercauteren, who later scored the only goal of the match. Despite the presence of stars like Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Marco van Basten, and De Wit, the Dutch couldn’t recover.
The return leg in Rotterdam was personally unforgettable—but for all the wrong reasons. We needed a 2-0 win to qualify for the World Cup. By the 84th minute, hope was alive: Robbie de Wit and Peter Houtman had delivered the two goals we needed.
But in the 85th minute, a defensive lapse allowed George Grün to head in a goal for Belgium—2-1. Just like that, the dream ended. No World Cup for the Netherlands.
World Cup of 1990
Leo Beenhakker returned for another spell as national team manager in 1990, but once again struggled to inspire the squad to a strong performance. While the Rotterdam-born coach enjoyed notable success at club level—with Ajax, Real Madrid, and Feyenoord among others—his time with the national team was far less impressive.
Beenhakker’s brash, alpha-male style didn’t sit well with a generation of intelligent, outspoken players like Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, and Marco van Basten. His approach clashed with the team’s dynamic, ultimately leading to a disappointing chapter in his otherwise accomplished career—a blemish on an otherwise impressive résumé.
Don Leo´s deadth Big news in Spanish media
Every major Spanish sports newspaper paid tribute to Leo Beenhakker (82) on their front pages, with dedicated sections honoring his passing. The Spanish media describe his death as a significant loss, calling him “one of the most illustrious coaches of the late 20th century.”
Beenhakker earned legendary status in Spain by guiding Real Madrid to three consecutive La Liga titles from 1987 to 1989. He managed the iconic ‘La Quinta del Buitre’—a golden generation of five homegrown stars: Emilio Butragueño, Manuel Sanchís, Rafael Martín Vázquez, Míchel, and Miguel Pardeza—who helped define Madrid’s dominance in the 1980s.
Since Beenhakker’s era, no Real Madrid manager has managed to win three league titles in a row. Fittingly, Marca led with the headline on Friday: “The legendary Real Madrid manager has died.”
In my memory will always remain the loss of the big Real Madrid against PSV in the half final, the elimination in 1988 against the eventual winner PSV due to the famous roller by Edward Linskens.
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4 Comments
Jan
Thanks for this! He was a remarkable guy. I have so many memories of him. He was one of those guys that never kicked against a ball at a decent level. And still he made it big. As youth coach at Feyenoord, he made an impression. His move to Ajax was opportunistic, but it worked wonders. Despite his name (leg breaker) he became a popular guy in Amsterdam, despite his Rotterdam roots. He ended up winning titles in both Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The only coach to do so. There have been players who did this for both clubs, but not a coach. His stint at Real Madrid was incredible too, with legends like Michel, Sanchez and Butragueneo hailing his coaching skills. His tenure as Oranje coach was less successful with the dramatic 1990 World Cup as the lowest low.
Ronald Koeman (Netherlands)
“A great loss for Dutch football. Leo was a coach with unparalleled passion and vision.”
Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
“Rest in peace, coach. Thank you for giving me the chance to fulfill my dream in the national team.”
Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
“Today someone very important to me has passed away. It hurts my soul. Thank you, Mr. Leo Beenhakker, for the trust you placed in me when I just started. Your vision, experience, and belief influenced my career and my life. Rest in peace, sir. I will remember you with admiration.”
Dwight Yorke (Trinidad & Tobago)
“He was more than a tactician — he was a leader who respected the culture, earned our trust, and inspired a nation. I will always be grateful for his guidance.”
Shaka Hislop (Trinidad & Tobago)
“He loved me like a son, and I loved him like a father. His wisdom, warmth, and endless passion for the game will stay with me forever. Every time I step on a field with my players now, I’ll carry his lessons in my heart and his spirit in every step.”
Real Madrid’s Official Tribute
Real Madrid issued a formal statement mourning the loss of their former manager:
“Real Madrid C.F., its President, and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Leo Beenhakker, the historic Real Madrid coach who led our team from 1986 to 1989, and in 1992. Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and sympathy to his family, his clubs, and all his loved ones.”
Mario Been recounted a memorable experience with Beenhakker:
“I have a nice story about Leo. He had a house in Spain, and I did too. One day he was coming over for dinner, and I wanted to take him to the best restaurant I knew. It was a beautiful place by the sea, but when I got there, I saw that all the waterside tables were reserved. Feeling embarrassed, I returned to Leo and explained the situation. With his characteristic charm, he responded, ‘Let me handle this, kid.’ Moments later, he walked into the restaurant, and the chefs dropped to their knees as if he were a deity, clearing the reserved signs from the tables. We ended up having a wonderful meal by the water.”
Been also highlighted Beenhakker’s coaching prowess:
“He won three league titles with Real Madrid, which says a lot about his qualities as a coach, especially for someone who never played at a high level himself.”
Willem van Hanegem (Feyenoord Legend)
Van Hanegem emphasized Beenhakker’s ability to connect with all players:
“He was very good with the stars, but he was also smart enough to understand that you need the other guys too.”
Robin van Persie (Feyenoord Icon)
Van Persie expressed his admiration for Beenhakker’s career:
“He coached great clubs and countries, and it’s a huge loss for Dutch football that he is no longer with us.”
RIP Don Leo.
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