Legendary Dutch manager Leo Beenhakker dies, aged 82

Leo Beenhakker, the former manager of Real Madrid, Ajax, and the Netherlands national team, has passed away at the age of 82.

The Dutchman had a managerial career that spanned five decades and included success in the Dutch and Spanish capitals. Beenhakker’s first tenure as Ajax manager from 1978 to 1981 saw him win the Eredivisie title, a feat he repeated upon his return to the Amsterdam club in 1990. He later led Real Madrid to three consecutive Spanish titles from 1986-87 to 1988-89 and returned for a second stint in 1992, earning the nickname ‘Don Leo’ during his time in Spain.

Real Madrid expressed their deep sadness over Beenhakker’s passing, stating: “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.”

Ajax described Beenhakker as a “coaching icon and a truly unique figure” at the club, adding, “Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker.”

Beenhakker guided his hometown club, Feyenoord, to Eredivisie titles in 1999 and 2000. He also became a globetrotter, managing Grasshoppers in Switzerland, Club América in Mexico, Istanbulspor in Turkey and Real Zaragoza in Spain.

Beenhakker also managed the Dutch national team twice, in 1986 and 1990. He coached Poland, Saudi Arabia and Trinidad and Tobago as well and led the Caribbean nation to their first-ever World Cup in 2006.