LEGENDARY Real Madrid and Ajax manager Leo Beenhakker has died at the age of 82.
The Dutchman’s career spanned over five decades and saw him win three La Liga titles with Los Blancos.
A native of Rotterham, Beenhakker served as Ajax head coach in two separate spells.
Beenhakker won the Dutch Eredivisie title with the club in 1980 and 1990.
News of his passing was announced by the club on Thursday.
An Ajax statement read: “Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker.
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“Beenhakker was a coaching icon and a truly unique figure at Ajax.”
Beenhakker was a winger during his playing days but found his calling in coaching.
He began his career way back in 1965 at SV Epe, before serving as a youth coach at both Ajax and Feyenoord.
Beenhakker twice took charge of the Dutch national team as his star power rose.
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And he enjoyed a hugely successful period during the 1980s and 1990s.
Beenhakker won six trophies during his time with Real Madrid.
That included three consecutive league titles between 1987 and 1989.
The Spanish club wrote on X: “Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and sympathy to his family, his clubs, and all his loved ones.”
Beenhakker’s Trinidad & Tobago also gave England a huge scare at the 2006 World Cup.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Three Lions looked to be heading to an embarrassing 0-0 draw before late goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard.
Since leaving the Poland national team job in 2009, Beenhakker served as a technical advisor at various clubs.
His last role was at Sparta Rotterham, where he retired in 2018.
Beenhakker was a proud advocate of “total football”, the mantra followed by Johan Cruyff and Ronald Koeman for Holland.
He famously said: “Football should excite. It’s not just about winning, but about how you win.”
Koeman wrote in tribute on X: “A great loss for Dutch football.
“Leo was a coach with an unparalleled passion and vision, who knew how to touch not only matches, but also people.
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“Leo appointed me as coach of Ajax, I am grateful to him for this.
“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Leo!”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
