Former Real Madrid and Ajax manager Leo Beenhakker has died at the age of 82. Beenhakker’s first stint as Ajax boss between 1978 and 1981 saw him win the Eredivisie title, as he did again on his return to the Amsterdam club later in his career in 1990.
In his most high-profile club role, Beenhakker guided Real Madrid to three La Liga titles in a row from 1986 and had a second stint at the Bernabeu in 1992. He earned himself the nickname ‘Don Leo’ during his time in Spain.
Real said in a statement: “Real Madrid, its president and board of directors, are deeply saddened by the death of Leo Beenhakker, the legendary Real Madrid coach who led the Whites 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 called Beenhakker a “coaching icon and a truly unique figure” at the club.
The Eredivisie side added: “Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker.” Beenhakker had two spells in charge of the Dutch national team too.
That included guiding the team to the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where they lost to eventual champions West Germany in the last 16.
The KNVB, the Dutch Football Association, said: “The KNVB is devastated by the passing of former national coach and national knight Leo Beenhakker (82). An iconic trainer from Dutch football. We wish all relatives much strength in bearing this great loss.”
The Rotterdam-born coach also managed Swiss club Grasshoppers, Mexican side Club America, Istanbulspor in Turkey and Spain’s Real Zaragoza, as well as a stint in charge of Saudi Arabia.
Having returned to his homeland, Beenhakker guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in 1999. He then took Trinidad & Tobago to a first World Cup appearance in 2006.
They ran England close in the group stage before losing 2-0 after late goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard. A goalless draw with Sweden ended up being their only point and they exited the tournament after finishing bottom of the group.
Beenhakker had a four-year spell in charge of Poland, which saw them qualify for Euro 2008. He then worked as a technical director for Hungarian side Ujpest, director of football with Trinidad & Tobago and as a director and advisor for Sparta Rotterdam until 2018.
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