Netherlands officially hire Ruud van Nistelrooy as new coach

Ruud van Nistelrooy is taking the next step in his professional career as he looks to become a successful manager.

The 50-year-old, who coached Manchester United temporarily in 2024, has previously taken charge of operations at Leicester City although left that role by mutual consent at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Van Nistelrooy then secured a post with the Netherlands football team, joining the team as an assistant coach under manager Ronald Koeman as the nation prepared for the 2026 World Cup.

After being knocked out of the tournament on penalties by Morocco, Koeman left his role, leaving van Nistelrooy’s position uncertain as Xavi Hernandez took over.

Now, taking to the official Netherlands website, the nation have confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as an assistant coach in Xavi’s team.

Sergio Alegre, Óscar Hernández, and Adil Ramzi have also joined the team as assistant coaches. Patrick Lodewijks has returned to the management team as goalkeeping coach, whilst Iván Torres completes the staff as performance coach.

Speaking about the appointment of his team, Xavi Hernandez said: “I think it is important to have people around me with different qualities, backgrounds and perspectives who complement each other.

“I have worked with Sergio, Óscar and Iván for a long time and they know my way of working very well. At the same time, I greatly value the Dutch expertise we have with Ruud, Adil and Patrick.

“Everyone has their own role and expertise. Whether it is attacking, defending, set pieces or other areas of the game, we want to support the players in the best possible way in every aspect.”

Director of Elite Football Nigel de Jong said: “From the very first conversations, we looked together at what was needed to support Xavi and the players in the best possible way.

“The international windows are becoming longer and more intensive. With this staff, we can divide our attention effectively and continue to safeguard individual support, both during the windows and beyond.

“We are deliberately combining existing knowledge with new impulses.

“Ruud and Patrick know Dutch football well, Adil also knows the next generation coming through from his previous work with the national youth teams, and Sergio, Óscar and Iván are fully familiar with Xavi and his way of working.

“This has allowed us to put together a staff in which different qualities, backgrounds and experiences strengthen each other.”