A renowned Dutch football manager, known for his tactical innovations and successful tenures at top clubs like Ajax, Barcelona, and Manchester United. He's credited with developing the "total football" style.
Louis van Gaal is one of the most celebrated and decorated managers in the history of football, with 20 major honors to his name. From leading Ajax to UEFA Champions League glory to guiding the Netherlands to a third-place finish at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Van Gaal's impressive career has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Born on August 8, 1951, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Van Gaal's passion for football was evident from a young age. He began his playing career as a midfielder for Royal Antwerp, Telstar, Sparta Rotterdam, Ajax, and AZ Alkmaar, before eventually retiring in 1987. During his semi-professional playing days, Van Gaal also worked as a physical education teacher, a testament to his dedication to the sport and its development.
Van Gaal's managerial career began as an assistant coach at AZ Alkmaar, before he joined Ajax as an assistant under Leo Beenhakker. In 1991, he took over as head coach, leading the club to three Eredivisie titles, the UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. His success at Ajax earned him a move to Barcelona in 1997, where he won two league titles and one Copa del Rey, cementing his reputation as a top-class manager.
Van Gaal's first stint as manager of the Netherlands national team came in 2000, although he failed to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He returned to club management, enjoying success with AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich, where he won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and reached the UEFA Champions League final. His second stint with the Netherlands saw him lead the team to a third-place finish at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
In 2014, Van Gaal was appointed manager of Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup before being dismissed in 2016. After announcing his retirement in 2019, he surprised many by returning to management in 2021, taking the reins of the Netherlands national team once again.
Van Gaal is known for his unwavering commitment to his footballing philosophy, which emphasizes possession-based football, discipline, and teamwork. His approach has been influential in shaping the modern game, and his dedication to developing young players has earned him praise from fans and fellow managers alike.
Van Gaal's outspoken nature and strong convictions have often led to controversy, particularly during his time at Manchester United. However, his unwavering commitment to his principles has earned him a reputation as a manager who is unafraid to speak his mind and stand by his decisions.
"I'm not a dictator, I'm a coach. I want to create a atmosphere where players can develop themselves."
"The most important thing is not the system, it's the players. If you have good players, you can play any system."
Louis van Gaal's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of football. His success at both club and national team level has cemented his status as one of the greatest managers of all time, and his influence can be seen in the many coaches and players who have been inspired by his approach to the game.
Van Gaal's commitment to developing young players and promoting youth football has had a profound impact on the sport, inspiring a new generation of players and coaches to prioritize player development and grassroots football.
Van Gaal has been married to his wife, Fernanda Obbes, since 2008. He has two daughters, Renate and Kim, from a previous marriage.
Despite announcing his retirement in 2019, Van Gaal's return to management in 2021 has proven that his passion for football remains unabated. As the Iron Tulip continues to shape the sport he loves, his legacy as one of the greatest managers of all time will only continue to grow.
82 Years Old
Legendary Scottish footballer and manager who led Manchester United to numerous championships and is renowned for his tactical genius and fierce competitiveness.
51 Years Old
A legendary winger with a record-breaking 963 appearances for Manchester United, known for his exceptional dribbling skills and numerous titles won.
39 Years Old
A world-renowned soccer superstar, known for his exceptional skills, speed, and goal-scoring prowess, with a massive global following and numerous accolades.
49 Years Old
A former professional footballer who won numerous titles with top clubs, and a fashion icon known for his stylish looks and endorsement deals.
50 Years Old
A highly skilled and decorated midfielder, renowned for exceptional vision, passing range, and goal-scoring ability, with a successful career at Manchester United and the English national team.
46 Years Old
A former professional footballer who played as a centre-back for Manchester United and the English national team, winning numerous titles and earning individual accolades. He's now a popular TV pundit and commentator.
43 Years Old
A Serbian professional footballer who played as a centre-back and won numerous titles with Manchester United and the Serbian national team. He's known for his defensive skills and leadership on the pitch.
39 Years Old
A legendary striker and captain of the English national team, renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and leadership on the pitch.
