Leo beenhakker

Former Real Madrid: Leo Beenhakker, the esteemed Dutch soccer coach renowned for his successful stints with top European clubs and national teams, passed away Thursday afternoon at the age of 82, his family confirmed to Dutch national broadcaster NOS

Born in Rotterdam, Beenhakker began his managerial career with SC Veendam in 1968. He later managed SC Cambuur and Go Ahead Eagles before joining Ajax Amsterdam's coaching staff in 1978. Promoted to head coach in 1979, he led Ajax to the Eredivisie title in the 1979-80 season. He returned to Ajax in 1989, securing another league championship in 1989-90.

"The Dutch football world bids farewell to an icon. A warm football animal, whose humour and eloquence have also enriched the football vocabulary... The KNVB wishes all family, friends and other people involved with Leo Beenhakker much strength in bearing this great loss," Netherlands football said.