The football world is mourning the loss of Leo Beenhakker, the legendary Dutch coach who died on April 10, 2025, at the age of 82.
Leo made a lasting impact on soccer. He had a notable career with top clubs like Real Madrid, Ajax, and Feyenoord and played for national teams, including the Netherlands and Trinidad and Tobago.
But beyond the trophies and accolades, he was a devoted husband to his wife, Linda Beenhakker, who stood by his side through decades of successes and challenges.
While Linda, Leo Beenhakker’s wife, preferred to stay out of the spotlight, her quiet strength was the backbone of his extraordinary life.
Leo Beenhakker was married to Linda Beenhakker, a woman who chose to support her husband from behind the scenes.
Though little is known publicly about Linda, she was a constant presence in Leo’s life, offering support as he dealt with the pressures of professional football.
The couple was spotted together at various events, including a memorable appearance at a Dutch Eredivisie match in 2019, where their shared love for the game was evident.
Linda’s preference for privacy only highlighted her role as Leo’s anchor, providing him with a sense of home no matter where his coaching career took him.
Leo and Linda worked together with steady determination. Linda remained his constant companion while Leo traveled the world, coaching teams in Europe, Mexico, and beyond.
Their relationship showed the strength of love and respect. It lasted despite Leo’s job, which often put him in the spotlight.
As fans and players honor Leo’s legacy, Linda and their family are in the hearts of many, grieving the loss of a man who meant so much to them.
Leo Beenhakker Was Born In Rotterdam On August 2, 1942, During The German Occupation
Leo Beenhakker grew up in a city that was rebuilding itself.
His passion for football was evident early on, though he played only at the amateur level with clubs like SC Maastad Tediro.
It was behind the bench, not on the pitch, where Leo found his true calling.
His coaching career spanned decades and continents, earning him a reputation as one of the game’s great tacticians.
Leo’s journey took him to some of the biggest clubs in the world. At Ajax, he won two Dutch League titles, cementing his status as a rising star in coaching.
He later led Feyenoord to two more Dutch League titles and two Dutch Super Cups.
His time at Real Madrid was particularly iconic, guiding the club to three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups between 1986 and 1989 and 1992.
Beyond Europe, Leo coached Club América in Mexico, where he worked with future stars like Guillermo Ochoa and Cuauhtémoc Blanco. His influence extended to Real Zaragoza, SC Veendam, and international teams like Saudi Arabia, Poland, and the Netherlands.
Perhaps his most celebrated achievement came with Trinidad and Tobago, whom he led to their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2006.
1-0 victory against Bahrain, sealed by a header from Dennis Lawrence, secured a historic 2-1 aggregate win, earning Leo the Chaconia Medal (Gold Class), Trinidad and Tobago’s second-highest state honor.
Leo Had A Gift For Bringing Out The Best In Everyone, From Superstars To Underdogs
He coached a young Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, helping shape the future icon’s early career.
In Mexico, he gave Guillermo Ochoa his professional debut at Club América, which changed the goalkeeper’s life.
Hoy se fue alguien muy importante en mi vida… me duele el alma.
— Guillermo Ochoa (@yosoy8a) April 10, 2025
Gracias, míster Leo Beenhakker, por confiar en mí cuando apenas comenzaba, por darme la oportunidad de debutar y por apoyarme en mis primeros pasos como profesional.
Tu visión, tu experiencia y tu confianza… pic.twitter.com/O3Gk7uo3ic
Ochoa’s heartfelt tribute on X captured the depth of their bond:
“Today, someone very important in my life passed away… my heart aches. Thank you, Mr. Leo Beenhakker , for believing in me when I was just starting out, for giving me the opportunity to debut, and for supporting me in my first steps as a professional. Your vision, your experience, and your trust marked the beginning of my journey and left a profound mark on my career and my life. I will always be grateful to you. Rest in peace, Mr. Leo. I will remember you with admiration and love. Thank you for everything. 🕊️”
Via Twitter
As a national team coach, Leo influenced Saudi Arabia, Poland, the Netherlands, and Trinidad and Tobago.
His tenure with Poland extended through the UEFA Euro 2008 and into the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, showcasing his adaptability across different football cultures.
He also served as Ajax’s director of technical affairs from 2000 to 2003, shaping the club’s future off the pitch.
2018, Leo announced his retirement, closing a chapter that spanned over five decades. His legacy, however, lives on in the players he mentored, the teams he transformed, and the fans who cheered his name.
As the football community remembers Leo Beenhakker’s great contributions, his family, especially Linda, is at the heart of this loss.
Leo Beenhakker’s wife and their loved ones are navigating the pain of saying goodbye to a man who was not only a coaching giant but also a devoted husband and family member.
Fans and former players have flooded social media with messages of condolence, many acknowledging the quiet strength of Linda and the family who supported Leo through every victory and setback.
Leo’s life was one of passion, dedication, and love—for football, his players, and his family.
As we honor his memory, we also think of Linda and their loved ones, knowing that Leo’s light will continue to shine through them.
Rest in peace, Leo Beenhakker. Your legacy will never fade.
