What Happened to Dick Advocaat?
Dick Advocaat is a veteran Dutch football coach and former player, renowned for his extensive managerial career across numerous clubs and national teams. As of June 2026, he is the head coach of the Curaçao national team, leading them in their historic first FIFA World Cup appearance and becoming the oldest coach in the tournament's history at 78 years old. He briefly resigned in February 2026 due to family health issues but returned in May 2026 to guide Curaçao in the World Cup.
Quick Answer
Dick Advocaat is currently the head coach of the Curaçao national football team, leading them in their debut at the FIFA World Cup 2026. At 78 years old, he has become the oldest coach in World Cup history. He had temporarily stepped down in February 2026 for personal reasons related to his daughter's health but made a dramatic return in May 2026, replacing Fred Rutten, to oversee Curaçao's World Cup campaign.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in The Hague, Netherlands
Dirk Nicolaas Advocaat was born in The Hague, beginning a life that would be dedicated to football.
Appointed Assistant Coach for Netherlands National Team
Advocaat began his international coaching career as an assistant to Rinus Michels, earning the nickname 'The Little General'.
First Spell as Netherlands National Team Head Coach
Advocaat took the reins of the Dutch national team for the first time, leading them to the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Wins Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven
Advocaat secured the Eredivisie title with PSV Eindhoven, marking a significant club achievement.
Wins Back-to-Back Scottish Premiership Titles with Rangers
As Rangers' first foreign manager, Advocaat achieved immediate success, winning consecutive league titles, two Scottish Cups, and a League Cup.
Wins Russian Premier League and UEFA Cup with Zenit St. Petersburg
Advocaat led Zenit St. Petersburg to domestic and European glory, winning the Russian Premier League and the UEFA Cup.
Third Spell as Netherlands National Team Head Coach
Advocaat returned for his third stint as manager of the Netherlands national team.
Appointed Head Coach of Curaçao National Team
Advocaat took on the challenge of managing the Curaçao national team, signing a one-year contract.
Leads Curaçao to Historic FIFA World Cup Qualification
Curaçao, under Advocaat's leadership, qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup by drawing 0-0 with Jamaica.
Resigns as Curaçao Head Coach Due to Daughter's Health
Advocaat stepped down from his role with Curaçao for personal reasons, specifically his daughter's health concerns.
Takes Advisory Role at Feyenoord
During his brief hiatus from international management, Advocaat took on an advisory position to Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie.
Returns as Curaçao Head Coach
Following an improvement in his daughter's health and pressure from stakeholders, Advocaat made a comeback as Curaçao's head coach, replacing Fred Rutten.
Coaches Curaçao in Friendly Against Scotland
In one of his first games back, Advocaat led Curaçao in a friendly match against Scotland at Hampden Park, which they lost 4-1.
Leads Curaçao in First FIFA World Cup Match Against Germany
Advocaat, at 78, becomes the oldest coach in World Cup history as he guides Curaçao in their debut World Cup match against Germany.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Dirk Nicolaas 'Dick' Advocaat, affectionately known as 'The Little General,' has carved out an illustrious and enduring career in football management spanning over four decades. Born on September 27, 1947, Advocaat's playing career as a defensive midfielder was followed by an even more prominent coaching journey that saw him manage a remarkable array of clubs and national teams. His extensive CV includes stints with prominent clubs like PSV Eindhoven, Rangers, Zenit St. Petersburg, and Feyenoord, alongside national teams such as the Netherlands (three times), South Korea, Russia, Serbia, and Iraq.
Advocaat's reputation for success is underscored by numerous titles, including the Eredivisie with PSV, two Scottish Premiership titles with Rangers, and the Russian Premier League and UEFA Cup with Zenit St. Petersburg. He is also known for his frequent 'retirements' from coaching, only to return to the dugout shortly thereafter, a testament to his enduring passion for the game.
The most recent chapter in Advocaat's career began in January 2024 when he was appointed head coach of the Curaçao national team. Under his guidance, the small Caribbean island nation achieved a historic milestone, qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup in November 2025 after a crucial 0-0 draw against Jamaica. This achievement was particularly significant as Curaçao, with a population of less than 160,000, became the smallest nation to ever reach the World Cup finals.
However, Advocaat's tenure took a brief turn in February 2026 when he resigned from his post, citing personal reasons related to his daughter's health. Fred Rutten was appointed as his successor. During this short hiatus, Advocaat took on an advisory role at Feyenoord in March 2026, assisting manager Robin van Persie.
In a dramatic turn of events, Advocaat returned to the Curaçao helm in May 2026. This comeback was reportedly influenced by an improvement in his daughter's health, as well as pressure from players and key sponsors who desired the man who led them to qualification to guide them in the World Cup. His return saw him replace Fred Rutten, who stepped down. As of June 14, 2026, Advocaat is leading Curaçao in their opening World Cup match against Germany, making him the oldest coach in the tournament's history at 78 years and 260 days. He has expressed optimism about Curaçao's chances, stating that 'an upset is always possible.'
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Dick Advocaat made different choices?