Leo Beenhakker, former Poland national team coach, dies at 82

Legendary Dutch soccer coach Leo Beenhakker, who led Poland to their first-ever European Championship, has died at the age of 82.

In this archival photo from September 4, 2009, Leo Beenhakker, then head coach of Poland’s national soccer team, is seen during a training session in Chorzów. According to Dutch media reports, Beenhakker passed away on April 10, 2025, at the age of 82. The Dutch coach was best known in Poland for leading the national team between 2006 and 2009.

Photo: PAP/Andrzej Grygiel

Beenhakker passed away on April 10, 2025, as confirmed by Dutch media citing his family.

Best known in Poland for his tenure from 2006 to 2009, he made history by qualifying the Polish team for Euro 2008 - a national first.

He also had a celebrated international career coaching clubs like Real Madrid and Ajax, and national teams including the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Leo Beenhakker ♥️

Rest in peace, Don Leo.

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) April 10, 2025

The Polish Football Association expressed its deepest condolences to Leo Beenhakker’s family, friends, and loved ones in a message shared on social media.

W czwartek 10 kwietnia w wieku niespełna 83 lat zmarł były selekcjoner reprezentacji Polski Leo Beenhakker.

Polski Związek Piłki Nożnej rodzinie, przyjaciołom i najbliższym Leo Beenhakkera składa najszczersze wyrazy współczucia.

Więcej 👉 https://t.co/2aXvoEmad8 pic.twitter.com/wass6MXwoA

— Łączy nas piłka (@LaczyNasPilka) April 10, 2025

Known for his charisma, sharp wit, and love of cigars, Beenhakker left a lasting legacy on and off the pitch.

Leo Beenhakker, former head coach of Poland’s national soccer team, passed away on April 10, 2025, at the age of 82. Pictured here in this archival photo from September 7, 2009, during a press conference. Photo: PAP/Bartłomiej Zborowski

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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@AFCAjax/@LaczyNasPilka