RUUD GULLIT
Ruud Gullit: How to Watch Football, New Book: Out Now
"How can one striker be better than three? Why do the best defenders never need to make a tackle? What's the secret of Tiki-taka?
Welcome to Ruud Gullit's masterclass on how to 'read' a match.
From his unrivalled perspective as player, manager and pundit, the Dutch football legend shows us everything to look for in a 90-minute match. From formations and tactical decisions to player qualities and pivotal moments, Ruud Gullit unveils the hidden patterns on the pitch."
Ruud Gullit
In Holland they like their players to be the boy next door. Gullit was never like that and why should he be? He was the best player in the world. His sheer energy could create chances.
– David Winner, author
Quite simply a soccer phenomenon - stylish, articulate, affable and handsome, he was twice voted World Football Player of the Year and was widely regarded as one of the World’s best ever players.
Ruud Gullit (born as Ruud Dil, September 1, 1962 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch football coach and former player, who played professionally in the 1980s and 1990s. He was the captain of the Netherlands national team that was victorious at Euro 88 and was also a member of the squad for the 1990 World Cup. Named European Footballer of the Year in 1987 and World Soccer Player of the Year in 1987 and 1989, he was a versatile player, playing in numerous positions during his career.
A true professional in everything he approaches. His career after playing extends to managing, broadcast, motivational speaking and hosting. Ruud speaks five languages, is extremely personable and media-friendly, which makes him perfectly placed in his role as Ambassador for International Companies throughout the world.
Ruud is the perfect diplomat.
– Ken Bates, former chairman at Chelsea
Ruud is one of the most honourable men I've met in football.
– Freddy Shepherd, former chairman at Newcastle
Broadcast contracts. He is a regular and valued pundit on BBC, Sky UK, BT Sport, Sky Germany, BeIn Middle East, USA and France, and Dutch TV channels SBS and SAS . He has worked for Supersport in South Africa and Super Soccer League in Malaysia and was offered a full time position with CCTV in China. He also received great reviews and huge coverage as the main Analyst/Commentator for ESPN throughout the World Cup extending his reach even further to the Americas. Basically his popularity, opinions and profile create a demand for him worldwide.
Corporate and Ambassadorial roles. He is the Ambassador for many large brands and organisations: banks, airlines, watches, beer and soft drink brands. He works consistently with UEFA and their partners around the Champions League and the Euros and with other sponsors.
Ruud Gullit is the one who really gave me the chance and showed me I can be a good player
– Salomon Kalou, Chelsea
Motivational Speaking. Having always been a motivator and leader on the pitch, he continues to use this skill to deliver speeches and talks at conferences for high-end management. His commanding personality and humour always make him a hugely popular choice.
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Hosting. Ruud has hosted the Ballon D’Or live 3 times in Zurich to 180 countries and presented the UEFA Draw in Nice and hosted the Draw live for Television in Paris for the EURO 2016. He has also hosted the French "Oscars" of Football, as well as well as many other Industry awards through out the world.
When I was younger, I tended to want to score beautiful goals. But a funny thing happened. Ruud Gullit did his coaching apprenticeship at Heerenveen, when I was playing there. I remember lobbing a shot that hit the crossbar and proudly looked at Gullit: 'Nice one, eh?' All he said was: 'It certainly was nice, but it should have gone in.' Although it was simple, he was right - he was absolutely right.
– Ruud van Nistelrooy
Intiatives and Charity. His golf prowess as a capable 7 handicap elevated him to the position of Ambassador for the Ryder Cup, a regular in the Dunhill Open for the past 11 years, and a special guest in the prestigious Mission Hills Golf Event in China. His presence is always required at major golfing tournaments around the world both for charity and for corporate events like the UEFA Partners Cup.
He was elected President of the Dutch/Belgium 2018/22 World Cup bid which, although not successful, was given huge credibility for its presentation. Ruud does a great deal of charity work, including work on behalf of Laureus, UNICEF and for the Post code lottery in Holland and has travelled to many parts of the world to visit projects, raise their profile and help fundraise.
Football Management. Having Managed Chelsea, Newcastle, Feyenoord, LA Galaxy and Terek Grozny, his experience is far reaching. His maturity and tactical expertise as well as the ability to motivate have lead to many offers to return to management which is where his true ambitions lie and his passion for football steadfastly remains.
Facts. Gullit made his debut with the Dutch national team on his 19th birthday, and went on to make 66 appearances with them, scoring 16 goals, from 1981 to 1994.
In 1997 with Chelsea, he became the first non-British manager to win the FA Cup.
CLUBS PLAYED FOR
- Haarlem,1978-1982
- Feyenoord, 1982-1985
- PSV Eindhoven, 1985-1987
- AC Milan, 1987-1993
- Sampdoria, 1993-1994
- AC Milan, 1994
- Sampdoria, 1994-1995
- Chelsea, 1995-1998
- As well as the Dutch National Team, 1981-1994
CLUBS MANAGED
- Chelsea, 1996-1998
- Newcastle United, 1998-1999
- Feyenoord, 2004-2005
- LA GALAXY 2008
- Terek Groxny 2011
ACHIEVEMENTS
- KNVB Cup, 1984
- Eredivisie champion, 1984, 1986, 1987
- European Footballer of the Year, 1987
- World Soccer Player of the Year, 1987, 1989
- UEFA European Championship,1988
- Serie A, 1988, 1992, 1993
- Italian Super Cup, 1988, 1992, 1994
- UEFA European Cup, 1989, 1990
- UEFA Super Cup (AC Milan), 1990
- Italian Cup, 1994
- FA Cup, 1997