Ruud van Nistelrooy will rejoin the Netherlands coaching staff ahead of the World Cup, the Dutch football association confirmed on Friday.
The former Manchester United and Dutch international striker, who scored 35 goals in 70 caps for the Oranje, expressed his excitement about the return.
“Returning to this role with the Dutch and representing the Netherlands with this staff and talented group of players is a huge honour and a wonderful challenge for me,” said van Nistelrooy, 49, who coached Leicester in the English Premier League last season.
Van Nistelrooy recently left Manchester United, reflecting on his time at the club with an emotional farewell, saying he would “cherish the memories.”
Manager Ronald Koeman welcomed his appointment, highlighting van Nistelrooy’s experience: he looked forward to drawing on his “valuable tournament experience, both as a player and as a coach.”
The Netherlands dominated their qualifying group, remaining unbeaten, with only draws at home and away against Poland. In the World Cup, they will face Japan, Tunisia, and the winner from a playoff between Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, and Albania.
At the 2022 tournament, the Dutch were knocked out in the quarter-finals on penalties by Lionel Messi’s Argentina after a tense encounter in Qatar.
Meanwhile, Dutch forward Donyell Malen has completed a move from Aston Villa to AS Roma after one season in the Premier League. The 26-year-old scored seven goals for Villa this season.
Reports in the British press suggest Malen’s move could clear the way for English striker Tammy Abraham, currently on loan at Turkish club Besiktas from Roma, to join Villa.
Abraham, who transferred from Chelsea to Roma in 2021, has struggled under coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Malen, who joined Villa from Borussia Dortmund in 2025, made 46 appearances and scored 10 goals during his tenure. Roma confirmed he is joining on loan with an option to buy.
