Biography
Who is Ruud Krol?
Early life and career beginnings
Born in Amsterdam on March 24, 1949, Ruud Krol began his professional football path with the local club AFC Ajax. He played under the guidance of manager Rinus Michels during his early years. In his initial season with the club, which took place in 1968, he appeared in only one match. By the summer of 1969, the departure of teammate Theo van Duivenbode allowed him to secure a regular spot in the lineup.
International football career
Ruud made his debut for the Netherlands national association football team in 1969 during a match against England. Over the course of his international career, he earned 83 caps for his country. He was an essential member of the famous Total Football squad during the 1970s, often playing as a sweeper or left-back. During the 1974 FIFA World Cup, he was a key figure as the Netherlands reached the final, providing an assist for Johan Cruyff against Brazil and scoring a goal against Argentina.
Club career after Ajax
After departing from his home town club in 1980, Ruud moved to North America to join the Vancouver Whitecaps in the North American Soccer League for a four-month period. Following this stint, he signed with the Italian club SSC Napoli in September 1980. He spent four seasons in Italy, where local supporters affectionately gave him nicknames such as Grande Rudy and Il Tulipano Azzurro.
Managerial experience
Transitioning into coaching, Ruud began his managerial path with K.V. Mechelen in 1989. Over the subsequent decades, he worked as a head coach and assistant across various leagues. He served as an assistant manager for the Netherlands under Frank Rijkaard and Louis van Gaal, and for Ajax under Ronald Koeman. He also served as interim manager for Ajax in 2005 alongside Tonny Bruins Slot.
Personal life and achievements
Ruud married Yvonne van Ingen on July 6, 1972, and the couple has one daughter. Away from the pitch, he briefly entered the business world in 1974 by opening a snack bar in Amsterdam with teammate Arie Haan. His father, Rudolf Josef Krol, was involved in the Dutch resistance during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
Birthday and age
Ruud Krol was born on March 24, 1949, which makes Ruud 77 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Ruud shares the date with 61 other famous people.
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