Louis Van Gaal Announces He's Cancer-Free; Open For NT Coaching Return

Last Updated:July 12, 2025, 21:44 IST

Louis van Gaal, 73, announced he is cancer-free and open to coaching internationally again, but ruled out a return to club football.

Louis Van Gaal (X)

Veteran football coach Louis van Gaal has revealed he is now cancer-free and open to returning to the international stage in a coaching role.

The 73-year-old former Netherlands manager shared the encouraging news during a Dutch television talk show, saying, “I’m no longer bothered by cancer."

Van Gaal first disclosed his prostate cancer diagnosis three years ago, while serving as head coach of the Dutch national team. Though he continued working through treatment during that time, he stepped away from coaching after leading the Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

“Two years ago, I had a few operations. It was all bad then," he said during the interview. “But it all worked out in the end. I have check-ups every few months, and that’s going well. I’m getting fitter and fitter."

No Club Comeback, But Open to National Role

With an illustrious résumé that includes managerial stints at Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United, Van Gaal made it clear he is not considering a return to the club football grind. However, he did leave the door open for one specific type of opportunity.

“Becoming the national coach of a top-tier country could tempt me back," he admitted.

While he may not be patrolling the sidelines for now, Van Gaal continues to stay active in football. He currently serves as a special advisor to Ajax Amsterdam, offering guidance to the club where his managerial legacy began.

Van Gaal’s Rocky Stint At United

Louis van Gaal took charge of Manchester United in 2014, tasked with restoring the club’s stature after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Van Gaal brought a structured approach, but his tenure was marked by inconsistency and a lack of attacking flair.

Despite criticism over United’s playing style, he secured the 2016 FA Cup—United’s first major trophy post-Ferguson—before being dismissed just days later.

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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