Legendary coach Leo Beenhakker dead at 82: Real Madrid and Ajax lead tributes

Former Real Madrid, Ajax and Netherlands manager Leo Beenhakker has died at the age of 82.

Rotterdam-born Beenhakker's first stint as Ajax boss between 1978 and 1981 saw him win the Eredivisie title, as he did again on his return to the Amsterdam club later in his career in 1990.

Beenhakker went on to guide Real Madrid to three consecutive LaLiga titles from 1986 and had a second stint at the Bernabeu in 1992, earning himself the nickname 'Don Leo' during his time in Spain.

'Real Madrid, its president and board of directors, are deeply saddened by the death of Leo Beenhakker, the legendary Real Madrid coach who led the Whites between 1986 and 1989, and in 1992,' the Spanish giants said in a statement.

'Real Madrid would like to express their condolences and affection to his family, clubs, and loved ones.'

Ajax described Beenhakker as a 'coaching icon and a truly unique figure' at the club.

A statement from the Eredivisie side added: 'Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker.'

Twice manager of the Netherlands national team, Beenhakker guided the Oranje to the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where they lost to eventual champions Germany in the last 16.

The much-travelled Dutch coach also had spells in charge of Swiss club Grasshoppers, Mexican side Club America, Istanbulspor in Turkey and Spain's Real Zaragoza as well as a stint in charge of Saudi Arabia.

Having returned to his homeland, Beenhakker guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in 1999 and then took Trinidad & Tobago to a first World Cup appearance in 2006 before a four-year spell in charge of Poland, which saw them qualify for Euro 2008.