National coach Ronald Koeman has strengthened the staff of the Dutch national team towards the 2026 World Cup. Ruud van Nistelrooij has been recruited as the third assistant national coach, alongside Erwin Koeman and Wim Jonk.
The 49-year-old Van Nistelrooij, who as a player came to 70 international matches and 35 goals, was previously assistant coach of Orange in 2014-2015 and during the postponed European Championship in 2021. At that time, Frank de Boer was still head coach.
After that, Van Nistelrooij was head coach of PSV, assistant and briefly interim manager of Manchester United and again head coach at Leicester City. After Van Nistelrooij relegated with the latter club in June 2025, he was clubless.
'Huge honor'
"Returning to this role with the Dutch national team and representing the Netherlands with this staff and talented group of players is a huge honor and a wonderful challenge for me," said Van Nistelrooij at his presentation. "With my experience in various roles, including that of assistant, I know that this position also suits me well."
National coach Koeman is also happy with the cooperation. "Ruud has shown that he can really add something to our staff with his own style and vision of football. He knows the laws of football at the highest level and brings valuable tournament experience, both as a player and a coach."
Van Nistelrooij joins the staff of Orange immediately and is already on the bench during the next international period in March.