The charismatic specialist left the national team for family reasons.
Photo: Omar Vega / Getty Images
Curaçao announced the return of Dick Advocaat to the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Curaçao Football Federation President Gilbert Martina shared details about the probable appointment of the renowned Dutch specialist Dick Advocaat as the head coach of the Curaçao national football team, after he left it in February 2026 due to family circumstances.
"Advocaat is back!
After it became known that Advocaat's daughter was feeling better, a very negative campaign unfolded in the press, in which Rutten was portrayed in a bad light. But the players denied these negative statements. There should not be an atmosphere that undermines healthy professional relationships both within the team and among the coaching staff. That is why it is reasonable to resign," Martina's words are quoted by The Guardian.
On May 11, it was announced on the official website of the organization that Fred Rutten, who had held the position since February 2026, had been dismissed.
The Curaçao national team was drawn into the same World Cup group as Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ecuador. Advocaat could become the oldest coach in World Cup history. He is 78 years old.
Curaçao is also the smallest country ever to play in the World Cups. Its population is only 150 thousand people. Previously, the record belonged to Iceland (368 thousand).
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