Ruud Gullit is one of football’s greatest icons. He was a leader, a playmaker, and a winner. His combination of skill, power, and intelligence made him stand out in an era filled with great players.
From his early days in the Netherlands to his success with AC Milan and Chelsea, Gullit always played with style. He won league titles, European Cups, and the Ballon d’Or. More importantly, he changed the way people viewed footballers.
Let’s explore his incredible career, leadership, and legacy.
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Early Years in the Netherlands
Ruud Gullit was born on September 1, 1962, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. From a young age, he showed incredible athleticism and natural talent. He started playing football in the streets before joining HFC Haarlem’s youth academy.
At just 16 years old, Gullit made his professional debut for Haarlem. His performances caught the attention of bigger clubs. In 1982, he joined Feyenoord, where he played alongside Johan Cruyff. This experience helped him develop into a more complete player.
Gullit’s versatility, dribbling ability, and leadership made him stand out. He played as a midfielder, a forward, and sometimes even as a defender. By 1985, he moved to PSV Eindhoven, where he became a superstar.
Rise to Stardom at PSV Eindhoven
At PSV, Gullit dominated Dutch football. His powerful runs, intelligent movement, and eye for goal made him the best player in the Netherlands.
In just two seasons, he helped PSV win two Eredivisie titles. He scored 46 goals in 68 appearances, an incredible record for a midfielder. His performances also earned him the 1987 Dutch Footballer of the Year award.
Big European clubs took notice. In the summer of 1987, AC Milan made a world-record transfer bid of £6 million to sign him. It was time for Gullit to take his talent to Italy.
AC Milan: The Golden Years
Joining AC Milan in 1987 was a game-changer. At the time, Serie A was the best league in the world. Gullit arrived alongside fellow Dutchman Marco van Basten, with Frank Rijkaard joining a year later. Together, they formed one of the most legendary trios in football history.
In his first season, Gullit led Milan to the Serie A title, their first in nine years. His powerful runs and incredible vision made him the heart of the team. His performances also earned him the 1987 Ballon d’Or, crowning him the best player in the world.
Milan’s dominance continued into Europe. In 1989 and 1990, they won back-to-back European Cups (now the Champions League). Under Arrigo Sacchi’s tactical genius, Milan became the best club team in the world.
Gullit was key to this success. His ability to play in multiple positions, score goals, and dictate the game made him irreplaceable.
International Glory with the Netherlands
While Gullit was dominating club football, he also shined for the Netherlands national team.
In Euro 1988, he captained his country to its first and only major international trophy. The Netherlands, led by Gullit, Van Basten, and Rijkaard, played attacking football.
In the final against the Soviet Union, Gullit scored the opening goal with a powerful header. Van Basten’s famous volley sealed the 2-0 victory. It was a historic moment for Dutch football.
Gullit’s leadership and skill made him one of the greatest captains in football history.
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Injuries and AC Milan’s Transition
Despite his success, Gullit struggled with injuries in the early 1990s. Knee problems limited his playing time, and Milan started to transition to younger players.
By 1993, Gullit moved to Sampdoria on loan. He rediscovered his form, helping them win the Coppa Italia. He returned to Milan in 1994 but left permanently for Sampdoria after just one season.
Even though injuries slowed him down, Gullit was still a magical player. His next move took him to England, where he would have a new challenge.
Chelsea and the Start of the Premier League Era
In 1995, Ruud Gullit joined Chelsea. At the time, English football was far behind leagues like Serie A and La Liga. But Gullit brought world-class quality to Stamford Bridge.
Even though he was older, his technical ability and intelligence stood out. He played as a sweeper, controlling the game from deep. Chelsea fans loved him, and he became a key figure in their revival.
After just one season as a player, Chelsea offered him the manager’s job in 1996. He became the first foreign manager in Premier League history.
Management Career and FA Cup Success
Gullit’s time as Chelsea’s player-manager was a success. In 1997, he led the team to FA Cup victory, Chelsea’s first major trophy in 26 years. This win helped change the perception of Chelsea as a mid-table club.
However, despite his success, he was unexpectedly sacked in 1998. Chelsea claimed it was due to contract disputes, but many believed it was an unfair decision.
After Chelsea, Gullit managed Newcastle United, Feyenoord, and LA Galaxy, but he never replicated his early managerial success.
Playing Style and Legacy
Ruud Gullit was a unique footballer. He had:
- Pace and power
- Technical brilliance
- Incredible vision
- Leadership qualities
He could play in any position—midfield, attack, or even defense. His versatility made him one of the most complete players in history.
Gullit also introduced the phrase "sexy football", describing the creative, attacking style he loved. His impact on Dutch, Italian, and English football remains undeniable.
Life After Football
After retiring, Gullit became a TV pundit and football analyst. His charismatic personality made him a popular figure in the media. He also worked in football development, promoting the sport globally.
Gullit remains an influential voice in football. Whether discussing tactics or analyzing games, his knowledge and experience make him a respected figure.
Ruud Gullit’s Impact on Football
Gullit’s career was filled with success, leadership, and innovation. He:
- Won the Ballon d’Or in 1987
- Led AC Milan to European glory
- Captained the Netherlands to Euro 1988 victory
- Brought "sexy football" to England
Today, fans still remember him as a footballing genius. His contributions to the game inspired generations of players and managers.
Ruud Gullit was more than just a great footballer. He was a leader, a pioneer, and an icon.
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