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Ruud Krol
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Rudolf Jozef "Ruud" (or "Rudi") Krol (Dutch pronunciation: [ryt ˈkrɔl]; born 24 March 1949)[5] is a Dutch former professional footballer who was capped 83 times for the Netherlands national team.[5] Most of his career he played for his home town club, Ajax. He became a coach after retirement.[6] Regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time[7][8], Krol mainly played as a sweeper or left-back, though he could play anywhere across the back line, or in midfield as a defensive midfielder, due to his range of passing with both feet, temperament, tactical intelligence, and his ability to start attacking plays after winning back the ball.[9]

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Krol with Ajax in 1979

He began his career at Ajax under manager Rinus Michels. In his first season at the club he did not play much. After the departure of left-back Theo van Duivenbode to Feyenoord in the summer of 1969[10], Krol became a regular player. When Ajax reached the UEFA European Cup in 1971, and won, Krol did not play because of a broken leg.[11] Krol did play in the European Cup finals of 1972 and 1973. While others, such as Johan Cruijff and Johan Neeskens, left for new pastures, Krol, captain since the departure of Piet Keizer in October 1974, stayed at Ajax until June 1980.[12]

He moved to the North American Soccer League to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps[13] for four months.[12] He then joined Napoli in September 1980[14], where he played for the next four seasons and earned him the nicknames Grande Rudy (meaning Big Rudy) and Il Tulipano Azzurro (meaning the blue tulip).[12] His last club was in France with Cannes, at the time playing in Ligue 2 (the French Second division), before retiring in 1986.[12][15]

International

[edit]
Krol with the Netherlands in 1974

Internationally, Krol made his debut for the Netherlands in 1969 against England[16], retiring from international football in 1983. He was a crucial component in the Total Football side of the 1970s. A versatile defender, he could play in any position along the back four or midfield. In the 1974 FIFA World Cup, in which the Netherlands reached the final, Krol primarily played at left-back. He created Cruijff's goal against Brazil[17] and scored a 25-yard screamer against Argentina[18].

Krol was part of the Dutch squad that participated in the 1976 European Championship.

By the time the 1978 FIFA World Cup came about, Krol had switched to playing as a sweeper and had earned the captain's armband after the retirement of Cruijff.

Krol played for the Netherlands as captain at the 1980 European Championship. He played for part of the qualifying for Euro 84, and played his last international in 1983.

Managerial career

[edit]

Krol started his career as manager with K.V. Mechelen in July 1989, but he was sacked in January 1990[19]. In his managerial career, he has been head coach of Egypt[3], and has been assistant manager of the Netherlands (under Frank Rijkaard[20] and Louis van Gaal[21]) and Ajax (under Ronald Koeman[22]). He became the interim manager of Ajax after the resignation of Koeman in February 2005[23].

He was manager of Ajaccio in France Ligue 2 from 2006 to 2007. He returned as manager of Egyptian giants Zamalek in August 2007. He had previously managed them from 1994 to 1999, winning the Egyptian Cup in 1999, the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1996 and the Afro-Asian Club Championship 1997, the last two being the biggest club level prizes available to CAF clubs. Krol's return to Zamalek was meant to be a stabilizing presence, after the club having gone through several managers in the preceding two seasons. He ended his sole season by winning one Egyptian Cup with Zamalek, and within one season he would leave and sign a three-year contract with the South African giants Orlando Pirates.

In his three years with the Orlando Pirates, he won two South African cups (and a finalist once) and won the national league, all in his last year in charge of the team. Those cups include MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. Despite that success his contract was not renewed.

He won the Tunisian championship with Sfaxien in 2012–13, after a fierce battle with the other three of the Tunisian big four.

After that success, he was contacted to lead the Tunisia national team in the play off qualifying to the 2014 world cup against Cameroon. He accepted that role and simultaneously became manager of Sfaxien and Tunisia in September 2013.[24] He won the 2013 CAF Confederation Cup with Sfaxien. He resigned from his duties as Sfaxien coach after the second leg of the final against TP Mazembe on 30 November 2013. He quit as the national team interim coach following Tunisia's loss in the World Cup play-off.

In January 2014, he was appointed new head coach of Tunisian side ES Tunis.[25]

Personal life

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On 6 July 1972, Krol married Yvonne van Ingen.[26] The couple has a daughter.[27] On 26 September 1974, together with teammate Arie Haan, he opened a snack bar on Reguliersbreestraat in Amsterdam.[28]

Career statistics

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International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[29]
National team Year Apps Goals
Netherlands 1969 1 0
1970 2 0
1971 2 0
1972 5 0
1973 7 0
1974 14 2
1975 6 0
1976 6 1
1977 6 0
1978 14 1
1979 6 0
1980 6 0
1981 5 0
1982 2 0
1983 1 0
Total 83 4
Scores and results list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Krol goal.
List of international goals scored by Ruud Krol[29]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 27 March 1974 Rotterdam, Netherlands  Austria 1–1 1–1 Friendly
2 26 June 1974 Gelsenkirchen, Germany  Argentina 3–0 4–0 1974 FIFA World Cup
3 13 October 1976 Rotterdam, Netherlands  Northern Ireland 1–1 2–2 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification
4 20 September 1978 Nijmegen, Netherlands  Iceland 1–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 1980 qualification

Honours

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Player

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Ajax

Netherlands

Individual

Coach

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Ajaccio

Ajax (as assistent to manager Ronald Koeman)

Zamalek

Orlando Pirates

  • Premier Soccer League: 2011; runner-up 2009
  • Nedbank Cup: 2011; runner-up 2010
  • Telkom charity cup: 2010, 2011
  • MTN 8: 2010

Sfaxien

Esperance

Raja Casablanca

Kuwait

Egyptian Olympic Team (U23)

Egypt

Netherlands (as assistant to manager Frank Rijkaard)

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ruud Krol

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rudolf Jozef Krol (born 24 March 1949) is a Dutch former professional footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, known for his versatility, intelligence, and pivotal role in the ' "" era as a left-back or sweeper. Krol began his professional career with hometown club Ajax in 1968, making his debut that year and going on to play 456 official matches for the team until 1980, during which he helped secure six titles and three consecutive European Cups in 1971, 1972, and 1973, along with the . His partnership with right-back Wim Suurbier was instrumental in Ajax's dominance under and , earning him the nickname "Snabbel" in their duo dubbed "Snabbel and Babbel." After leaving Ajax, Krol spent four seasons with Napoli in (1980–1984), followed by brief stints with Whitecaps in the NASL (1980), and in France (1984–1986), retiring at age 37. Internationally, Krol earned 83 caps for the between 1969 and 1983, scoring four goals, and was a central figure in their golden era, playing every minute of both the 1974 and 1978 World Cups where Oranje finished as runners-up, captaining the side in the latter tournament in . He also featured in the in 1976, earning a place in the Team of the Tournament for his authoritative defending and long-range passing that epitomized . Later transitioning to management, Krol coached clubs including , PSV, and national teams like and , though his playing legacy remains his defining contribution to Dutch football.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Rudolf Jozef Krol was born on 24 March 1949 in , , to working-class parents in the period. His father, Rudolf Josef "Kuki" Krol, worked in and had participated in the during the Nazi occupation, contributing to a family environment shaped by resilience and community solidarity. Krol's mother managed the household, creating a close-knit but resource-limited home. He grew up in , where strong community ties and impromptu street football games provided his initial exposure to the sport. Krol developed a passion for football through watching local matches.

Youth career and development

Ruud Krol began his organized football journey at the local amateur club Rood-Wit in , where he joined as a young player and quickly emerged as a promising defender known for his composure and positioning. Scouted by Ajax amid their growing emphasis on youth talent, Krol entered the club's esteemed academy in 1967 at age 18, transitioning into a system renowned for nurturing technically proficient players through rigorous training. Within Ajax's youth ranks, Krol honed his abilities under influential coaches like Jany van der Veen, who emphasized principles such as fluid positional interchanges and ball mastery from the back. This period contributed to his development as a versatile defender, building exceptional fitness, tactical intelligence, and passing accuracy that would define his professional style. Krol gained experience in competitive fixtures for Ajax's youth team after joining in 1967, preparing him for senior integration, all supported by his Amsterdam roots and family encouragement for local sporting pursuits.

Club career

Ajax (1968–1980)

Ruud Krol made his professional debut for Ajax in 1968 under manager Rinus Michels, rapidly establishing himself as the first-choice left-back due to his composure, tackling ability, and distribution skills. Michels, the architect of Total Football, integrated Krol into a fluid defensive system that emphasized positional interchange and ball-playing defenders, allowing Krol to support attacks while maintaining defensive solidity. Krol played a pivotal role in Ajax's three consecutive European Cup triumphs from 1971 to 1973, appearing in 68 matches and scoring 7 goals across the during his time at the club. He featured in the 1972 final against , where Ajax secured a 2-0 victory through Johan Cruyff's brace, and started in the 1973 final against Juventus, contributing to a 1-0 win that completed the club's continental . These successes highlighted Ajax's dominance in European football, with Krol's defensive interventions and forward surges exemplifying the team's revolutionary style. Central to Ajax's golden era, Krol formed enduring partnerships with forwards Johan Cruyff and midfielder Johan Neeskens, enabling seamless transitions from defense to attack in Michels' Total Football philosophy. Cruyff's visionary playmaking complemented Krol's overlapping runs, while Neeskens' box-to-box energy provided midfield cover, allowing Krol to venture forward without exposing the backline. After the 1974 World Cup, with the departure of key defenders, Krol transitioned to a sweeper role, where his intelligence and passing range further elevated Ajax's build-up play from the back. Domestically, Krol's contributions underpinned Ajax's sustained excellence, securing six titles (1969–70, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80) and four KNVB Cups (1969–70, 1970–71, 1971–72, 1978–79). Across all competitions, he amassed 456 appearances and 30 goals for the club, including 308 league games with 16 goals, underscoring his longevity and impact in a 12-year spell.

Vancouver Whitecaps (1980)

In June 1980, Ruud Krol transferred from Ajax Amsterdam to the Whitecaps in the North American Soccer League (NASL) for a reported fee of €363,000. The 31-year-old Dutch international joined midway through the season, making his debut on June 29 in a 3-0 loss to the New York Cosmos before a crowd of 32,280 at . As a seasoned defender and former captain of both Ajax and the national team, Krol provided leadership and stability to the Whitecaps' backline during a transitional period following their 1979 Soccer Bowl championship. Over the course of his brief stint, Krol appeared in 14 regular-season matches for Vancouver, contributing to their strong defensive record as the team finished second in the Western Division with a 20-12 record. His experience proved vital in organizing the defense during the playoffs, where the Whitecaps advanced to the Soccer Bowl '80 final on August 30, 1980, at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., ultimately falling 2-1 to the Chicago Sting. Krol's tactical acumen helped anchor a unit that conceded just 47 goals in the regular season, the second-fewest in the league. Krol's time in Vancouver was marked by the typical adjustments European players faced in the NASL, including the league's emphasis on physicality and the prevalence of surfaces like that at Empire Stadium. Despite these hurdles, his presence elevated the team's performance and provided mentorship to emerging talents on the squad. He departed after the Soccer Bowl due to family considerations and lucrative offers from European clubs, signing with in September 1980 for €520,000.

SSC Napoli (1980–1984)

Ruud Krol joined in the summer of 1980 from the Vancouver Whitecaps for a transfer fee estimated at €520,000, bringing his experience from Ajax and the national team to during the club's rebuilding phase following a challenging period. Over the next four seasons, he made 125 appearances and scored 1 goal, primarily operating as a sweeper (libero) to anchor the defense with his tactical acumen and versatility. Under managers Giuseppe Chiappella (1980–1981) and Rino Marchesi (1981–1984), Krol integrated seamlessly into Italian football's demanding tactical framework, contributing to Napoli's improved defensive solidity. His leadership from the back was pivotal in the campaign, where the team finished fourth, their highest league position since 1975 and a sign of progress amid competition from established powers like Juventus and . Krol featured prominently in key fixtures, including the Derby del Sole rivalries against Roma. He helped secure clean sheets in notable victories, such as Napoli's 4–0 home win over Roma on October 19, 1980, and a 1–0 triumph at the on January 3, 1982, showcasing his ability to neutralize high-caliber attacks led by players like . These performances highlighted Napoli's emerging resilience in southern derbies, with Krol's positioning and reading of the game earning praise for elevating the team's backline. Krol's tenure overlapped briefly with the arrival of in July 1984, though his departure to shortly thereafter facilitated financial space for the Argentine's world-record transfer. Throughout his time in , Krol was lauded for his tactical intelligence, adapting principles to Serie A's catenaccio-influenced style and mentoring younger defenders in a squad transitioning toward greater ambition.

AS Cannes (1984–1986)

In 1984, Ruud Krol joined in the French Division 2, marking the beginning of his final professional stint as a player. Over the next two seasons, he made 66 appearances for the club, primarily as a defender, while scoring no goals in league play according to available records. His experience helped stabilize the backline during a transitional period for the team. Krol's tenure coincided with Cannes' strong performance in the 1985–86 Division 2 season, where the club finished third in their group and secured promotion to Division 1 through the play-offs. Although specific contributions like goals are not attributed in primary records, his presence as a veteran leader supported the squad's push toward elevation. During this time, Krol adapted to a more guiding role alongside his playing duties, offering tactical insights drawn from his defensive expertise honed at Napoli. At the age of 37, Krol announced his retirement from professional football in 1986 following the promotion campaign, with no recorded playing stint at despite occasional references. This period represented a gradual wind-down, where he emphasized maintaining to extend his playing career while beginning to transition toward coaching responsibilities.

International career

Debut and early caps (1969–1973)

Ruud Krol made his international debut for the national team on 5 November 1969, starting as a left-back in a friendly match against at the Olympisch Stadion in , which the visitors won 1–0. His composure and defensive awareness in this high-profile encounter, alongside emerging talents like , marked him as a promising prospect from Ajax, influencing his rapid integration into the squad. Krol would go on to earn 83 caps and score 4 goals for the Oranje before retiring from international duty in 1983. In the early stages of his international , Krol solidified his position as the primary left-back under coaches Georg Keßler and later František Fadrhonc, who guided the team through a transitional period following the failure to qualify for the 1968 European Championship. He featured in several friendlies that showcased the developing Dutch style, including a 0–0 draw against in and a 1–0 victory over later that month, where his overlapping runs and partnerships with midfielders began to take shape. By 1971, Krol's selection was bolstered by his Ajax form, contributing to a dominant 8–0 win over in the 1972 European Championship qualifiers, though the Netherlands ultimately finished second in their group behind and did not advance to the finals. A key aspect of Krol's early contributions was his on-field partnership with right-back Wim Suurbier, another Ajax stalwart, which provided defensive balance and width during matches. This duo proved instrumental in the qualifiers, where Krol started all six group games against , , and , helping the Netherlands secure qualification with an unbeaten record and top the group ahead of . Notable results included a 9–0 thrashing of in November 1972 and convincing wins of 5–0 and 8–1 against in , underscoring Krol's role in the team's emerging defensive solidity. By the end of 1973, Krol had accumulated 17 caps, having transitioned from occasional starter to a reliable fixture in the backline as the Netherlands built momentum toward major tournaments. His performances in these qualifiers highlighted a focus on organized defending and fluid transitions, setting the foundation for the philosophy that would define the Oranje's 1974 campaign.

World Cups and captaincy (1974–1978)

Krol played a central role in the ' campaign at the in , starting all seven matches as a left-back and accumulating 630 minutes on the pitch. The Dutch team, employing the innovative tactics under coach , advanced to the final, defeating strong opponents including in the second round, where Krol scored a memorable long-range goal in a 4-0 victory. Despite their flair and dominance, the Netherlands fell 2-1 to in the final, finishing as runners-up and establishing Krol as a key figure in one of the tournament's most celebrated sides. Between the World Cups, Krol featured prominently in the 1976 UEFA European Championship held in . Starting all four matches, he helped the Netherlands reach the semi-finals, where they lost 3–1 to . Krol then captained the side in the third-place match, securing a 3–2 victory after extra time against thanks to ' winner. His authoritative defending and precise long-range passing earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament. By the in , Krol had transitioned to the sweeper position, providing defensive stability and leadership following Johan Cruyff's withdrawal from the national team. Appointed captain by coach , he led the through the group stage and knockout rounds, starting all seven matches and logging 660 minutes. The team reached the final again, overcoming 2-1 in the semi-final with Krol anchoring the backline, but ultimately lost 3-1 after extra time to host nation , showcasing Dutch resilience amid tactical evolution and international pressure. Krol's involvement extended beyond 1978, as he continued representing the until his international retirement in 1983, amassing a total of 14 appearances and one goal across the two tournaments. His captaincy in 1978 symbolized the enduring spirit of the Dutch squad, even in defeat, highlighting his growth from versatile defender to authoritative leader.

Managerial career

Assistant coaching roles (1990s–2000s)

Krol began his coaching career with a short tenure as of Belgian club , appointed in July 1989 following his playing retirement. He guided the team through 20 matches in the Belgian First Division, earning an average of 2.00 points per match, before being dismissed in December 1989 amid a challenging season for the club. After head coaching roles elsewhere in the , from January 2000 to June 2002, Krol served as assistant coach for the Netherlands national team, first under for —where the Oranje reached the semi-finals—and then under during the unsuccessful qualifying campaign, which saw the team place third in their group behind and . In these roles, Krol focused on defensive organization and midfield transitions, implementing modern interpretations of that emphasized versatility and high pressing. He collaborated closely with key players like , aiding the integration of attacking flair with solid backline structure during 24 international matches. These positions honed Krol's understanding of high-stakes international management and youth-to-senior progression, building on his own legacy as a versatile defender. Krol then returned to his formative club Ajax in July 2002 as assistant manager under . He supported the team's tactical setup and player development, contributing to their title win in the 2003–04 season, during which Ajax finished with 78 points from 34 matches. Krol remained in the position through Koeman's departure, briefly serving as in February–March 2005 with no matches, before assisting from March 2005 to May 2006. These experiences at Ajax allowed him to adapt principles of fluid positional play, rooted in the club's tradition, to a squad featuring emerging talents and veterans.

Head coaching positions (2000s–present)

Krol's head coaching positions in the 2000s began with French side from July 2006 to June 2007, overseeing 40 matches during a challenging season that ended in relegation. In August 2007, Krol returned to Egyptian club as head coach, a role he had previously held in the ; during this spell, he led the team to victory in the Egyptian Cup, defeating ENPPI 2–1 in the final. He departed in May 2008 after a season marked by domestic cup success but inconsistent league form. In July 2008, Krol was appointed of South African club Orlando , where he enjoyed his most successful period in management. Over three seasons, he managed 99 matches, implementing a solid defensive structure that emphasized organization and counter-attacks. His tenure culminated in a historic treble during the 2010–11 campaign, securing the title, the , and the MTN8 Cup—the first such achievement in the club's history. Krol left Orlando in June 2011 upon the expiration of his contract, having transformed the team from mid-table contenders into champions. Following a brief hiatus, Krol joined Tunisian club in October 2012, leading them to the 2012–13 title—their first in eight years—and the , defeating 2–0 in the final. In September 2013, he served as interim head coach of the Tunisia national team for two months, managing their play-off matches against . Krol then moved to Espérance de Tunis in January 2014 on a three-year deal, winning the Tunisian league title in his brief stint before parting ways in May after reaching the quarter-finals of the Tunisian Cup. Later that year, in September 2014, Krol was appointed head coach of Libyan club Al-Ahli Tripoli, focusing on rebuilding the squad amid regional instability; he managed until March 2015 without major silverware. In June 2015, he signed a two-year contract with Moroccan side Raja Casablanca, but was dismissed in November after five matches and poor results, including early exits in domestic competitions. Krol briefly coached in from January to June 2016, prioritizing defensive resilience in league play. Krol returned to as head coach from July 2018 to May 2019, managing 41 matches and leading the team to victory in the 2018–19 Tunisian Cup.

Style of play and legacy

Defensive versatility and

Ruud Krol exemplified defensive versatility throughout his career, particularly during his time at Ajax, where he began as a right-footed defender capable of operating on either flank before evolving into a primary left-back and later a libero or sweeper role. This positional fluidity allowed him to adapt seamlessly to the demands of ' innovative system, starting with overlapping runs from the backline that supported Ajax's attacking transitions in European competitions. Krol's embodiment of total football principles was evident in his ability to interchange roles without disrupting the team's structure, contributing offensively with 30 goals across 456 appearances for Ajax while maintaining defensive solidity. His exceptional fitness enabled him to feature in high-volume seasons, including multiple domestic and European campaigns, underscoring the physical demands of the philosophy that emphasized constant movement and positional rotation. In the 1974 World Cup, this versatility shone as he shifted between defensive positions to counter opponents like and . Technically, Krol possessed strong tackling prowess and solid aerial presence at 1.80 meters tall, complemented by his vision for precise long-range passes that initiated attacks from deep. Often compared to for his composure on the ball and ability to read the game as a sweeper, Krol's right-footed delivery from the left flank added unpredictability to Ajax's build-up play. Despite his strengths, Krol occasionally faced disciplinary challenges, receiving yellow cards in competitive matches during his career, including instances that tested his temperament under pressure.

Recognition and influence

Ruud Krol's contributions to football have earned him significant recognition, including his inclusion in the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) Men's All-Time Dream Team in 2022, where he was selected as left-back alongside legends like and . With 83 caps for the national team between 1969 and 1983, Krol held the record for most appearances by a Dutch player from 1979 until it was equalled by in 2000. His versatility and leadership during two finals cemented his status as one of the greatest Dutch defenders, a view echoed by , who in 2016 named Krol among the three best defenders of all time. Krol's influence extends to mentoring younger talents and shaping modern defensive play. As an assistant coach at Ajax from 2002 to 2005 under , he contributed to the club's success during that period. As a pioneer of the versatile defender role—capable of sweeping, marking, and initiating attacks—Krol inspired contemporary ball-playing center-backs such as , whose ability to transition seamlessly from defense to midfield echoes Krol's style in the 1970s Ajax and teams. His global coaching footprint, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, highlights his lasting impact on football development. In 2025, Krol remained active in football discourse, urging Dutch talents Noa Lang and Darwin Núñez to join Napoli amid the club's ambitious summer transfer plans, reflecting his enduring connection to the Italian club where he played from 1980 to 1984. As a symbol of the Netherlands' 1970s "Clockwork Orange" era—known for its fluid, innovative total football—Krol's legacy is featured in media like the BBC's Sporting Witness podcast, where he recounted the 1974 World Cup campaign. His story also appears in books such as David Winner's Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football, which explores how players like Krol embodied the nation's artistic and philosophical approach to the game.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Ruud Krol married Yvonne van Ingen on July 6, 1972. The pair met at a party during Krol's early days with Ajax, when van Ingen was 19 years old. They had two children together: a , born in the early 1970s, and a son. Their son has shown interest in football, having obtained a youth coaching diploma as of 2006. During the , Yvonne and their young daughter remained in , , while Krol competed with the national team, allowing the family to manage daily life independently amid the tournament's demands. Krol and van Ingen divorced in the mid-1980s. Krol has kept a low public profile on his family matters since, with no reported scandals or publicized conflicts.

Business ventures and later activities

After retiring from professional football in 1986, Ruud Krol ventured into non-coaching pursuits, including a notable endeavor during his playing career. On , 1974, while still an active player for Ajax, Krol partnered with teammate to open a snack bar on Reguliersbreestraat in central , where they served popular Dutch items like . The establishment, informally associated with the "Krol & Haan" name, reflected Krol's entrepreneurial spirit amid his rising fame from the 1974 World Cup. In his later years, Krol has remained engaged in football-related activities outside formal management roles, focusing on youth development and advisory contributions. As of 2025, Krol continues to offer transfer advice and make public comments on club strategies. In June 2025, he urged promising talents and Darwin Nuñez to join Napoli, praising the club's ambitious summer plans and drawing from his own successful stint there in the early 1980s. Later that year, in October 2025, Krol visited the Albania national team's training camp alongside , providing motivational guidance and reflecting on international football dynamics. He has given interviews on his career, such as on . Krol maintains a low public profile.

Honours

As player

During his playing career, primarily with Ajax Amsterdam from 1968 to 1980, Ruud Krol was instrumental in the club's dominant era, contributing to multiple domestic and European triumphs as a versatile defender who often captained the side and anchored the backline in their system. With Ajax, Krol helped secure three consecutive European Cup titles in 1971, 1972, and 1973, appearing in the finals of the latter two and providing defensive stability that allowed the team's fluid attacking play to flourish. He also played a key role in Ajax's 1972 victory over Independiente, marking the club's global success during this period, along with two wins in 1972 and 1973. On the domestic front, Krol's contributions were pivotal in Ajax winning six titles between 1969–70 and 1979–80, including back-to-back successes in 1976–77 and 1977–78, where his leadership helped the team overcome strong competition from rivals like and . Additionally, he featured prominently in four victories for Ajax in 1969–70, 1970–71, 1971–72, and 1978–79, often delivering composed performances in knockout ties that showcased his tactical intelligence. Krol's stint with Napoli from 1980 to 1984 yielded no major team honours, as the club finished 3rd in in 1980–81 but did not secure titles during his tenure, though he provided experienced defensive reinforcement in midfield and at left-back. Internationally, Krol earned 83 caps for the between 1969 and 1983, captaining the side 45 times, and was a of their campaigns that finished as runners-up in the 1974 and 1978 World Cups, starting all matches in both tournaments and scoring once in 1974, against . In recognition of his enduring impact at Ajax, Krol has been selected in the club's all-time best XI by various expert compilations, highlighting his status as one of the greatest defenders in the club's history.

As manager

Krol's managerial career yielded several domestic titles and cups across , spanning , , and . With in , he secured the in the 2007–08 season, defeating ENPPI 2–1 in the final. At Orlando Pirates in , Krol led the team to the title in 2010–11, the in 2010, and the in 2011, achieving a historic treble in the 2010–11 campaign by winning all three competitions. With Espérance de Tunis in , he guided the club to the championship in the 2013–14 season. Krol has been without a club since 2019. Overall, Krol has won two league titles and three cups as a manager, demonstrating success in multiple African leagues.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ruud-krol/profil/spieler/135621
  2. https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/the-best-dutch-footballers-ever
  3. https://english.ajax.nl/articles/five-notable-things-about-ajax-and-napoli
  4. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ruud-krol/erfolge/spieler/135621
  5. https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/world-cup-caps-ruud-krol
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  7. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d7d211169ee-d920fa67f6fc-1000--euro-1976-team-of-the-tournament/
  8. https://africa.espn.com/football/story/_/id/37528532/orlando-pirates-coaches-last-decade
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  14. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ruud-Krol
  15. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ajax-amsterdam/debuetanten/verein/610/wettbewerb_id/NL1/plus/1/sort/zeitraum_tage/page/7
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  17. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2005/mar/04/guardianobituaries.football
  18. https://www.rsssf.org/players/krol-in-ec.html
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  21. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ajax-amsterdam/alletransfers/verein/610
  22. https://x.com/retro_calcio/status/1807209572886880418
  23. https://www.nasljerseys.com/Rosters/Whitecaps_Rosters.htm
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  25. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ruud-krol/
  26. https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/ssc-napoli/9/
  27. https://www.football-napoli.net/Fixtures-and-Results/Napoli-Football-History/
  28. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/match/overview/90273-naples-as_rome
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeKrO36-Yhw
  30. https://www.theguardian.com/football/the-gentleman-ultra/2023/jan/28/napoli-roma-derby-del-sole-heats-title-diego-maradona
  31. https://www.gentlemanultra.com/2022/07/25/all-time-xi-napoli/
  32. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ruud-krol/leistungsdaten/spieler/135621
  33. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/17098/Ruud_Krol.html
  34. https://soccervoice.com/2019/08/11/the-amazing-life-of-ruud-krol-world-cup-finalist-and-coaching-the-globe/
  35. https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/krol-intl.html
  36. https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/articles/ruud-krol-netherlands-total-football-1974
  37. https://thesefootballtimes.co/2015/10/11/holland-1974-the-legendary-failed-heroes-of-the-oranje/
  38. https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=11392
  39. https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/2020/7/15/21322331/total-footballs-original-right-back
  40. https://fbref.com/en/players/17d795ff/Ruud-Krol
  41. https://pythagorasinboots.com/ruud-krol-home-page/
  42. http://www.planetworldcup.com/LEGENDS/krol.html
  43. http://www.football-oranje.com/flexible-dutchman-ruud-krol/
  44. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ruud-krol/profil/trainer/1880
  45. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/holland/761033.stm
  46. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12946503/JEFF-POWELL-Bobby-Moore-read-game-like-open-book-Laurent-Blanc-ruled-Napoleon-French-football-Franz-Beckenbauer-elegant-genius-10-defenders-history-Der-Kaisers-death.html
  47. https://www.iffhs.com/posts/1735
  48. https://www.si.com/soccer/ranking-the-50-best-soccer-defenders-of-all-time
  49. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ruud-krol/profil/trainer/1880
  50. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1325676-50-greatest-defenders-in-world-football-history
  51. https://football-italia.net/nunez-lang-urged-join-napoli/
  52. https://www.amazon.com/Brilliant-Orange-Neurotic-Genius-Soccer/dp/1590200551
  53. https://www.nationaalarchief.nl/onderzoeken/fotocollectie/35429da6-1d35-a382-e063-6df0900a6686?searchKey=c7652b7ee52e80f1d5aca361210dae06
  54. https://sportgeschiedenis.nl/sporten/voetbal/de-spelersvrouwen-van-het-nederlands-elftal-van-1974-voelden-zich-behoorlijk-in-de-steek-gelaten/
  55. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2006/07/01/de-vrouwen-van-74-11155365-a310822
  56. https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/voetbal/hommage-ruud-krol-aan-voetbalvrienden/64730741.html
  57. https://www.alamy.com/ruud-krol-in-his-new-snack-bar-regulierbreestraat-ruud-krol-with-arie-haan-behind-the-bitterballen-september-26-1974-sports-soccer-players-the-netherlands-20th-century-press-agency-photo-news-to-remember-documentary-historic-photography-1945-1990-visual-stories-human-history-of-the-twentieth-century-capturing-moments-in-time-image429030719.html
  58. https://www.balkanweb.com/en/legjendat-holandeze-ari-han-rud-krol-vizite-speciale-ne-kampin-stervitore-te-kombetares/
  59. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct36gk
  60. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/nedchamp.html
  61. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/nedcuphist.html
  62. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/match/overview/1123142-zamalek-enppi
  63. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13585698
  64. https://www.transfermarkt.us/nedbank-cup/erfolge/pokalwettbewerb/NEDC
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