Ruud Gullit

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Gullit moved from PSV to AC Milan in 1987 for a world record transfer fee, joined by compatriots Marco van Basten and, a year later, Frank Rijkaard. They won two Scudetti and two European Cups together, Rijkaard having missed out on the 1987–88 Serie A title. Individual awards would inevitably follow especially for Gullit when, in addition to the Ballon d'Or, he was named World Soccer Player of the Year in 1987 and 1989. In 1995, Gullit signed for Chelsea and was appointed the club's player-manager a year later. In his managerial debut season, he led Chelsea to FA Cup success, the club's first major title for 26 years, and in doing so, became the first overseas manager to win the FA Cup. Aside from the victorious Euro 1988 campaign, Gullit also represented the Netherlands at the 1990 FIFA World Cup and Euro 1992. In 2004, Gullit was named one of the Top 125 greatest living footballers as part of FIFA's 100th anniversary celebration.

In Their Own Story

For 26 years, the club had waited for major silverware, and on this day, the wait ended under his dual guidance as player and manager. The squad he assembled, featuring signings like Mark Hughes and Dan Petrescu, was built to challenge for honors immediately. Gullit's ability to adapt from a world-class forward at Milan to a commanding leader in London showcased his versatility. While the text highlights the semi-final run in his first season as a pivotal build-up, the climax arrived the following year when he lifted the cup. This victory cemented his status as a figure who could bridge the gap between elite playing ability and successful management, setting a precedent for future overseas bosses.

Reader's Guide

Gullit was born as Rudi Dil in Amsterdam to George Gullit, a Surinamese emigrant who arrived in the Netherlands with Frank Rijkaard's father Herman Rijkaard, and Dutch mistress Ria Dil from the Jordaan district of Amsterdam. He developed his football skills in the confines of the Rozendwarsstraat, and street football was instrumental in his formative years. Gullit's first team were the Meerboys, where he joined as a junior in 1970. At the age of ten, he moved from the Jordaan to Amsterdam Old West where he played street football alongside Rijkaard. Gullit joined the DWS club after his move, and came to the attention of the Dutch youth team. It was during his time at DWS that Gullit first took to using his father's surname, rather than his registered surname (from his mother), as he thought Gullit sounded more like a footballer. He signed his first professional contract for HFC Haarlem on 22 September 1978, making his debut at 16 years and 11 months old, becoming at the time the youngest player in Eredivisie history. He moved to Feyenoord in 1982, then to PSV in 1985, and signed for AC Milan in 1987. In 1995, Gullit signed for Chelsea.

Did You Know?

• Gullit was born as Rudi Dil but used his father's surname because he thought Gullit sounded more like a footballer.
• He was named World Soccer Player of the Year in 1987 and 1989.
• Gullit became the first overseas manager to win the FA Cup.
• He dedicated his 1987 Ballon d'Or to Nelson Mandela.