Guus Hiddink

Dutch manager who led PSV to European Cup glory and South Korea to World Cup semifinals.

Guus Hiddink (born 8 November 1946) is a Dutch former football manager and professional player. He enjoyed a long career playing as a midfielder in his native Netherlands. After retiring as a player in 1982, Hiddink went into management, leading clubs and countries from across the globe to achieve various titles and feats. Notable achievements include a European Cup with PSV Eindhoven and an Intercontinental Cup with Real Madrid.

Quick Facts

Born: 8 November 1946
Birthplace: Varsseveld, Netherlands
Position: Midfielder
Total caps: 317
Total goals: 16

Lore & Background

Hiddink was born in Varsseveld and started his career as a player in the youth side of amateur club SC Varsseveld. He turned professional after signing for Dutch club De Graafschap in 1967. He joined PSV in 1970, but after failing to win a permanent position, rejoined De Graafschap after just one year and remained there until 1977. In 1981, he rejoined De Graafschap again and retired a year later.

He spent most of his playing career at De Graafschap, including three years under Piet de Visser. Hiddink honed his coaching skills as assistant manager at PSV Eindhoven from 1983 until he was appointed manager there in March 1987. When he took command, the club was three points behind Ajax with ten matches remaining. PSV managed to win the championship six points ahead of Ajax.

He led PSV to its first ever European Cup triumph in 1988 (and The Treble). He also won three Eredivisie titles with the club between 1987 and 1990. Overall, Hiddink's PSV side won three consecutive Eredivisie titles, three consecutive KNVB Cups and the European Cup in the historic Treble-winning season of 1987–88.

Reader's Guide

Hiddink's managerial career includes stints at PSV Eindhoven (1987–1990 and 2002–2006), Fenerbahçe (1990), Valencia, the Netherlands national team (1995–1998), Real Madrid (1998–1999), Real Betis (2000), South Korea (2001–2002), and Australia (2005–2006). At PSV, he won three Dutch league titles (2002–03, 2004–05, 2005–06), the 2005 Dutch Cup, and the 2003 Dutch Super Cup during his second spell. He led South Korea to the semifinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first-ever person to be given honorary South Korean citizenship.

Did You Know?

He became the most successful Dutch coach in history, with six Dutch League titles and four Dutch Cups, surpassing Rinus Michels.
Hiddink is the first person to receive honorary South Korean citizenship, and a stadium in Gwangju was renamed Guus Hiddink Stadium.

Early Life and Playing Days

Born in Varsseveld, Hiddink started his career with amateur club SC Varsseveld. He turned professional in 1967 signing for De Graafschap under manager Piet de Visser. In 1973, during his second spell at De Graafschap alongside de Visser, the pair secured promotion to the Eredivisie. Hiddink joined PSV Eindhoven in 1970 but returned to De Graafschap after one year due to a lack of a permanent spot, staying there until 1977. He rejoined De Graafschap again in 1981 and retired as a player in 1982. Throughout his career, he generally played as a midfielder.

PSV Eindhoven Treble Success

Hiddink served as assistant manager at PSV from 1983 before becoming head coach in March 1987. At that time, the team was three points behind Ajax with ten matches left but won the title six points clear. In the 1987–88 season, he led PSV to its first-ever European Cup and a Treble consisting of three consecutive Eredivisie titles (1987–1990) and three consecutive KNVB Cups. This era affirmed PSV's rank as one of Dutch football's three giants. Berry van Aerle praised Hiddink's leadership, noting he shared credit with his staff to maintain unity. Hiddink left for Turkish club Fenerbahçe in 1990.

National Team Leadership

Hiddink took over the Netherlands national team on 1 January 1995, managing a squad plagued by internal disputes using a 4–4–2 formation. At UEFA Euro 1996, he sent Edgar Davids home after an argument; the team reached the quarter-finals before losing to France on penalties. By the 1998 FIFA World Cup, internal conflicts were resolved, and the team played entertaining football. They defeated Argentina 2–1 in the quarter-finals but lost to Brazil on penalties in the semi-finals, finishing fourth. Hiddink resigned shortly after this tournament.

South Korea World Cup Miracle

Appointed manager of South Korea on 1 January 2001, Hiddink led a team that had never won a World Cup match. Despite early criticism and a loss to the United States Gold Cup team in January 2002, he focused on physical fitness. At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, South Korea achieved its first-ever tournament victory (2–0 over Poland), drew with the U.S., and beat Portugal 1–0 to advance. They upset Italy 2–1 via a golden goal by Ahn Jung-hwan in the second round and defeated Spain on penalties in the quarter-finals. The run ended with a 1–0 semi-final loss to Germany, finishing fourth after a 3–2 defeat to Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Guus Hiddink to PSV fans?

He is a legendary head coach regarded as one of the most important figures in PSV Eindhoven's history. His leadership during the late eighties and early nineties established the club as a major force in European football.

When did Hiddink manage the team?

Hiddink served as the manager from 1987 until 1992, marking a pivotal five-year period for the team. This era is often remembered as the foundation of their modern golden generation.