Ruud Gullit

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Lore & Background

Gullit's journey began in Amsterdam, born as Rudi Dil to a Surinamese father, George Gullit, and a Dutch mother, Ria Dil. Growing up in a split-level room in the Jordaan district, he honed his skills on the streets of Rozendwarsstraat before joining Meerboys in 1970. At age ten, he moved to Amsterdam Old West, playing alongside future teammate Frank Rijkaard. It was during his time at DWS that he adopted his father's surname, believing 'Gullit' sounded more like a footballer. He represented the Dutch youth team alongside Erwin Koeman, Ronald Koeman, and Wim Kieft before signing his first professional contract with HFC Haarlem on 22 September 1978 at just 16 years and 11 months old.

In Their Own Story

Gullit's rise was meteoric. After making 91 league appearances for Haarlem, scoring 32 goals including a celebrated goal against Utrecht where he beat four defenders and the goalkeeper, he moved to Feyenoord in 1982. In 1985, Gullit transferred to PSV for 1.2 million Dutch guilders, scoring 46 goals in 68 appearances and securing two Eredivisie titles. His move to AC Milan in 1987 for a world record fee of 18 million guilders marked a new era. Alongside van Basten and later Rijkaard, he won two Scudetti and two European Cups, including the 4–0 victory over Steaua București where Gullit scored twice. Despite injuries that hampered his 1989–90 season, he remained a pivotal figure until his loan to Sampdoria in 1993.

Reader's Guide

Gullit's career trajectory offers a blueprint for adaptability and leadership. He evolved from a sweeper at Haarlem to an advanced midfielder at Feyenoord and a multifaceted attacker at Milan. His tenure at Chelsea began in July 1995 as a player-manager, where he led the club to their first major title in 26 years—the FA Cup—becoming the first overseas manager to win it. Throughout his career, Gullit faced challenges including racial abuse in Scotland and injuries that forced him to alter his playing style. He represented the Netherlands at the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1992, and in 2004 was named one of FIFA's Top 125 greatest living footballers.

Did You Know?

• Gullit was born as Rudi Dil and only adopted his father's surname, Gullit, because he thought it sounded more like a footballer.
• He made his professional debut for HFC Haarlem at just 16 years and 11 months old, becoming the youngest player in Eredivisie history at the time.
• Gullit dedicated his 1987 Ballon d'Or award to Nelson Mandela.
• In a 1990–91 Champions League match against Marseille, Milan refused to return to the pitch after floodlights went out and were subsequently awarded a 3–0 defeat by UEFA.
• As player-manager at Chelsea in his debut season, Gullit led the club to their first FA Cup title in 26 years.