Football just lost one of its true characters. Leo Beenhakker was a name that held weight in the world of football and he passed away this week at the age of 82. For those who truly love the game, his death marks the end of an era of tactical brilliance and charismatic leadership.
Let’s look into this Dutch man’s life as a coach.
A Man of Football
Leo was more than a coach; he was a football man through and through. Born in the Netherlands in 1942, Leo first tried his hand in the sport as a player but it was only after he stepped into coaching that his true gift shone.
He had this calm, sharp way of seeing the game that set him apart. As a result, he managed several big-name clubs like Ajax, Feyenoord, and Real Madrid. Of these three, it was in Real Madrid that Leo had the best run of his coaching career, leading the Spanish team to win multiple titles.
His time as an Ajax manager between 1978 and 1981 also saw the club winning the Eredivisie title. He then won it again on his return to Ajax later in his career in 1990.
Real Madrid’s Golden Era Under Beenhakker
Leo Beenhakker took charge of the Spanish giants in the mid-80s and they immediately started winning trophies. From 1986 to 1989, Real Madrid won three consecutive Spanish La Liga titles. Besides that, they also won a Copa del Rey and two Supercopa de España victories within that same period.
Beyond the trophies though, what made Beenhakker special was the way he got his teams to play. With players like Emilio Butragueño, Hugo Sánchez, and Míchel, Real Madrid played exciting, attacking football. Leo gave them the freedom to express themselves while keeping the team balanced and disciplined.
Of course, fans loved him for that, which earned him the nickname “Don Leo.” He was calm on the touchline, always in control, always with a plan, spoke his mind, never chased headlines, and gave full respect to the game. That is why to this day, Real Madrid fans still talk about his era with deep respect knowing he left a long-lasting legacy that remains up till today.
Even after his coaching days at the club, Beenhakker stayed involved in football working behind the scenes as an adviser.
More Than Madrid
Don Leo wasn’t just a Real Madrid man. Beyond club football, he also made his mark on the international stage, coaching teams like:
- The Netherlands
- Saudi Arabia
- Poland
- Trinidad and Tobago
Twice, he managed the Dutch national team in 1986 and 1990. In the 1990 World Cup in Italy, he led the team to the Round of 16 Knockout Stage where they lost to the eventual champions, Germany.
Moreover, when he managed Trinidad and Tobago in the 2006 World Cup, he pulled off something many thought impossible. He got a small nation to the biggest stage in world football which was one of his most impressive achievements. That move alone showed his love for the game no matter the level or size of the team.
Then not long after, he managed Poland and became the first foreigner to coach the team, resulting in the team qualifying for Euro 2008. Evidently, no matter where he coached, he made an impact. Because he understood different cultures and styles, he was able to connect with players from all walks of life.
A Legacy That Remains
Leo Beenhakker may be gone but what he gave to football will always remain. He inspired players, coaches and fans, and proved that football is about passion, belief and respect. The way he carried himself and the way he managed his teams, it all showed that football was a way of life for him, not just a job.
As news of his passing spreads, tributes have been pouring in from clubs, players and fans. Real Madrid posted a heartfelt message calling him one of the greats, which says it all.
Looking Ahead: A Huge 2nd-Leg Match for Real Madrid vs Arsenal
While fans reflect on Leo Beenhakker’s legacy, there’s also big action on the pitch coming up. Real Madrid is in preparation for a massive second leg against Arsenal in the Champions League.
In the first leg, Arsenal delivered a dominant performance to defeat Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Now, with the second leg set for April 16, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid faces a significant challenge to overturn the deficit. But in the Champions League, when the pressure hits, the Spanish giants usually find a way as they’ve done time and time again.
Who Do the Odds Favor?
Looking at the odds, most crypto sportsbooks have Arsenal as the favorites considering their current lead. However, home advantage, experience, and a deep squad give Madrid a slight edge. As such, it could easily go either way especially if Real Madrid can score early and put pressure on Arsenal’s backline.
The odds for each team are hovering around, but the best odds for each outcome as of now are as follows:
- Real Madrid to win: 1.7
- A draw: 4.6
- Arsenal to win: 5.0
Of course, these numbers could shift closer to kick-off, particularly if there’s any team news or surprises.
Betting with Crypto Sportsbooks
In the world of sports betting, crypto has become more popular and for matches like this, crypto bookies have gotten a lot of attention. Some of the most popular crypto sportsbooks you can place your Real Madrid vs Arsenal wagers and other Champions League bets include:
- Stake.com
- Sportsbet.io
- BC.Game
- Velobet
- Bitsler
- Duelbits
These platforms offer competitive odds, transaction speed, security, and bigger bonuses compared to conventional bookies.
Final Thoughts
Leo Beenhakker’s passing reminds us that football isn’t only about goals and trophies. It’s about the people who give everything to the game. And now, as Real Madrid prepares for another big night under the lights, Leo’s memory will forever be in the hearts of many fans.
Velobet Sportsbook
Place your Football Bets at Velobet Sportsbook