The former Sunderland head coach has stepped down for personal reasons despite guiding Curaçao to a historic first-ever World Cup qualification

Former Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat has stepped down from his role as Curaçao manager despite guiding the nation to a historic first-ever World Cup qualification.

The 78-year-old, who has been in charge of the Caribbean side for two years, will not lead the team at the 2026 tournament after resigning for personal reasons. It is reported that the decision is linked to his daughter’s health. “I’ve always said family is above football. So this is a self-evident decision,” Advocaat said. “But of course that doesn’t change the fact that I’m going to miss Curaçao, the people there and my colleagues very much.”

Advocaat described qualification with the island nation of around 150,000 people as the “craziest thing” of his long managerial career, which spans nearly four decades. Had he remained in charge for the finals, he would have become the oldest manager in World Cup history. He will be replaced by fellow Dutchman Fred Rutten, a former Netherlands international who has previously managed PSV, Anderlecht and Feyenoord.

Advocaat’s departure marks another chapter in a career that included a dramatic and emotional spell on Wearside. He was appointed Sunderland manager in March 2015 following the dismissal of Gus Poyet, initially on a short-term deal until the end of the campaign. His first match in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat at West Ham United, but he quickly etched his name into club folklore with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby just weeks later.

After a heavy home defeat to Crystal Palace, Advocaat oversaw a crucial turnaround, picking up a draw at Stoke City before back-to-back wins over Southampton and Everton boosted survival hopes. Sunderland secured Premier League safety in May 2015 following a goalless draw at Arsenal, with Advocaat visibly emotional at the final whistle as the magnitude of the achievement sank in. The Black Cats finished 16th, three points clear of the relegation zone.

He initially announced his retirement shortly after preserving Sunderland’s top-flight status, only to reverse that decision weeks later by signing a one-year contract. However, a difficult start to the 2015-16 campaign saw results deteriorate, and he resigned in October with Sunderland sitting 19th in the table. Advocaat left Wearside with four wins, six draws and nine defeats across his second spell, but his first rescue act ensured his place in Sunderland history.

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Advocaat’s managerial journey has been one of the most varied and decorated in modern European football. He first rose to prominence in the Netherlands, enjoying success with PSV Eindhoven across two spells, winning domestic titles and establishing himself as one of the country’s leading tacticians. His reputation was further enhanced during a successful period at Rangers between 1998 and 2001, where he secured multiple league championships and domestic cups in Scotland.

On the international stage, Advocaat twice managed the Netherlands national team and also took charge of Belgium, Russia, South Korea, Serbia, Iraq and most recently Curaçao. His time with Russia included a run to the semi-finals of Euro 2008, widely regarded as one of the country’s finest modern tournament performances.

At club level, his career has spanned Germany with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Turkey with Fenerbahçe, and Russia with Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he lifted major domestic honours and the UEFA Cup. He also managed Feyenoord later in his career, guiding them to European qualification during a transitional period.

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