WILLEMSTAD (DA) — Dick Advocaat has stepped down immediately as technical director of Curaçao’s national team, with Fred Rutten appointed as his successor.
The Curaçao Football Federation (FFK) said Advocaat, 78, made the decision to give his full attention to his daughter, who is facing health problems.
“Family comes before football,” Advocaat said, calling the move a “natural decision” while adding that he “loves Curaçao” and describing the team’s World Cup qualification as a career highlight.
Leandro Bacuna echoed that message in a public tribute to Advocaat, writing: “We are enormously grateful for everything you have done for Curaçao. You put us on the map and made us believe in ourselves.” He added: “Family always comes first, and we wish you and your family a lot of strength in this period.”
Bacuna also credited Advocaat’s influence on the group after qualification, writing: “Qualification is the result of vision, discipline and belief,” and adding, “We will keep fighting with the same mentality you gave us.”
Eloy Room, in his own message to Advocaat, wrote: “I wish you all the strength in this difficult period,” and thanked him “for the trust you gave me and us as a group.”
“From the first meeting we had until the end, you gave me/us the belief that we can reach the World Cup,” Room wrote. “As a group we will give everything and continue on the same path and vision you gave us.”
Advocaat’s assistant and “man of trust,” Cor Pot, will also stop, and team doctor Casper van Eijck will step away to help the Advocaat family in the Netherlands during this period.
FFK president Gilbert Martina said the federation respected Advocaat’s decision and praised his impact on the national team.
Advocaat began his work with “Team Curaçao, the Blue Wave” at the end of 2024, with Curaçao later qualifying for the 2025 Gold Cup in the United States and then for the World Cup, sparking celebrations that lasted several days.
Advocaat will not be present for the March friendlies against Australia and China, the end-of-May match against Scotland, or the farewell match in Curaçao on June 6. The federation also said it remains in talks with different CONCACAF and CONMEBOL countries as possible opponents for the home farewell match.
Rutten, 63, said it is an “honor” to continue the work and that he plans to follow the same line after speaking with Advocaat and his staff. Martina called the appointment a “quick and good solution,” adding that Rutten will soon announce his staff.