Gilbert Martina, President of the Curaçao Football Federation, has shared details about the potential reappointment of renowned Dutch coach Dick Advocaat as head coach of the national team, following his departure in February 2026 due to family reasons.
“Advocaat is coming back! After it became known that his daughter is doing better, a very negative campaign emerged in the press, painting Rütten in a bad light. But the players refuted these negative statements. There should be no atmosphere that undermines healthy professional relationships within the team or the coaching staff. That’s why it’s sensible to resign,” Martina was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
On May 11, the federation’s official website announced that Fred Rütten, who had held the position since February 2026, had been dismissed. Curaçao’s national team has been drawn into a group with Germany, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador for the World Cup. If appointed, Advocaat, currently 78 years old, could become the oldest coach in World Cup history.
