Know what happened to Frank Rijkaard as he’s linked to FC Barcelona
Amidst the clamor of iconic figures like Pele endorsing Mastercard and David Beckham making appearances in undergarment ads, there exists a cohort of exceptional players who gracefully fade into the shadows, choosing to eschew the limelight, as if they had marked the ‘no publicity’ checkbox in their email settings.
However, the enigma of Frank Rijkaard’s journey stands out. A man who attained the pinnacle of success both as a player and a coach, securing two Champions League titles with AC Milan and one with Ajax during his playing days, and later leading Barcelona to victory in 2006 as a coach.
Where is Frank Rijkaard now in 2024 and what happened to him as he’s linked to FC Barcelona
It’s worth noting that, in that era, Barcelona’s triumph marked only their second in the competition’s history.
❗️ Joan Laporta has called Frank Rijkaard to ask him to be a substitute for Xavi.
— @marca pic.twitter.com/dMcpwxrN90
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 31, 2024
About Frank Rijkaard
For many, Rijkaard is remembered as the coach who struggled to extract the best performances from Andres Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, and Xavi before the advent of Guardiola, who revolutionized Barcelona.
Yet, this narrative tells only half the story. In the 2007-08 season, Rijkaard helmed one of the most talented squads in history. However, as the season progressed, the team appeared increasingly disjointed, with Ronaldinho, in particular, bearing the brunt, as his off-field exploits took precedence over his on-field responsibilities.
The end was nigh for Rijkaard at Barca, leading to subsequent coaching stints at Galatasaray and a brief period with Saudi Arabia.
Where is Frank Rijkaard Now?
Nowadays, Rijkaard is more likely to be found enjoying time with his family in Amsterdam, where his wise investments in the property market have secured financial stability. Accoridng to reports, Barcelona want him to step in when Xavi leaves at the end of the season
Since Johan Cruyff (1988-1996), no coach has stayed at Barcelona for more than 5 years.
Frank Rijkaard (5 years), Pep Guardiola (4 years), Luis Enrique (3 years), Louis van Gaal (3 years), Ernesto Valverde (2.5 years), Xavi (2.5 years). Others' stays were even shorter. pic.twitter.com/LFRdUZ2Rz5
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) January 27, 2024
Despite occasional offers, especially during the Chinese clubs’ pursuit of European football’s elite, Rijkaard remains resolute in his retirement. His retreat from public life may be influenced, in part, by the fallout from his personal life in Holland, where his separation from his former wife Monique in 2009 drew significant criticism.
As a player, Rijkaard defied conventions, famously walking out on Ajax in 1987 after a confrontation with Johan Cruyff. Despite this, he found success at AC Milan, forming a formidable trio with Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten.
Rijkaard’s composure in handling the fallout with Cruyff was such that, years later, Cruyff recommended him as the national team manager for Euro 2000.
Rijkaard’s coaching career saw its zenith at Barcelona, overcoming initial skepticism and securing titles with a team that included Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o. However, his tenure ended on a low note in 2008, culminating in a sacking after a humiliating defeat to Real Madrid.
Since then, Rijkaard has chosen a quieter life, seemingly done with the game that defined him. His journey, marked by triumphs and challenges, remains a captivating tale in the annals of football history.
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