Dirk Nicolaas Advocaat, born in 1947 in The Hague, established a career spanning decades as a professional association football player and coach. Known as the Little General, a moniker reflecting his professional relationship with mentor Rinus Michels, he transitioned from a defensive midfielder role in the Netherlands and the United States to a prominent international managerial career.
Early Career as a Player
Advocaat debuted professionally for ADO Den Haag on 21 May 1967. During his time there, he briefly played for the San Francisco Golden Gate Gales in the United States. He secured the KNVB Cup in 1968, his only honour as a player. Following stints with FC Den Haag, Roda JC, VVV, Chicago Sting in the NASL, Sparta Rotterdam, and K. Berchem Sport, he concluded his playing days at Utrecht.
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In 1981, Advocaat began coaching the amateur side DSVP. He served as an assistant to Rinus Michels for the Netherlands national team in 1984. By 1987, he moved to HFC Haarlem as manager before leading SVV to an Eerste Divisie title during the 1989-90 season. His later tenure at SVV involved a merger with Dordrecht '90, resulting in the formation of the combined side SVV/Dordrecht '90 for the 1991-92 campaign.
The Dutch National Team and PSV
Advocaat took charge of the Netherlands national team after Euro 1992. Despite early internal tensions, he guided the squad to the quarter-finals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup. In December 1994, he joined PSV Eindhoven as manager. His broad international experience includes coaching the national sides of South Korea, Belgium, and Russia, alongside his work with Zenit Saint Petersburg.
International Success
While at the Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg, Advocaat achieved significant success by winning the 2008 UEFA Cup and the 2008 UEFA Super Cup. His contributions to the sport in Russia were formally recognized when he received the title of Merited Coach of Russia. He currently serves as the manager for the Curaçao national team.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947, The Hague
- Nickname: The Little General
- Player debut: 21 May 1967
- Key club honour: 1968 KNVB Cup
- Zenit Saint Petersburg achievements: 2008 UEFA Cup, 2008 UEFA Super Cup
- National coaching roles: Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Russia, Curaçao
- Award: Merited Coach of Russia
Questions readers ask
Why is Dick Advocaat called The Little General?
The nickname is a reference to his mentor, the Dutch national team head coach Rinus Michels, whose own sobriquet was The General.
Which major trophies did he win with Zenit Saint Petersburg?
He won the 2008 UEFA Cup and the 2008 UEFA Super Cup while managing the Russian club.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player and association football coach
