Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has announced that he is free from prostate cancer, ending his five-year health battle.
The 73-year-old was diagnosed in late 2020, but kept the news private until April 2022, when he went public during his third spell as head coach of the Netherlands.
He revealed it was an ‘aggressive’ form, undergoing around 25 radiation therapy sessions, hormone injections, surgeries, catheters, and urine bags, while continuing to coach and even lead his team through the 2022 World Cup.
Van Gaal resigned after the tournament to focus on fighting his prostate cancer, and revealed in September 2023 that it would be a ‘miracle’ if he ever goes to the toilet by himself again.
Nevertheless, last year, he candidly shared: ‘I can pee naturally again, which is important. But I cannot have sex anymore, that’s a problem.’
And now, the legendary coach’s health has continued to improve. Van Gaal is completely cancer free but is still receiving check-ups every few months.
‘I no longer suffer from cancer,’ he said. ‘Two years ago, I had a few surgeries. It was all bad then.
‘But it all worked out in the end, so I can manage it now. I have checkups every few months, and that’s going well. I’m getting fitter and fitter.’
Van Gaal coached Man United between 2014 and 2016, lifting the FA Cup during his final season at Old Trafford.
Despite lifting silverware, he was sacked just two days later after leading United to fourth-place and fifth-place finishes in his two seasons.
He then took a five-year break from management, citing ‘family reasons’, before returning to the Netherlands dugout in 2021.
He appeared in good health when he announced the s
Before managing in England, Van Gaal enjoyed stints at Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, AZ Alkmaar, and two tenures with his national team.
He won 566 of his 930 games as a manager – a 60.86 per cent win rate – and is considered by many as one of the greatest tacticians the sport has ever seen.
