Rinus Michels Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Children, Salary, Record, Trophies, Team Coached

Marinus Jacobus Hendricus “Rinus” Michels, widely known as Rinus Michels, was a legendary Dutch football player and coach.

He is celebrated as the architect of the revolutionary “Total Football” philosophy. As a player, he distinguished Ajax by scoring 121 goals in 269 matches.

Transitioning into management, Michels succeeded with Ajax, leading the team to numerous triumphs, including the prestigious European Cup.

He also managed the Netherlands national team, famously guiding them to the 1974 FIFA World Cup final and securing victory in the 1988 UEFA European Championship.

Honoured as FIFA’s “Coach of the Century” in 1999, Michels‘ tactical brilliance and innovative strategies have left an enduring legacy in modern football.

Profile

• Full Name: Marinus Jacobus Hendricus Michels
• Stage Name: Rinus Michels
• Born: February 9, 1928
• Death date: March 3, 2005
• Age: 77 years old
• Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Nationality: Dutch
• Occupation: Dutch football player and coach
• Height: 1.86 m
• Parent: Piet Michels ,Wil van Brederode
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Will Hulsbosch (m. ?–2005)
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Marinus Jacobus Hendricus Michels, commonly known as Rinus Michels, was born on February 9, 1928, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

He was the son of Piet Michels and Wil van Brederode. While it is possible that he had siblings, their names and details are not publicly known.

Michels pursued his education at the Amsterdam Sports Academy, where he focused on physical education and gymnastics. He is of Dutch ethnicity, and he practices Christianity as his religion.

Career

Rinus Michels began his football career with Ajax, joining their youth team at 12. He made his first-team debut in 1946 and quickly established himself as a forward known for his determination and work ethic rather than technical brilliance.

Over 12 seasons, Michels scored 122 goals in 264 appearances for Ajax before retiring in 1958 due to a back injury.

His international career with the Netherlands national team was brief, spanning five matches ending in defeats, including his debut against Sweden in 1950.

After retiring as a player, Michels transitioned into coaching and returned to Ajax in 1965. Taking over a struggling team, he transformed them into a dominant force in Dutch football.

During his tenure, Ajax won four league titles and three KNVB Cups. Michels also led Ajax to the 1969 European Cup final and later laid the foundation for their historic three consecutive European Cup victories from 1971 to 1973.

During this period, Michels introduced the revolutionary “Total Football” philosophy, which emphasized fluid positional play and adaptability.

In 1971, Michels moved to FC Barcelona as manager. His tactical approach and leadership led Barcelona to a La Liga title in 1974, with Johan Cruyff playing a pivotal role in his system.

Cruyff, a key figure in Michels’ Total Football philosophy, flourished under his guidance, solidifying their shared legacy in football.

After his tenure at Barcelona, Michels took on multiple stints as the Netherlands national team coach, achieving remarkable success.

Michels‘ most significant achievements as a national team coach came during the 1974 FIFA World Cup and the 1988 UEFA European Championship.

He led the Netherlands to the World Cup final in 1974, where they introduced the world to Total Football despite narrowly losing to West Germany.

In 1988, he guided the Netherlands to their first major tournament victory, securing the European Championship with a team that included stars like Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten.

Beyond his coaching triumphs, Michels‘ influence on the game was profound. He is credited with developing the Total Football philosophy, which redefined the sport by emphasizing positional fluidity, teamwork, and tactical intelligence.

This approach revolutionized modern football and inspired generations of players and coaches, making Michels one of the most influential figures in the sport’s history.

Recognized for his unparalleled contributions, Michels received numerous accolades, including being named FIFA’s “Coach of the Century” in 1999.

In 2007, The Times honoured him as the most significant post-war football coach; in 2019, France Football honoured him as the greatest coach in football history. Michels‘ legacy endures as a cornerstone of football’s evolution and innovation.

Social Media

Rinus Michels does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Rinus Michels, the legendary Dutch football player and coach, was married to Will Hulsbosch. Their marriage endured until Michels‘ passing in 2005.

While they shared a family life, specific details about their children remain largely private and undocumented. Michels passed away on March 3, 2005, at 77.

Net Worth

Rinus Michels‘ exact net worth is not publicly documented.

However, as a celebrated football player and legendary coach known for his groundbreaking “Total Football” philosophy and achievements, such as winning the European Cup with Ajax and a La Liga title with Barcelona, he likely enjoyed a considerable financial standing during his lifetime.