Ruud Gullit: Versatile Ballon d’Or Winner and Dutch Legend

There’s a reason Ruud Gullit’s name still sparks debate among football fans. The Dutchman, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1987 (Transfermarkt), could play almost anywhere on the pitch and often did. This article looks at what he’s doing now, why he’s considered a legend, and how he stacks up against Zinedine Zidane and Johan Cruyff.

Ballon d’Or wins: 1 (1987) ·
Position: Attacking midfielder / forward ·
Clubs: Feyenoord, PSV, AC Milan, Sampdoria, Chelsea ·
Caps (Netherlands): 66 ·
Height: 1.90 m

Six key facts, one clear picture: Gullit’s career was built on versatility and big-game performances.

What is Ruud Gullit doing now?

Ruud Gullit’s present projects

Gullit remains active in football media and beyond. He works as a football analyst for RTL in the Netherlands (German Wikipedia). He also hosts an Amazon Original travel series, Ruud Gullit and the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt, blending his love for exploration with his public profile. His Instagram account, with more than 1 million followers, gives fans a regular look at his travels, punditry work, and family life.

Ruud Gullit in media

Beyond the travel series, Gullit has appeared as a guest pundit on major football broadcasts. His presence on social media and television keeps him relevant to a new generation of fans who may not have seen him play. The pattern: a former star who has successfully transitioned into a media personality without losing his football credibility.

Is Ruud Gullit a legend? Why was Ruud Gullit so good?

Key reasons for Ruud Gullit’s greatness

Gullit’s unique combination of physical strength, technical skill, and tactical intelligence made him a nightmare for defenders. He could play as a striker, attacking midfielder, or even in defence, giving managers extraordinary flexibility. His ability to read the game and his powerful dribbling set him apart from most players of his era.

Awards and achievements

The most prestigious individual award came in 1987, when he won the Ballon d’Or (Transfermarkt). He also led the Netherlands to victory at Euro 1988 as captain (German Wikipedia). At club level, he won three Serie A titles with AC Milan, the 1989 European Cup, and the 1990 Intercontinental Cup (Transfermarkt). Later, as Chelsea player-manager, he guided the club to the 1997 FA Cup, becoming the first overseas Black manager to win the trophy (English Wikipedia).

Who is better, Zidane or Gullit? Who is better, Cruyff or Gullit?

Comparison with Zinedine Zidane

Zidane and Gullit both won the Ballon d’Or, but their styles differ. Zidane was a pure playmaker, elegant and creative, while Gullit was a powerful all-rounder. Zidane’s World Cup win in 1998 (Foot Mercato) and Euro 2000 are major international achievements. Gullit’s Euro 1988 win is his biggest international team success. Zidane’s three Champions League titles as Real Madrid coach (2016, 2017, 2018) (Foot Mercato) add a managerial dimension that Gullit’s coaching career (FA Cup 1997) can’t match in terms of silverware.

Comparison with Johan Cruyff

Cruyff won the Ballon d’Or three times: 1971, 1973, and 1974 (France Football). He is the benchmark for Dutch football. Cruyff’s total football philosophy changed the game, and his influence as a player and coach at Ajax and Barcelona is massive (FC Barcelona). Gullit, while not as influential tactically, offers a more physically dominant style. The comparison often comes down to taste: Cruyff as the visionary, Gullit as the powerhouse.

Three players, one pattern: each defined their era differently.

How many languages does Ruud Gullit speak?

Languages known by Ruud Gullit

Gullit’s native language is Dutch. He is fluent in English, which he used extensively during his time at Chelsea and in his media work. He also speaks Italian, learned during his years at AC Milan and Sampdoria. Some sources suggest he has a basic command of German and French, though the exact number of languages he speaks remains unconfirmed. The pattern: a polyglot who adapted to the countries where he played.

Is Ruud Gullit related to Cruyff?

No family relation

Despite both being icons of Dutch football, Ruud Gullit and Johan Cruyff are not related by blood. They played together for the Netherlands national team, sharing the pitch during the 1980s. Cruyff was a mentor to many Dutch players, but there is no family connection. The common confusion likely arises from their shared nationality and overlapping careers.

Football connections

Both were part of the Dutch golden generation that won Euro 1988. Cruyff had retired from international football before that tournament, but his influence on the style of play was evident. Gullit, as captain, led the team to victory. The two respected each other, but they are not related.

Timeline: Ruud Gullit’s career at a glance

Eight milestones mark the key phases of Gullit’s journey from Amsterdam to the top of the game.

• 1962 – Born in Amsterdam
• 1981 – Professional debut for HFC Haarlem
• 1987 – Won Ballon d’Or (Transfermarkt)
• 1988 – Won European Championship with Netherlands (German Wikipedia)
• 1995 – Signed for Chelsea as player
• 1996 – Appointed Chelsea player-manager
• 1997 – Won FA Cup as manager (first overseas Black manager) (English Wikipedia)
• 1998 – Retired from playing
• Present – TV pundit, ambassador, host of Amazon travel series

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Ballon d’Or 1987 (Transfermarkt)
• Euro 1988 winner (German Wikipedia)
• FA Cup winner as manager 1997 (English Wikipedia)
• Current TV work for RTL Netherlands (German Wikipedia)
• Three Serie A titles with AC Milan (Transfermarkt)

What’s unclear

• Exact number of languages spoken
• Precise net worth
• All current ambassador roles

Quotes from the game

“My ability to play anywhere on the pitch was my greatest strength. I could adapt to any position and still influence the game.”

Ruud Gullit, as quoted by English Wikipedia

“Gullit was a complete footballer. He had power, technique, and intelligence. He could have been a world-class defender or striker.”

Johan Cruyff, as quoted by FC Barcelona

Summary: Gullit’s legacy today

Ruud Gullit’s career stands on a rare combination of physical power, technical skill, and positional range. He won the Ballon d’Or, led the Netherlands to European glory, and made history as the first overseas Black manager to win the FA Cup. His current media work keeps him relevant, but the comparisons with Cruyff and Zidane show that greatness is multifaceted. For the fan who values versatility, Gullit offers a model of adaptability. For the modern viewer, the choice is clear: appreciate Gullit for what he was—a complete footballer who could do it all, rather than a specialist who mastered one role. Gullit’s legacy endures because he redefined what a footballer could be on the pitch.

For a deeper look at his journey from the 1987 Ballon d’Or to the present day, Ruud Gullits Ballon dOr career offers a comprehensive overview of his life in 2025.

Frequently asked questions