Leo Beenhakker, the esteemed Dutch soccer coach renowned for his successful stints with top European clubs and national teams, passed away Thursday afternoon at the age of 82, his family confirmed to Dutch national broadcaster NOS 

Born in Rotterdam, Beenhakker began his managerial career with SC Veendam in 1968. He later managed SC Cambuur and Go Ahead Eagles before joining Ajax Amsterdam`s coaching staff in 1978. Promoted to head coach in 1979, he led Ajax to the Eredivisie title in the 1979-80 season. He returned to Ajax in 1989, securing another league championship in 1989-90.