The renovated Cruyff Court in Rotterdam-Charlois has been officially reopened and named after Leo Beenhakker. The Rotterdam football legend now has a lasting place in the neighbourhood where he grew up. A place where new generations of children can play sports together, have fun and develop.
In the presence of Feyenoord Legends Mario Been and Jorien van den Herik, Alderman Jeroen Postma, Feyenoord management and Erwin Beenhakker, the Cruyff Court was officially reopened alongside youngsters from the neighbourhood. After the unveiling of the name sign, they immediately put the pitch to use with a range of sports activities.
Erwin Beenhakker said: “A place where the sport that defined his entire life, football, can be played, especially by young people. I think my father would have found that very special and wonderful.”
Leo Beenhakker
Born in Rotterdam and raised in Charlois, Beenhakker built an impressive career as a football manager. He coached clubs including Feyenoord, Ajax and Real Madrid, and managed several national teams. With his characteristic Rotterdam mentality and passion for the game, he became one of the Netherlands’ best-known football managers. Beenhakker passed away in April 2025 at the age of 82.
A lasting place in Charlois
Together with the Municipality of Rotterdam, Feyenoord, local partners and the Cruyff Foundation, a renewed space has been created where children and young people can play sports safely, have fun and connect with one another.
Jeroen Postma, Alderman for Youth, Education and Sport in Rotterdam: “Every child in Rotterdam should have a place to enjoy playing outdoors. You certainly don’t have to become a professional footballer. The most important thing is that you can have fun together here and kick a ball around. How special is it that this Cruyff Court is being named today after Leo Beenhakker, right here in the neighbourhood where he grew up?”
A Cruyff Court is more than just a football pitch. It is a place where new generations have the space to get active, discover their talents, make friends and develop both athletically and personally. Community sports coaches from Feyenoord and Zawadi Sport organise weekly sports activities for children and youngsters to encourage this.
Jeroen Boonacker, board member of the Cruyff Foundation: “Johan Cruyff believed in the power of sport to bring people together. You can see and feel that connection today: young people, local residents and partners are coming together here. It makes me proud to see that Johan’s vision continues to live on and inspire people around the world to get active.”
Photography: Feyenoord Media