Who Is Frank Rijkaard? Age, Biography and Wiki
Frank Rijkaard, a renowned Dutch football manager and former professional player, was born on September 30, 1962. As of 2025, he is 62 years old. Known for his impressive playing career with Ajax and the Dutch national team, Rijkaard transitioned into management where he achieved considerable success, particularly during his time at FC Barcelona. His tactical acumen and ability to nurture young talent have solidified his reputation in the world of football.
| Occupation | Football Coach |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 30, 1962 |
| Age | 62 Years |
| Birth Place | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Netherlands |
Popularity
Frank Rijkaard's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at an impressive height of 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in), Rijkaard has always had a commanding presence both on and off the pitch. His weight is around 80 kg (176 lbs), which he has maintained through a lifelong dedication to fitness and healthy living. Although specific measurements are not publicly documented, his athletic build has remained a significant aspect of his persona.
Regarded as one of the greatest players ever in his position, Rijkaard was a quick, strong, complete and tenacious defensive midfielder, who was praised by pundits throughout his career for his physical and athletic attributes, his work rate, positioning, his acute tactical intelligence and decision-making, as well as his outstanding consistency an
d ability to read the game.
Due to his aggression and versatility, he was also capable of playing as a central or box-to-box midfielder, and even in a defensive role, usually in the centre.
Although Rijkaard was known as a strong tackler, he was surprisingly elegant for a player of his size, and also possessed good technique, passing ability, link-up play, and vision, which made him adept at starting attacking plays as a deep-lying playmaker once he won back possession.
He was also capable of playing in more advanced roles as an attacking midfielder or second striker. Due to his height and physical strength, he excelled in the air; possessed a powerful shot; and was capable of getting forward and contributing to his team's attacking plays by making late runs into the penalty area.
Rijkaard was described by British broadsheet The Daily Telegraph as having been "a stylish player of faultless pedigree". In 2004, Rijkaard was named in the FIFA 100, Pelé's list of the 125 World's Greatest Living Footballers.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Frank Rijkaard has generally kept his personal life relatively private, but it is known that he is currently in a committed relationship. While details about his girlfriend are scarce, Rijkaard values his family life and often shares moments with his loved ones when he expresses his thoughts on social media. Having been married in the past, he has two children whom he remains devoted to, maintaining a healthy balance between his professional and personal life.
His father Herman (1935–2010) was a Surinamese footballer who arrived in the Netherlands along with the father of Ruud Gullit and his mother Neel is Dutch; the two boys grew up playing football together in the city. Rijkaard was just 17 when Ajax coach Leo Beenhakker gave him his senior squad debut on 23 August 1980.
He made an immediate impact, scoring the third goal in a 4–2 away victory over Go Ahead Eagles, the first league match in the 1980–81 season. He would play another 23 games for Ajax in his first season, netting four goals.
In 1981–82, he won his first league championship with Ajax and went on to successfully defend the title the following season.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Frank Rijkaard’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $30 million. This wealth has been acquired through his lucrative football career, management roles, and various endorsements. His earnings as a manager fluctuate with the clubs he leads, but he is known to command a substantial salary, reflecting his expertise and success in the sport.
Career, Business and Investments
Rijkaard’s career spans several decades, beginning as a player in the 1980s before transitioning into management in the 2000s. Notably, he led FC Barcelona to significant success between 2003 and 2008, winning two UEFA Champions League titles and multiple La Liga championships. Beyond his football career, Rijkaard has engaged in several business ventures, including investment opportunities pertaining to sports academies and health-related initiatives aimed at youth development.
In his managerial career, he is most well known for his five-year tenure at Barcelona where he won the 2004–05 and 2005–06 La Liga titles, as well as the 2005–06 Champions League. He has also managed the Netherlands national team, Sparta Rotterdam, Galatasaray and the Saudi Arabia national team.
Social Network
Frank Rijkaard maintains a presence on various social media platforms, where he connects with fans and shares insights about his career. His official Instagram account (@frankrijkaard) is particularly popular, showcasing images from his professional milestones, family moments, and occasional travel adventures. Rijkaard's social media presence helps to foster a stronger connection with his supporters and promote initiatives he is passionate about.
Rijkaard had a disappointing start at Barcelona that saw some sections of the club's fans call for his resignation, and he drew flak from the media when the team lost to Real Madrid in December 2003. Rijkaard's resilience won through and from 2004 onwards, he achieved a massive turnaround, as the team went from strength to strength.
Barcelona finished runners-up in La Liga in 2003–04, having been close to the relegation zone at one point in the earlier stages of the season.
Rijkaard then took Barcelona to the next level as he phased out the old guard and rebuilt a new-look side around Ronaldinho, with new players like Deco, Samuel Eto'o, Rafael Márquez and Ludovic Giuly, along with the latest promotion of some young players from the previous era trained in the club's youth teams, including Víctor Valdés, Lionel Mes
si and Andrés Iniesta.
He eventually succeeded in turning around the fortunes of the club, with the strong support of Laporta, and within the next couple of years finally managed to win La Liga both in 2004–05 and in 2005–06.
Education
Rijkaard’s education in football began at a young age, influenced by his father, who was also involved in sports. Although he did not pursue formal higher education, his extensive experience on the pitch and subsequent coaching qualifications have provided him with a deep understanding of both the game and effective management strategies. He has continually invested in his professional development, completing various coaching courses to remain at the forefront of the football industry.
