Ex-Man United Boss Louis van Gaal, 73, Beats Prostate Cancer, Grows Fitter

Louis van Gaal Announces He’s Free from Prostate Cancer After Five-Year Battle
By Yaseen Zaman | Published: 15:36 BST, 12 July 2025 | Updated: 15:57 BST, 12 July 2025

[Image: Louis van Gaal smiling during a press conference]
Caption: Louis van Gaal confirmed he is cancer-free after a grueling health journey.

Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, 73, has triumphantly announced he is free from prostate cancer, ending a five-year battle with the disease. The Dutch coaching legend revealed his diagnosis—kept private until April 2022—during his third stint as Netherlands head coach. At the time, he described it as an "aggressive" form of cancer, requiring 25 radiation sessions, surgeries, hormone injections, and temporary use of catheters and urine bags.

Remarkably, Van Gaal continued managing the Netherlands through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, guiding the team to the quarterfinals before stepping down to focus on his health. “It was all bad then,” he admitted, reflecting on his surgeries. “But it worked out in the end.”

[Image: Van Gaal coaching the Netherlands during the 2022 World Cup]
Caption: Van Gaal led the Netherlands in Qatar despite undergoing treatment.

In September 2023, Van Gaal described his recovery as a “miracle,” candidly sharing the personal toll of his illness: “I can pee naturally again, which is important. But I cannot have sex anymore, that’s a problem.” Now cancer-free, he undergoes regular check-ups and reports steady progress. “I’m getting fitter and fitter,” he told Dutch outlet NOS.

A Storied Career Amid Adversity

Van Gaal’s managerial career spanned iconic clubs like Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup in 2016—his final act before being dismissed days later. Despite mixed success at Old Trafford, his tactical genius earned him a 60.86% win rate across 930 matches.

[Image: Van Gaal celebrating Manchester United’s 2016 FA Cup win]
Caption: Van Gaal with Sir Alex Ferguson after lifting the FA Cup in his final United match.

After leaving United in 2016, he took a five-year hiatus before returning to the Netherlands dugout in 2021. His resilience during treatment drew global admiration, blending fierce professionalism with vulnerability.

A Message of Hope

Van Gaal’s journey underscores the challenges of battling cancer while maintaining a high-profile career. Fans and peers have rallied around his recovery, celebrating his tenacity. As he regains strength, his legacy as one of football’s greatest minds—and fighters—remains unshaken.

“I no longer suffer from cancer,” he declared. For a man who conquered Europe’s toughest leagues, this victory may be his most inspiring yet.

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[Image: Van Gaal waving to fans]
Caption: The iconic manager’s recovery has been met with widespread celebration.

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