Ruud Gullit Criticizes Modern Football, Says He’s Stopped Watching

Former Netherlands captain and AC Milan star Ruud Gullit has voiced strong criticism of the current state of football, stating he has stopped watching the game due to a lack of enjoyment. The 1987 Ballon d’Or winner expressed his concerns during an appearance on Dutch television channel Ziggo Sport.

A Game Lacking “Balls”

Gullit lamented the absence of daring and adventurous play, questioning, “Where are the players who have balls?” He believes modern football has become overly sanitized and constrained by increasingly detailed tactical instructions. He observed players prioritizing set pieces and displaying a lack of spontaneity.

Tactical Overload and Lack of Joy

The former Chelsea player-manager described a game where players appear to be merely performing assigned tasks, controlled by what he likened to a computer. He expressed a longing for the return of players willing to take on defenders, citing Lamine Yamal as a rare exception. Gullit emphasized his desire to see the joy and pleasure of playing restored to the game, questioning the prevalence of endless passing sequences and the disappearance of skillful dribbling.

Gullit’s Managerial Career

Ruud Gullit transitioned to management in 1996, holding positions at Chelsea, Newcastle United, Feyenoord and the LA Galaxy [1]. He as well served as an assistant coach for the Netherlands national team from 2017 to 2018. Despite his managerial experience, Gullit appears content to remain out of the game for the time being.

Early Career and AC Milan Success

Gullit began his professional career with HFC Haarlem in 1979, later playing for Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven before joining AC Milan in 1987 for a then-world record transfer fee [2]. At Milan, he formed a formidable Dutch trio alongside Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard, winning three Serie A titles and two European Cups [1]. He was initially signed as a replacement for Ray Wilkins [3].

A Versatile Player

Throughout his career, Gullit was known for his versatility, capable of playing in multiple positions [1]. He captained the Netherlands to victory at Euro 88 and was named European Footballer of the Year in 1987 and World Soccer Player of the Year in 1987 and 1989 [3].

As of March 4, 2026, Gullit remains a vocal critic of the modern game, seemingly unwilling to return to a coaching role.