Louis van Gaal openly shared his health status during an interview on Camel Live. The 73-year-old former national team coach, who announced he had prostate cancer in 2022, now says he is in good condition. “I am no longer troubled by cancer.”
"Two years ago, I had several surgeries. Things were really bad back then—I had bowel problems, needed to use diapers, everything was terrible," Van Gaal recalled. "But in the end, everything went well, so I can control it now." Although cancer metastasis has been kept in check, Van Gaal still needs regular check-ups. “I get examined every few months, but things are good. My body is getting healthier and healthier.”
The former coach, who has managed clubs like Ajax, Barcelona, and Manchester United, also spoke about the psychological impact of the illness, particularly in public settings. "I didn’t go through much pain. But I’m a very clean person, so issues like incontinence caused me great distress. When I had to attend public events, I’d wear dark pants to make it less noticeable—it wasn’t easy." Van Gaal shared a heartbreaking incident from his illness. “At the 2022 Eredivisie title shield presentation, I peed in my pants while standing. But fortunately, all that is in the past now.”
Van Gaal also touched on his future in football. "Over the past two years, even though I was sick, some clubs approached me about coaching. I won’t go to a club because it requires daily work, and I’m not interested in that. A national team coach only has around eight international match windows a year, but who would want a 73-year-old who’s had prostate cancer? Maybe somewhere like Curaçao?" Van Gaal said half-jokingly. "I’d only be willing to work for national teams like England and Germany."
