Ex-Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal says he's 'no longer bothered by cancer' and is getting 'fitter and fitter' in positive health update

Van Gaal first went public with his diagnosis in 2022 while serving as the head coach of the Netherlands national team. It was his third stint in that role, and he guided the team through their World Cup qualification campaign while quietly managing his own health battles behind the scenes.

Despite the demanding nature of international football and the toll of medical treatments, Van Gaal remained dedicated to his role until the end of the Netherlands' run at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later that year. Following their exit from the tournament, he stepped down from his national team duties.

Reflecting on the journey from diagnosis to recovery, Van Gaal said in an interview with Humberto: "I'm no longer bothered by cancer. Two years ago, I had a few operations. It was all bad then. But it all worked out in the end. I have check-ups every few months, and that's going well. I'm getting fitter and fitter."

Widely regarded as one of football’s most influential managers, Van Gaal boasts a resume that spans several of Europe’s elite teams. He made his mark at Ajax in the 1990s, famously leading the Dutch club to UEFA Champions League glory in 1995, a triumph that solidified his reputation as a tactical mastermind. He later took the reins at clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United, where he won multiple domestic titles. His time at United included an FA Cup victory in 2016, which turned out to be his final game in charge of the English club.

Following his coaching career, Van Gaal transitioned into an advisory role, most recently offering strategic insight at Ajax, where his legacy remains strong.