Louis van Gaal, former manager of Manchester United, provides an update on his battle with prostate cancer
Louis van Gaal, the former manager of Manchester United, has shared an update on his health two years after revealing his struggle with aggressive prostate cancer.
After resigning from his third stint as Netherlands boss following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 72-year-old decided to focus on his prostate cancer treatment, which involves radiation therapy and the use of a urine bag.
Currently, he is filming a documentary titled ‘Always Positive’ with Maria Blasco, director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre. The documentary aims to support cancer research.
In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Van Gaal discussed how he is managing his condition, provided an update on his treatment progress, and reflected on his family’s history with death.
When asked if the cancer has changed his perspective on life, Van Gaal responded: “Not much, really. I come from a family of nine brothers, and I am the youngest. My father passed away when I was 11, at the age of 53. My first wife died at 39, and all my brothers also died too young. Death has been a part of my life, so I know it’s something we all have to face.”
“When I first learned about my cancer diagnosis, I thought, ‘Okay, it’s not good news, but I need to do something about it.’ Everyone reacts differently to such news, so I believe in being true to yourself.”
Van Gaal coached Manchester United from 2014 to 2016, winning the FA Cup in his final season. After a five-year hiatus from management, he returned to lead the Netherlands in 2021.
He publicly announced his battle with cancer after managing his country in good health during the World Cup, attributing his youthful appearance to genetics, similar to his late mother’s ability to maintain a bright demeanor despite illness.
“I’ve been living with this disease for over three years now, undergoing radiation, hormone injections, surgeries, catheters, and using urine bags. It’s been challenging, but manageable. Even during the World Cup, I was able to handle it because I had a goal. Dealing with cancer is like coaching—you set goals and strive for them,” he explained.