Former Dutch football manager Bob Maaskant, the pioneer behind the iconic "Avondje NAC" concept, died at the age of 88 on Monday, June 29, 2026.
His son, football manager Robert Maaskant, confirmed the passing to Dutch media outlets NOS and VI.
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"My father passed away this morning," Robert Maaskant said. "Bob enjoyed a wonderful life.
Laughed, saw the whole world, and made his passion for football his work."
"For me and the children, he was the most caring, sweet man we could wish for. Bob lives forever in our hearts," he added.
Career Highlights
Maaskant accumulated extensive experience in Dutch football, managing teams across 195 Eredivisie matches during the 1970s and 1980s.
Before coaching, he played for Overmaas Rotterdam and RVV DHZ before moving to the United States.
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He began his off-pitch career in 1964 as a caretaker at Excelsior, then became an assistant coach at NAC Breda two years later.
After NAC Breda installed stadium lighting in 1975, Maaskant initiated evening matches, creating the famous "Avondje NAC" atmosphere supported by passionate fans.
Throughout his career, he served in various roles for Holland Sport, SV Slikkerveer, SVV, and Go Ahead Eagles.
Knee complications forced him to step down as head coach of NAC Breda in 1986.
He then became a player representative for the Stichting Arbeidszaken Betaald Voetbal (SABV), managing clients like Henk ten Cate.
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He made a brief four-game return as Go Ahead Eagles coach in 1996 after Ab Fafié's dismissal.
