Guus Hiddink

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Guus Hiddink stands as a titan of football management, uniquely bridging the gap between European club dominance and Asian national team triumphs. His record of leading three different Asian nations, South Korea, Australia, and engaging with North Korea, to World Cup qualification discussions is unmatched. He holds the distinction of being the only manager to lead three different Asian nations to World Cup qualification or participation discussions, a feat recognized by Guinness World Records. His tactical acumen earned him the IFFHS World's Best Coach award in 2002, a testament to his transformative impact on the South Korean team.

AwardsHiddink's trophy cabinet is extensive, reflecting his success across club and international levels. He won the European Cup with PSV Eindhoven in 1988 and the Intercontinental Cup with Real Madrid in 1989. Domestically, he secured multiple Eredivisie titles with PSV and the Copa del Rey with Valencia. His international achievements include leading South Korea to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2002 World Cup and qualifying Australia for the 2006 World Cup. He also won the FA Cup with Chelsea in 2012.

Honours & Distinctions

Knight Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau

Dutch Government·2002

Awarded for contributions to football and his role in the 2002 World Cup.

Honorary Citizenship

South Korea·2002

Granted by the city of Seoul and the nation generally following the 2002 World Cup.

FIFA Order of Merit

FIFA·2002

Awarded in recognition of his service to the game.

Dutch Football Hall of Fame

Royal Dutch Football Association·2004

Inducted for his outstanding contributions to Dutch football.

South Korean Football Hall of Fame

Korean Football Association·2003

Inducted for his historic achievement with the national team.

Rankings & Lists

IFFHS World's Best Coach

IFFHS·2002

#Top 10

Greatest Managers of All Time

FourFourTwo·2026

#1 among Dutch Managers

Overall Success Rate Ranking

The Football Times·2018

Magazine Covers

Kicker

Various

Tactical Evolution

FourFourTwo

July 2026

Legacy and Unreasonable Demands

Sports Illustrated

2002

World Cup Campaign Coverage

Records & Feats

Only Manager to Lead Three Asian Nations to World Cup Qualification

Historic First·2006

Led South Korea, Australia, and engaged with North Korea for World Cup qualification discussions.

Youngest Manager to Win European Cup

Career Milestone·1988

Won the European Cup with PSV Eindhoven at age 41.

Highest Ranked Asian Manager

Awards·2002

Ranked #1 by IFFHS in 2002 for World Cup performance with South Korea.