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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{short description|Dutch association football player}}
{{Family name hatnote|lang=Dutch|van Nistelrooy|wrong=Nistelrooy|Nistelrooy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Short description|Dutch professional footballer and coach}}
{{Dutch name|Van Nistelrooy|Nistelrooy}}
{{Infobox football biography {{Infobox football biography
| name = Ruud van Nistelrooy | name = Ruud van Nistelrooy
| image = Ruud van Nistelrooy 2017.jpg | image = Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-849282 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Van Nistelrooy in 2017
| image_size = 200
| fullname = Rutgerus Johannes Martinus van Nistelrooij<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |title=2006 FIFA World Cup Germany: List of Players: Netherlands |publisher=FIFA |page=19 |date=21 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610174527/https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |archive-date=10 June 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| caption = Van Nistelrooy playing for ] in 2017
| fullname = Rutgerus Johannes Martinus van Nistelrooy<ref name=Hugman>{{Hugman|20108|accessdate=5 October 2017}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1976|7|1|df=y}}<ref name=Hugman>{{Hugman|20108|access-date=5 October 2017}}</ref>
| birth_place = ], Netherlands
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1976|7|1|df=y}}<ref name=Hugman/>
| height = 1.88 m<ref name=PremProfile/>
| birth_place = ], Netherlands
| position = ]
| height = 1.88 m<ref>{{cite news |title=Player Profile: Ruud van Nistelrooy |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/players/profile.overview.html/ruud-van-nistelrooy |publisher=Premier League}}</ref>
| currentclub = ] (U19 manager)<br />] (assistant) | currentclub = ] (manager)
| youthyears1 = 1981–1990
| position = ]
| youthyears1 = 1981–1990 |youthclubs1 = Nooit Gedacht | youthclubs1 = Nooit Gedacht
| youthyears2 = 1990–1991 |youthclubs2 = RKSV Margriet | youthyears2 = 1990–1991
| youthclubs2 = RKSV Margriet
| youthyears3 = 1991–1993 |youthclubs3 = ] | youthyears3 = 1991–1993
| youthclubs3 = ]
| years1 = 1993–1997 |clubs1 = ] |caps1 = 69 |goals1 = 17 | years1 = 1993–1997
| clubs1 = ]
| caps1 = 69
| goals1 = 17
| years2 = 1997–1998 |clubs2 = ] |caps2 = 31 |goals2 = 13 | years2 = 1997–1998
| clubs2 = ]
| caps2 = 31
| goals2 = 13
| years3 = 1998–2001 |clubs3 = ] |caps3 = 67 |goals3 = 62 | years3 = 1998–2001
| clubs3 = ]
| caps3 = 67
| goals3 = 62
| years4 = 2001–2006 |clubs4 = ] |caps4 = 150 |goals4 = 95 | years4 = 2001–2006
| clubs4 = ]
| caps4 = 150
| goals4 = 95
| years5 = 2006–2010 |clubs5 = ] |caps5 = 68 |goals5 = 46 | years5 = 2006–2010
| clubs5 = ]
| caps5 = 68
| goals5 = 46
| years6 = 2010–2011 |clubs6 = ] |caps6 = 36 |goals6 = 12 | years6 = 2010–2011
| clubs6 = ]
| caps6 = 36
| goals6 = 12
| years7 = 2011–2012 |clubs7 = ] |caps7 = 28 |goals7 = 4 | years7 = 2011–2012
| clubs7 = ]
| caps7 = 28
| goals7 = 4
| totalcaps = 449 |totalgoals = 249<!-- LEAGUE ONLY --> | totalcaps = 449
| totalgoals = 249<!-- LEAGUE ONLY -->
| nationalyears1 = 1997–1998 |nationalteam1 = ] |nationalcaps1 = 4 |nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears1 = 1997–1998
| nationalteam1 = ]
| nationalcaps1 = 4
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 1998–2011 |nationalteam2 = ] |nationalcaps2 = 70 |nationalgoals2 = 35 | nationalyears2 = 1998–2011
| nationalteam2 = ]
| nationalcaps2 = 70
| nationalgoals2 = 35
| manageryears1 = 2021–2022
| manageryears1 = 2014–2016 |managerclubs1 = ] (assistant)
| managerclubs1 = ]
| manageryears2 = 2018– |managerclubs2 = ] (U19)
| manageryears2 = 2022–2023
| manageryears3 = 2019– |managerclubs3 = ] (assistant)
| managerclubs2 = ]
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's ]}}
| manageryears3 = 2024
{{medal|Country|{{fb|NED}}}}
| managerclubs3 = ] (interim)
{{Medal|Comp|]|}}
| manageryears4 = 2024–
{{Medal|B|]|}}
| managerclubs4 = ]
}} }}
'''Rutgerus Johannes Martinus''' "'''Ruud'''" '''van Nistelrooy''' ({{lang-nl|Ruud van Nistelrooij}}; {{IPA-nl|ˈryt fɑn ˈnɪstəlroːi̯||Nl-Ruud van Nistelrooy.ogg}};{{efn-ua|In isolation, ''Van'' is pronounced {{IPA-nl|vɑn|}}.}} born 1 July 1976) is a Dutch ] coach and former player. He is currently the coach of the ] under-19s team and assistant manager for ].


'''Rutgerus Johannes Martinus van Nistelrooij''' ({{IPA|nl|ˈryt fɑn ˈnɪstəlroːi}}; born 1 July 1976), commonly known as '''Ruud''' '''van Nistelrooy''' ({{IPAc-en|v|æ|n|_|ˈ|n|ɪ|s|t|l̩|r|ɔɪ}}), is a Dutch professional ] manager and former player who is the current manager of ] club ]. Widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation, van Nistelrooy has been the top scorer in three ] seasons, and is the sixth-highest ] in the competition's history with 56 goals. He has also been the top scorer in three European domestic leagues. In 2004, he was listed in the ] of the world's greatest living players.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3533891.stm |title=Pele's list of the greatest |work=BBC Sport |date=4 March 2004 |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019205959/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3533891.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
A highly prolific goalscorer, Van Nistelrooy was known for being extremely clinical and opportunistic in front of goal, which earned him a reputation as one of the best ] of his generation.<ref name="footnote">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/12011800/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-deserves-more-than-being-a-footnote-to-Jamie-Vardys-achievements.html |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy deserves more than being a footnote to Jamie Vardy's achievements |publisher=The Daily Telegraph |first=Mark |last=Ogden |date=23 November 2015 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref name="toast" /><ref name="cult">{{cite web |url=https://sports.vice.com/en_ca/article/78gpzd/the-cult-ruud-van-nistelrooy |title=The Cult: Ruud van Nistelrooy |publisher=Vice Sports |first=Will |last=Magee |date=7 December 2016 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref name="complete" /><ref name="Time your run to perfection">{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/skills/ruud-van-nistelrooy-time-your-run-perfection |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy: Time your run to perfection |publisher=FourFourTwo |first=Ben |last=Welch |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-nistelrooy-trumps-rooneys-trick-531952.html |title=Van Nistelrooy trumps Rooney's trick |publisher=The Independent |first=Glenn |last=Moore |date=4 November 2004 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=629564.html |title=Van Nistelrooy: a life in goalscoring |publisher=UEFA.com |date=30 November 2007 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2017/12/historic-goals-van-nistelrooy |title=The forward scored the winning goal at the San Mamés in the 2007–08 campaign |publisher=www.realmadrid.com |date=1 December 2017 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref> He is the sixth-highest ] in ] history with 56 goals. He is a three-time UEFA Champions League top scorer, as well as a top scorer in three different European domestic leagues.


Van Nistelrooy began his career with ], before moving onto ], eventually making a name for himself at ], where he won two ] titles. His goalscoring record at PSV attracted attention from ]; a deal was in place in the summer of 2000, but because of injury problems, his move was secured a year later for a then British record fee of £19&nbsp;million. His time at United was successful, winning the ], ], ] and ], along with winning the ] twice. Van Nistelrooy hit 150 goals in just 219 games for United, as well as becoming, at the time, their all-time European record goalscorer, but fell out of favour towards the end of his tenure. ] then secured his services in 2006. Although an injury blighted the end of his days with Madrid, he won ] twice and the ] before signing for ] during the January transfer window in 2010. After one-and-a-half seasons with Hamburg, he moved back to Spain with ] in the summer of 2011. His retirement from football was announced on 14 May 2012. Van Nistelrooy began his career with ], before moving onto ], eventually making a name for himself at ], where he won two ] titles. His goalscoring record at PSV attracted attention from ]; a deal was in place in the summer of 2000, but because of injury problems, his move was secured a year later for a then British record fee of £19&nbsp;million. His time at United was successful, winning the ], ], ], and ], along with winning the ] twice. Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in just 219 games for United, as well as becoming at the time their all-time European record goalscorer, but fell out of favour towards the end of his tenure. ] then secured his services in 2006. Although an injury blighted the end of his days with Madrid, he won ] twice and the ] before signing for ] during the January transfer window in 2010. After one and a half seasons with Hamburg, he moved back to Spain with ] in the summer of 2011. He retired as a player in 2012.


Internationally, Van Nistelrooy represented the ] on 70 occasions, netting 35 times. He was part of the ], ] and ] squads. Internationally, Van Nistelrooy represented the ] on 70 occasions, netting 35 times. He was part of the ], ], and ] squads.


==Club career== ==Club career==
===Early career=== ===Early career===
Born in ], ],<ref name=Hugman/> Van Nistelrooy started his career in 1993, aged 17, with Dutch ] side ], where he was converted from a ] to ], after playing for local clubs Nooit Gedacht and RKSV Margriet.<ref>{{cite news |first=Simon |last=Kuper |title=Polite Ruud shocks United |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/12/newsstory.sport14 |website=The Guardian |date=12 August 2001 |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="complete">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2428584/Van-Nistelrooy-emerges-as-complete-centre-forward.html |title=Van Nistelrooy emerges as complete centre-forward |publisher=The Daily Telegraph |first=Alan |last=Smith |date=14 January 2002 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref> After netting 12 goals in 31 games in the 1996–97 campaign, he transferred for €360,000 to ] the next year, and scored 13 goals in 31 matches in his only season with the club. He was then signed by ] the next season for €6.3&nbsp;million, a then-record transfer sum between two Dutch teams. Born in ], ],<ref name=Hugman/> Van Nistelrooy started his career in 1993, aged 17, with Dutch ] side ], where he was converted from a ] to ], after playing for local clubs Nooit Gedacht and RKSV Margriet.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |first=Simon |last=Kuper |title=Polite Ruud shocks United |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/12/newsstory.sport14 |website=The Guardian |date=12 August 2001 |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217110627/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/12/newsstory.sport14 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="complete">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2428584/Van-Nistelrooy-emerges-as-complete-centre-forward.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2428584/Van-Nistelrooy-emerges-as-complete-centre-forward.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Van Nistelrooy emerges as complete centre-forward |publisher=The Daily Telegraph |first=Alan |last=Smith |date=14 January 2002 |access-date=18 June 2018 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> After netting 12 goals in 31 games in the 1996–97 campaign, he transferred for €360,000 to ] the next year, and scored 13 goals in 31 matches in his only season with the club.


=== PSV ===
He scored 31 goals in 34 matches, the highest season total in the ] and second-highest in Europe overall, in addition to scoring all three of PSV's goals in a ] match against ] on 25 November 1998.<ref>{{cite news |title=HJK taipui ennätysyleisön edessä |url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/hjk-taipui-ennatysyleison-edessa/5483724#gs.J9iEKrM |website=MTV Uutiset |date=25 November 1998 |accessdate=16 December 2018 |language=Finnish}}</ref><ref name="PSV_statistics">{{cite web |url=http://www.psvweb.nl/speleroud.php?id=43 |title=Ruud van Nistelrooij PSVweb.nl profile |website=PSVweb.nl |accessdate=16 December 2018 |language=Dutch}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy capped off the year by winning the ] award.<ref name="Dutch Player of the Year">{{cite web |url=http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/nedpoy.html |title=Netherlands – Player of the Year and other awards |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref> The ], he won his second Eredivisie scoring title with 29 goals.<ref name="1999–2000 top goalscorer">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/ned-eredivisie-1999-2000/|title=Eredivisie 1999/2000 " Top Scorer|publisher=WorldFootball.net|accessdate=12 May 2015}}</ref> According to a 2001 interview with ''],'' ] coach ] said that his son, ], who was at try-outs for Eredivisie rival Heerenveen at the time, begged his father, "You've got to sign Van Nistelrooy right away, he's fantastic. We've been watching him."<ref name="telegraph"/> Ferguson sent team representatives to PSV's next league game and signed Van Nistelrooy the next day.<ref name="telegraph"/>
Van Nistelrooy was signed by ] ahead of the 1998-99 next season for €6.3&nbsp;million, a then-record transfer sum between two Dutch teams.<ref name=":0" /> Manager ] started with him as a substitute, but he went on to score 31 goals in 34 matches,<ref name=":0" /> the highest season total in the ] and second-highest in Europe overall, in addition to scoring all three of PSV's goals in a ] match against ] on 25 November 1998.<ref>{{cite news |title=HJK taipui ennätysyleisön edessä |url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/hjk-taipui-ennatysyleison-edessa/5483724#gs.J9iEKrM |website=MTV Uutiset |date=25 November 1998 |access-date=16 December 2018 |language=fi |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217062619/https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/hjk-taipui-ennatysyleison-edessa/5483724#gs.J9iEKrM |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PSV_statistics">{{cite web |url=http://www.psvweb.nl/speleroud.php?id=43 |title=Ruud van Nistelrooij PSVweb.nl profile |website=PSVweb.nl |access-date=16 December 2018 |language=nl |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217110549/http://www.psvweb.nl/speleroud.php?id=43 |url-status=live }}</ref> Van Nistelrooy capped off the year by winning the ] award.<ref name="Dutch Player of the Year">{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/nedpoy.html |title=Netherlands – Player of the Year and other awards |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=17 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317051045/http://rsssf.com/miscellaneous/nedpoy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The ], he won his second Eredivisie scoring title with 29 goals.<ref name="1999–2000 top goalscorer">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/ned-eredivisie-1999-2000/|title=Eredivisie 1999/2000 " Top Scorer|publisher=WorldFootball.net|access-date=12 May 2015|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305025654/http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/ned-eredivisie-1999-2000/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Van Nistelrooy looked set to complete a club record ]18.5&nbsp;million transfer to English club ] in the summer of 2000.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 April 2000 |title=Record signing for Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/721505.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216230807/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/721505.stm |archive-date=16 February 2009 |access-date=9 August 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> He was to be unveiled at a press conference four days later, but this was instead used to announce that the transfer had been postponed over concerns about his fitness, having not played for a month due to problems with his knee.<ref>{{cite news |date=25 April 2000 |title=Man Utd record transfer postponed |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/725828.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102181522/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/725828.stm |archive-date=2 January 2007 |access-date=9 August 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> The transfer was then cancelled after PSV refused to agree to further medical tests,<ref>{{cite news |date=27 April 2000 |title=Man Utd record transfer halted |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/728386.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030410014153/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/728386.stm |archive-date=10 April 2003 |access-date=9 August 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=27 April 2000 |title=Van Nistelrooy deal collapses |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/apr/27/newsstory.sport13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811091627/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/apr/27/newsstory.sport13 |archive-date=11 August 2014 |access-date=9 August 2014 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> and the next day he suffered a rupture to his ] during a training session, leaving him injured for a year.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 April 2000 |title=Van Nistelrooy suffers new injury |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/729700.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030407112908/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/729700.stm |archive-date=7 April 2003 |access-date=9 August 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=28 April 2000 |title=Van Nistelrooy out for a year with cruciate ligament injury |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/apr/28/newsstory.sport8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811033912/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/apr/28/newsstory.sport8 |archive-date=11 August 2014 |access-date=9 August 2014 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>
===Manchester United===
Van Nistelrooy looked set to complete a club record ]18.5&nbsp;million transfer to Manchester United in the summer of 2000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/721505.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |title=Record signing for Man Utd |date=21 April 2000 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> He was to be unveiled at a press conference four days later, but this was instead used to announce that the transfer had been postponed over concerns about his fitness, having not played for a month due to problems with his knee.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/725828.stm |title=Man Utd record transfer postponed |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 April 2000 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> The transfer was then cancelled after PSV refused to agree to further medical tests,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/728386.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |title=Man Utd record transfer halted |date=27 April 2000 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/apr/27/newsstory.sport13 |title=Van Nistelrooy deal collapses |website=The Guardian |date=27 April 2000 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> and the next day he suffered a rupture to his ] during a training session, leaving him injured for a year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/729700.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy suffers new injury |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 April 2000 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/apr/28/newsstory.sport8 |title=Van Nistelrooy out for a year with cruciate ligament injury |website=The Guardian |date=28 April 2000 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref>


===Manchester United===
A year later, Van Nistelrooy signed a five-year contract after passing his medical.<ref>{{cite news |title=Man Utd clinch Van Nistelrooy deal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/1292248.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 April 2001 |accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> He downplayed United's £19&nbsp;million investment to reporters, saying, "The price is not heavy for me&nbsp;– it lifts me up because it means United have big confidence in me."<ref name="telegraph">{{cite news |first=Henry |last=Winter |authorlink=Henry Winter |title=Van Nistelrooy in melting pot |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/manutd/3004221/Van-Nistelrooy-in-melting-pot.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=27 April 2001 |accessdate=30 April 2010 |location=London}}</ref>
A year later, Van Nistelrooy signed a five-year contract with Manchester United after passing his medical.<ref>{{cite news |title=Man Utd clinch Van Nistelrooy deal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/1292248.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 April 2001 |access-date=30 April 2010 |archive-date=7 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007144855/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/1292248.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He downplayed United's £19&nbsp;million investment to reporters, saying, "The price is not heavy for me&nbsp;– it lifts me up because it means United have big confidence in me."<ref name="telegraph">{{cite news |first=Henry |last=Winter |author-link=Henry Winter |title=Van Nistelrooy in melting pot |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/manutd/3004221/Van-Nistelrooy-in-melting-pot.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126191424/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/manutd/3004221/Van-Nistelrooy-in-melting-pot.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2009 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=27 April 2001 |access-date=30 April 2010 |location=London}}</ref> According to a 2001 interview with ''],'' ] coach ] said that his son, ], who was at try-outs for Eredivisie rival Heerenveen at the time, begged his father, "You've got to sign Van Nistelrooy right away, he's fantastic. We've been watching him."<ref name="telegraph" /> Ferguson sent team representatives to PSV's next league game and signed Van Nistelrooy the next day.<ref name="telegraph" />


====2001–02==== ====2001–02====
Van Nistelrooy made his debut in the ] against ], scoring in a 2–1 loss.<ref>{{cite news |last=Winter |first=Henry |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/3010619/Charity-Shield-Liverpool-shut-out-raging-storm.html |title=Liverpool shut out raging storm |date=12 August 2001 |accessdate=16 December 2014 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> On 19 August, Van Nistelrooy made his ] debut against ] at ], and scored two goals to help United to a 3–2 win.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lacey |first=David |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/20/newsstory.sport8 |title=Winning habit sees United home |work=The Guardian |date=20 August 2001 |accessdate=4 September 2014}}</ref> He scored his first ] goals on 17 October in a 3–2 loss to ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Lacey |first=David |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/oct/18/championsleague.sport |title=United sunk by Barthez blunders |date=18 October 2001 |accessdate=16 December 2014 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy made his debut in the ] against ], scoring in a 2–1 loss.<ref>{{cite news |last=Winter |first=Henry |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/3010619/Charity-Shield-Liverpool-shut-out-raging-storm.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/3010619/Charity-Shield-Liverpool-shut-out-raging-storm.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Liverpool shut out raging storm |date=12 August 2001 |access-date=16 December 2014 |work=The Guardian}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 19 August, Van Nistelrooy made his ] debut against ] at ], and scored two goals to help United to a 3–2 win.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lacey |first=David |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/20/newsstory.sport8 |title=Winning habit sees United home |work=The Guardian |date=20 August 2001 |access-date=4 September 2014 |archive-date=5 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905062620/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/aug/20/newsstory.sport8 |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored his first ] goals on 17 October in a 3–2 loss to ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Lacey |first=David |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/oct/18/championsleague.sport |title=United sunk by Barthez blunders |date=18 October 2001 |access-date=16 December 2014 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=17 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217003315/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/oct/18/championsleague.sport |url-status=live }}</ref>


On 22 December, Van Nistelrooy scored his first ] in a 6–1 win against ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Fifield |first=Dominic |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/dec/24/match.sport1 |title=Van Nistelrooy wires up United and strings up the Saints |work=The Guardian |date=24 December 2001 |accessdate=4 September 2014}}</ref> In the ], Van Nistelrooy started on the bench for the third round tie against ] due to a groin strain, but was substituted on for ] in the second-half with United 2–0 down and scored two "sublime" goals in three minutes to help United advance to the fourth round with a 3–2 win.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bradley |first=Mark |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jan/07/match.sport6 |title=Van Nistelrooy breaks Villa in three-goal comeback |date=7 January 2002 |accessdate=16 December 2014 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> On 22 December, Van Nistelrooy scored his first ] in a 6–1 win against ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Fifield |first=Dominic |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/dec/24/match.sport1 |title=Van Nistelrooy wires up United and strings up the Saints |work=The Guardian |date=24 December 2001 |access-date=4 September 2014 |archive-date=5 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905064150/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/dec/24/match.sport1 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the ], Van Nistelrooy started on the bench for the third round tie against ] due to a groin strain, but was substituted on for ] in the second-half with United 2–0 down and scored two "sublime" goals in three minutes to help United advance to the fourth round with a 3–2 win.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bradley |first=Mark |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jan/07/match.sport6 |title=Van Nistelrooy breaks Villa in three-goal comeback |date=7 January 2002 |access-date=16 December 2014 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=16 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216235641/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jan/07/match.sport6 |url-status=live }}</ref>


In total during his ], Van Nistelrooy scored 23 goals in 32 league games. He broke the record he shared with ], ] and ], by scoring in eight consecutive league games. He also scored ten ] goals, and was named the ]. In total during his ], Van Nistelrooy scored 23 goals in 32 league games. He broke the record he shared with ], ] and ], by scoring in eight consecutive league games. He also scored ten ] goals, and was named the ].


====2002–03==== ====2002–03====
The following season, he finished as the top ] scorer with 25 goals in 34 games, with a goal on the final day against ] earning him the Golden Boot ahead of ]'s ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3018753.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy nets Golden Boot |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 May 2003 |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> His tally included three ]s against ],<ref>{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |title=Van Nistelrooy helps United capitalise on their reserves |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/25/match.sport10 |work=The Guardian |date=25 November 2002 |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> Fulham,<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy sends Man Utd top |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2847631.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 March 2003 |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Wilson |title=Van Nistelrooy's title role |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/04/match.manchesterunited |work=The Observer |date=4 May 2003 |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> He also scored in each of the final eight games of the season as United won the title. Van Nistelrooy won the ] in 2003.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/267125/ruud-nets-player-of-the-year-award |title=Ruud nets Player of the Year award |date=14 May 2003 |accessdate=8 August 2014 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2404029/Van-Nistelrooy-has-final-say.html |title=Van Nistelrooy has final say |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=14 May 2003 |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> He was accredited with spearheading the title win for United with a goal tally that was described as "astonishing".<ref>{{cite news |last=Atherton |first=Paul |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/2993045.stm |title=Man Utd in Ruud health |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 May 2003 |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> After scoring 12 Champions League goals, he was named by UEFA as the best striker in Europe.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3190471.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy wins award |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 August 2003 |accessdate=2 September 2014}}</ref> The following season, he finished as the top ] scorer with 25 goals in 34 games, with a goal on the final day against ] earning him the Golden Boot ahead of ]'s ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3018753.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy nets Golden Boot |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 May 2003 |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-date=23 July 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040723083542/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3018753.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> His tally included three ]s against ],<ref>{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=McCarra |title=Van Nistelrooy helps United capitalise on their reserves |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/25/match.sport10 |work=The Guardian |date=25 November 2002 |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-date=11 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811002928/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/nov/25/match.sport10 |url-status=live }}</ref> Fulham,<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy sends Man Utd top |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2847631.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 March 2003 |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-date=1 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901150131/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2847631.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Wilson |title=Van Nistelrooy's title role |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/04/match.manchesterunited |work=The Observer |date=4 May 2003 |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-date=11 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811000957/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/04/match.manchesterunited |url-status=live }}</ref> He also scored in each of the final eight games of the season as United won the title. Van Nistelrooy won the ] in 2003.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/267125/ruud-nets-player-of-the-year-award |title=Ruud nets Player of the Year award |date=14 May 2003 |access-date=8 August 2014 |publisher=ESPN |archive-date=9 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213546/http://www.espnfc.com/story/267125/ruud-nets-player-of-the-year-award |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2404029/Van-Nistelrooy-has-final-say.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2404029/Van-Nistelrooy-has-final-say.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Van Nistelrooy has final say |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=14 May 2003 |access-date=8 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He was accredited with spearheading the title win for United with a goal tally that was described as "astonishing".<ref>{{cite news |last=Atherton |first=Paul |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/2993045.stm |title=Man Utd in Ruud health |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 May 2003 |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602065804/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/2993045.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> After scoring 12 Champions League goals in nine consecutive matches,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thefootballfaithful.com/players-score-most-consecutive-games-champions-league/ |title=Ranking the five players to score in the most consecutive Champions League games |website=The Football Faithful |date=18 August 2020 |access-date=23 October 2020 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026171846/https://thefootballfaithful.com/players-score-most-consecutive-games-champions-league/ |url-status=live }}</ref> he was named by UEFA as the best striker in Europe.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3190471.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy wins award |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 August 2003 |access-date=2 September 2014 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129060033/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3190471.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>


====2003–04==== ====2003–04====
] ]
{{Quote box |width=25% |align=right |quoted=1 |quote=My ambition is to combine the best of No. 9 and No. 10, as a striker who is also a team player and creator. |salign=right |source=— Van Nistelrooy in 2003.<ref name="That finishing Dutch">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/nov/30/sport.features1 |title=That finishing Dutch |date=30 November 2003 |accessdate=16 December 2014 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>}} {{Quote box |width=25% |align=right |quoted=1 |quote=My ambition is to combine the best of No. 9 and No. 10, as a striker who is also a team player and creator. |salign=right |source=— Van Nistelrooy in 2003.<ref name="That finishing Dutch">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/nov/30/sport.features1 |title=That finishing Dutch |date=30 November 2003 |access-date=16 December 2014 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=17 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217000423/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/nov/30/sport.features1 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
Van Nistelrooy started the ] by scoring twice in his first two league matches. This meant he had scored in 10 consecutive league games, then a Premier League record,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/12011800/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-deserves-more-than-being-a-footnote-to-Jamie-Vardys-achievements.html|title=Ruud van Nistelrooy deserves more than being a footnote to Jamie Vardy's achievements |date=23 November 2015 |accessdate=24 November 2015 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> which stood until 2015 when ] scored in 11 consecutive matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34953098|title=Jamie Vardy breaks record for goals in consecutive games |date= 28 November 2015 |accessdate = 29 November 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> In the 0–0 draw on 21 September 2003, later dubbed the ], Van Nistelrooy was at the centre of one of the most infamous incidents of the ]. After missing a last-minute penalty that would have won the game for United,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3084372.stm |title=Deadlock at Old Trafford |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 September 2003 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy was attacked by ], prompting a melee involving several players from both sides; five Arsenal players including Keown received various bans and fines, while the club itself received a record fine of £175,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3228349.stm |title=Arsenal players banned |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 October 2003 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.sky.com/story/216662/arsenal-fined-for-old-trafford-battle |title=Arsenal Fined For Old Trafford Battle |publisher=Sky News |date=30 October 2003 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> Earlier in the game, he had been fouled by ], who was sent off for a second bookable offence. Vieira and his manager ] both accused Van Nistelrooy of cheating and stamping on Vieira,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3127572.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy accused |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 September 2003 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/2276998/vieira-in-stamp-claim |title=Vieira in stamp claim |publisher=Sky Sports |date=22 September 2003 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> prompting a vociferous defence by Alex Ferguson.<ref>{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Pete |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?id=1620571 |title=Ferguson anger after Wenger claims Van Nistelrooy cheated |publisher=ESPN |date=21 September 2003 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy started the ] by scoring twice in his first two league matches. This meant he had scored in 10 consecutive league games, then a Premier League record,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/12011800/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-deserves-more-than-being-a-footnote-to-Jamie-Vardys-achievements.html |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy deserves more than being a footnote to Jamie Vardy's achievements |date=23 November 2015 |access-date=24 November 2015 |work=The Daily Telegraph |archive-date=24 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124184339/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/12011800/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-deserves-more-than-being-a-footnote-to-Jamie-Vardys-achievements.html |url-status=live }}</ref> which stood until 2015 when ] scored in 11 consecutive matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34953098|title=Jamie Vardy breaks record for goals in consecutive games|date=28 November 2015|access-date=29 November 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|archive-date=28 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128195734/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34953098|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 0–0 draw on 21 September 2003, later dubbed the ], Van Nistelrooy was at the centre of one of the most infamous incidents of the ]. After missing a last-minute penalty that would have won the game for United,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3084372.stm |title=Deadlock at Old Trafford |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 September 2003 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=29 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129080056/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3084372.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Van Nistelrooy was attacked by ], prompting a melee involving several players from both sides; five Arsenal players including Keown received various bans and fines, while the club itself received a record fine of £175,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3228349.stm |title=Arsenal players banned |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 October 2003 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=3 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503014853/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/3228349.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.sky.com/story/216662/arsenal-fined-for-old-trafford-battle |title=Arsenal Fined For Old Trafford Battle |publisher=Sky News |date=30 October 2003 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=10 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810013410/http://news.sky.com/story/216662/arsenal-fined-for-old-trafford-battle |url-status=live }}</ref> Earlier in the game, he had been fouled by ], who was sent off for a second bookable offence. Vieira and his manager ] both accused Van Nistelrooy of cheating and stamping on Vieira,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3127572.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy accused |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 September 2003 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=7 December 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051207142751/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3127572.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/2276998/vieira-in-stamp-claim |title=Vieira in stamp claim |publisher=Sky Sports |date=22 September 2003 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=10 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810012800/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/2276998/vieira-in-stamp-claim |url-status=live }}</ref> prompting a vociferous defence by Alex Ferguson.<ref>{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Pete |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?id=1620571 |title=Ferguson anger after Wenger claims Van Nistelrooy cheated |publisher=ESPN |date=21 September 2003 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=11 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811152908/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?id=1620571 |url-status=live }}</ref>


On 27 September, he scored a hat-trick against ] in a 4–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3122914.stm |title=Red-hot United stun Foxes |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 September 2003 |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> He scored his 100th goal for the club in a dramatic 4–3 victory over Everton on 7 February 2004.<ref>{{cite news |title=Everton 3–4 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3447465.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 February 2004 |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> On 27 September, he scored a hat-trick against ] in a 4–1 victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3122914.stm |title=Red-hot United stun Foxes |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 September 2003 |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113024819/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3122914.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored his 100th goal for the club in a dramatic 4–3 victory over Everton on 7 February 2004.<ref>{{cite news |title=Everton 3–4 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3447465.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 February 2004 |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129063105/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3447465.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>


In the ] fifth round ] against ], Van Nistelrooy scored twice to help ten-man United win 4–2,<ref>{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Paul |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/feb/15/match.facup |title=City left red-faced by Ruud and Co |date=15 February 2004 |accessdate=16 December 2014 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> and again scored twice in the quarter-final against Fulham as United came from behind to win 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3495798.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy proves point |date= 6 March 2004 |accessdate=16 December 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> He scored a further two goals, including one penalty, in United's victory over ] in the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Man Utd win FA Cup |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/3725063.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 May 2004 |accessdate=26 January 2010}}</ref> In the ] fifth round ] against ], Van Nistelrooy scored twice to help ten-man United win 4–2,<ref>{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Paul |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/feb/15/match.facup |title=City left red-faced by Ruud and Co |date=15 February 2004 |access-date=16 December 2014 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=12 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912221948/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/feb/15/match.facup |url-status=live }}</ref> and again scored twice in the quarter-final against Fulham as United came from behind to win 2–1.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3495798.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy proves point |date=6 March 2004 |access-date=16 December 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=9 June 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040609090545/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3495798.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored a further two goals, including one penalty, in United's victory over ] in the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Man Utd win FA Cup |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/3725063.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 May 2004 |access-date=26 January 2010 |archive-date=25 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225084836/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/3725063.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>


====2004–05==== ====2004–05====
Van Nistelrooy missed a large part of the ] due to injury, but nonetheless scored a ]-best eight goals. One of them was his 30th career European goal, which he scored in a 2–2 Champions League group stage draw with ] on 16 September 2004, overtaking ]'s previous club record of 28 goals. Law later said to reporters, "I'm delighted for Ruud. It could not happen to a nicer guy."<ref>{{cite news |last=McNulty |first=Phil |authorlink=Phil McNulty |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3306907.stm |title=Ruud lays down Law |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 September 2004 |accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy missed a large part of the ] due to injury, but nonetheless scored a ]-best eight goals. One of them was his 30th career European goal, which he scored in a 2–2 Champions League group stage draw with ] on 15 September 2004, overtaking ]'s previous club record of 28 goals. Law later said to reporters, "I'm delighted for Ruud. It could not happen to a nicer guy."<ref>{{cite news |last=McNulty |first=Phil |author-link=Phil McNulty |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3306907.stm |title=Ruud lays down Law |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 September 2004 |access-date=30 April 2010 |archive-date=23 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223201117/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/3306907.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>


On 24 October, Arsenal returned to Old Trafford for another dramatic fixture. Arsenal entered the fixture with 49-game unbeaten run and had been dubbed "]", but United won the game 2–0. Van Nistelrooy scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, atoning for the penalty miss the previous year, with ] scoring a second.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3727552.stm |title=Man Utd 2–0 Arsenal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 October 2004 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/football/10/24/england.united/ |title=United end Arsenal's unbeaten run |publisher=CNN |date=24 October 2004 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy was later banned for three games for a foul on ] that the referee had missed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Glenn |title=Van Nistelrooy repents while Wenger fumes |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-nistelrooy-repents-while-wenger-fumes-6159085.html |work=The Independent |publisher=Independent Print |date=27 October 2004 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> On 3 November, Van Nistelrooy scored all four goals in a 4–1 win against ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |title=Four-star Van Nistelrooy runs riot |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/nov/04/championsleague200405.championsleague1 |work=The Guardian |date=4 November 2004 |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> On 17 April 2005, he scored two goals in the ] semi-final in a 4–1 win against Newcastle,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4427549.stm |title=Newcastle 1–4 Man Utd |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 April 2005 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> but United lost the final on penalties to Arsenal.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Amy |title=Vieira holds his nerve to claim historic penalty prize for Arsenal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/may/22/match.sport1 |work=The Observer |date=22 May 2005 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> On 24 October, Arsenal returned to Old Trafford for another dramatic fixture. Arsenal entered the fixture with 49-game unbeaten run and had been dubbed "]", but United won the game 2–0. Van Nistelrooy scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, atoning for the penalty miss the previous year, with ] scoring a second.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3727552.stm |title=Man Utd 2–0 Arsenal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 October 2004 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731112939/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3727552.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/football/10/24/england.united/ |title=United end Arsenal's unbeaten run |publisher=CNN |date=24 October 2004 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=11 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811023545/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/football/10/24/england.united/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Van Nistelrooy was later banned for three games for a foul on ] that the referee had missed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Glenn |title=Van Nistelrooy repents while Wenger fumes |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-nistelrooy-repents-while-wenger-fumes-6159085.html |work=The Independent |publisher=Independent Print |date=27 October 2004 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=10 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810020428/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-nistelrooy-repents-while-wenger-fumes-6159085.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 3 November, Van Nistelrooy scored all four goals in a 4–1 win against ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |title=Four-star Van Nistelrooy runs riot |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/nov/04/championsleague200405.championsleague1 |work=The Guardian |date=4 November 2004 |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-date=11 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811000837/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/nov/04/championsleague200405.championsleague1 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 April 2005, he scored two goals in the ] semi-final in a 4–1 win against Newcastle,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4427549.stm |title=Newcastle 1–4 Man Utd |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 April 2005 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=5 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305174944/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/4427549.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> but United lost the final on penalties to Arsenal.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Amy |title=Vieira holds his nerve to claim historic penalty prize for Arsenal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/may/22/match.sport1 |work=The Observer |date=22 May 2005 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513002154/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/may/22/match.sport1 |url-status=live }}</ref>


====2005–06==== ====2005–06====
]]] ]]]


At the start of the ], Van Nistelrooy scored in United's first four Premier League games. He finished as the second-highest league scorer with 21 goals, behind Arsenal's Thierry Henry. However, he was benched for the ] against ], fuelling speculation of a rift between him and Alex Ferguson, which Van Nistelrooy denied. He was nonetheless left on the bench for six consecutive league matches, and though he then returned to the starting line-up and scored match-winners against ] and ], fresh doubt spread over Van Nistelrooy's future when he was benched for United's season finale win over Charlton Athletic. Ferguson claimed that Van Nistelrooy was angry at the decision and left the stadium three hours before kick-off.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4957458.stm |title=Man Utd 4–0 Charlton |date=7 May 2006 |accessdate=9 August 2014 |publisher=BBCn}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rich |first=Tim |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2336549/United-move-on-without-Van-Nistelrooy.html |title=United move on without Van Nistelrooy |date=8 May 2006 |accessdate=9 August 2014 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> On 9 May 2006, it was reported that Van Nistelrooy's exclusion from the squad was due to a training session fight between him and teammate ]. Van Nistelrooy allegedly criticised Ronaldo's tendency to hold onto the ball instead of passing to his teammates, which sparked the fight, after which Van Nistelrooy remarked, "Go crying to your daddy," which was in reference to United's Portuguese assistant manager, ]. Ronaldo, however, took the statement literally and allegedly broke into tears since his father José had died eight months previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/03/07/wayne-rooney-leaving-united_n_2826606.html|title=Wayne Rooney Another Manchester United Man To Lose Battle With Sir Alex Ferguson?|last=Luckhurst|first=Samuel|date=10 July 2013|work=The Huffington Post |publisher=AOL |accessdate=5 May 2016}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy later apologised to Ferguson for his behaviour in the previous few months.<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/jan/21/ruud-van-nistelrooy-apologises-ferguson-united |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy apologises to United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson |date=11 January 2011 |accessdate=9 August 2014 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> At the start of the ], Van Nistelrooy scored in United's first four Premier League games. He finished as the second-highest league scorer with 21 goals, behind Arsenal's Thierry Henry. However, he was benched for the ] against ], fuelling speculation of a rift between him and Alex Ferguson, which Van Nistelrooy denied. He was nonetheless left on the bench for six consecutive league matches, and though he then returned to the starting line-up and scored match-winners against ] and ], fresh doubt spread over Van Nistelrooy's future when he was benched for United's season finale win over Charlton Athletic. Ferguson claimed that Van Nistelrooy was angry at the decision and left the stadium three hours before kick-off.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4957458.stm |title=Man Utd 4–0 Charlton |date=7 May 2006 |access-date=9 August 2014 |publisher=BBCn |archive-date=14 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814024605/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4957458.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rich |first=Tim |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2336549/United-move-on-without-Van-Nistelrooy.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2336549/United-move-on-without-Van-Nistelrooy.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=United move on without Van Nistelrooy |date=8 May 2006 |access-date=9 August 2014 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 9 May 2006, it was reported that Van Nistelrooy's exclusion from the squad was due to a training session fight between him and teammate ]. Van Nistelrooy allegedly criticised Ronaldo's tendency to hold onto the ball instead of passing to his teammates, which sparked the fight, after which Van Nistelrooy remarked, "What are you going to do? Complain to your daddy?" This was in reference to United's Portuguese assistant manager, ],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ferguson |first=Alex |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9LV5LnedxXQC&dq=%22He+meant+Carlos%2C+not+Cristiano%27s+dad.%22&pg=PT126 |title=Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography |year=2013 |publisher=Hodder & Stoughton |isbn=978-1-84894-863-1 |language=en |access-date=15 April 2022 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223130/https://books.google.com/books?id=9LV5LnedxXQC&dq=%22He+meant+Carlos%2C+not+Cristiano%27s+dad.%22&pg=PT126 |url-status=live }}</ref> but Ronaldo took the statement literally and allegedly broke into tears since his father, José had died eight months previously.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/03/07/wayne-rooney-leaving-united_n_2826606.html|title=Wayne Rooney Another Manchester United Man To Lose Battle With Sir Alex Ferguson?|last=Luckhurst|first=Samuel|date=7 March 2013|work=The Huffington Post|publisher=AOL|access-date=5 May 2016|archive-date=17 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417161308/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/03/07/wayne-rooney-leaving-united_n_2826606.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy later apologised to Ferguson for his behaviour in the previous few months.<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/jan/21/ruud-van-nistelrooy-apologises-ferguson-united |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy apologises to United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson |date=11 January 2011 |access-date=9 August 2014 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=11 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811094518/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/jan/21/ruud-van-nistelrooy-apologises-ferguson-united |url-status=live }}</ref>


Van Nistelrooy signed with Spanish ] side ] on 28 July, departing Old Trafford after five seasons with a total of 150 goals in 219 appearances, with his final goal coming on 1 April against Bolton, scoring what proved to be the winning goal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bolton 1–2 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4842420.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 April 2006 |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> With 38 goals, he is also the club's second all-time European goalscorer, behind ]. Van Nistelrooy signed with Spanish ] side ] on 28 July, departing Old Trafford after five seasons with a total of 150 goals in 219 appearances, with his final goal coming on 1 April against Bolton, scoring what proved to be the winning goal.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4842420.stm |title=Bolton 1–2 Man Utd |date=1 April 2006 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-date=8 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008112413/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4842420.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> With 38 goals, he is also the club's second all-time European goalscorer, behind ].


===Real Madrid=== ===Real Madrid===
]]] ]]]


On 15 July 2006, Ferguson confirmed that Van Nistelrooy wanted to leave Manchester United and Real Madrid announced two weeks later that he had signed a three-year contract after being purchased for €14&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374503&cc=5739 |title=Real Madrid sign Dutch striker Van Nistelrooy |work=Soccernet|publisher=ESPN|date=27 July 2006 |accessdate=30 March 2011}}</ref> On 15 July 2006, Ferguson confirmed that Van Nistelrooy wanted to leave Manchester United and Real Madrid announced two weeks later that he had signed a three-year contract after being purchased for €14&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374503&cc=5739 |title=Real Madrid sign Dutch striker Van Nistelrooy |work=Soccernet |publisher=ESPN |date=27 July 2006 |access-date=30 March 2011 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024135159/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=374503&cc=5739 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Van Nistelrooy made his debut for the Spanish club in a 1–0 friendly win over ] on 4 August 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ruud finally makes debut for Real|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=96ktAAAAIBAJ&sjid=E3wFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4894%2C3570474|date=6 August 2006|accessdate=9 May 2015|newspaper=New Straits Times|page=69}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy scored a hat-trick in his second league match against ] and, on 12 November 2006, he scored all four of Real Madrid's goals in a 4–1 victory over ]. For the first six months he was a teammate of ], a player whom Van Nistelrooy regards as the best he ever played with.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy. Full Q & A |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N2HhXVNlj68 |website=YouTube |publisher=Oxford Union|date=6 February 2016|access-date=5 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy names Brazil legend Ronaldo as the best player he ever played with |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ruud-van-nistelrooy-names-brazil-10097596 |accessdate=5 September 2018 |work=The Mirror}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy won the league's ] award with 25 goals as Real Madrid took home the ], and he also equalled the longest consecutive scoring streak in La Liga history with seven straight matches, tying a league record shared by ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6736175.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy goals rescue Real |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 June 2007 |accessdate=4 July 2007}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy made his debut for the Spanish club in a 1–0 friendly win over ] on 4 August 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ruud finally makes debut for Real|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=96ktAAAAIBAJ&pg=4894%2C3570474|date=6 August 2006|access-date=9 May 2015|newspaper=New Straits Times|page=69|archive-date=29 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129035040/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=96ktAAAAIBAJ&pg=4894%2C3570474|url-status=live}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy scored a hat-trick in his second league match against ] and, on 12 November 2006, he scored all four of Real Madrid's goals in a 4–1 victory over ]. For the first six months he was a teammate of ], a player whom Van Nistelrooy regards as the best he ever played with.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy. Full Q & A |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N2HhXVNlj68 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/N2HhXVNlj68| archive-date=2 November 2021 | url-status=live|website=YouTube |publisher=Oxford Union|date=6 February 2016|access-date=5 September 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy names Brazil legend Ronaldo as the best player he ever played with |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ruud-van-nistelrooy-names-brazil-10097596 |access-date=5 September 2018 |work=The Mirror |archive-date=27 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627144634/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ruud-van-nistelrooy-names-brazil-10097596 |url-status=live }}</ref> Van Nistelrooy won the league's ] award with 25 goals as Real Madrid took home the ], and he also equalled the longest consecutive scoring streak in La Liga history with seven straight matches, tying a league record shared by ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6736175.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy goals rescue Real |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 June 2007 |access-date=4 July 2007 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404211920/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6736175.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>


In January 2008, Van Nistelrooy signed a contract extension keeping him with Madrid until 2010, with the expiration date one day shy of his 34th birthday.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idINIndia-31322820080109|agency=Reuters|title=Van Nistelrooy extends contract with Real Madrid to 2010|date=10 January 2008 |accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> He underwent ankle surgery in March,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=716674.html |publisher=FIFA |title=Van Nistelrooy has ankle surgery |date=19 March 2008}}</ref> and returned for the ] derby against ] on 7 May, in which he netted a penalty two minutes after coming on as a substitute.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7385203.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|title=Real Madrid 4–1 Barcelona|date=7 May 2008|first=Paul|last=Fletcher}}</ref> He finished the season with 20 goals in 33 appearances. In January 2008, Van Nistelrooy signed a contract extension keeping him with Madrid until 2010, with the expiration date one day shy of his 34th birthday.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idINIndia-31322820080109|work=Reuters|title=Van Nistelrooy extends contract with Real Madrid to 2010|date=10 January 2008|access-date=30 April 2010|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124184132/https://in.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idINIndia-31322820080109|url-status=dead}}</ref> He underwent ankle surgery in March,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=716674.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327232557/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=716674.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 March 2008 |publisher=FIFA |title=Van Nistelrooy has ankle surgery |date=19 March 2008}}</ref> and returned for the ] derby against ] on 7 May, in which he netted a penalty two minutes after coming on as a substitute.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7385203.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|title=Real Madrid 4–1 Barcelona|date=7 May 2008|first=Paul|last=Fletcher|access-date=9 May 2008|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709221426/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7385203.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> He finished the season with 20 goals in 33 appearances.


] ]


In November 2008, Real Madrid announced that Van Nistelrooy would miss the remainder of the ] after exploratory arthroscopic surgery revealed a partially torn ] in his right knee, with an expected recovery time of six to nine months following a second operation to repair the damage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jcrNkFiwnlnZqad1-U7ButGPaz7w |title=Real's Van Nistelrooy out for season after knee injury |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=13 November 2008 |accessdate=14 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126040832/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jcrNkFiwnlnZqad1-U7ButGPaz7w |archivedate=26 January 2009}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy travelled to the United States to see specialist ], who had previously operated on the same knee back in 2000. At the time of his injury, he had 10 goals in 12 club appearances for the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=591958&|title=Van Nistelrooy out for season with knee injury|date=13 November 2008|work=Soccernet|publisher=ESPN |accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> Following the injury, he was de-registered by Real Madrid for the rest of the 2008–09 season, and his shirt number was given to ]. On 24 August 2009, in the last pre-season match before the start of ], Van Nistelrooy stepped on the pitch for the first time since his injury and played the last 15 minutes of the game against ], substituting ]. Van Nistelrooy came on for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 80th minute against ] in his first La Liga match since recovering from his injury. In the 81st minute, he provided the assist for a ] goal, following it with his own 88th-minute goal. During his strike, however, he picked up a thigh injury, where it was later revealed by Real Madrid that he would be out from first team action for up to six weeks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real Madrid Star Ruud van Nistelrooy Injured Against Xerez |url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/88/spain/2009/09/20/1513536/real-madrid-star-ruud-van-nistelrooy-injured-against-xerez |publisher=Goal.com |date=20 September 2009 |accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> On 27 October, Van Nistelrooy made his second comeback of the season coming on as a substitute for ] in the 71st minute against ] in the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Third division Alcorcón ridicules Real Madrid |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20091028-third-division-alcorcon-ridicules-real-madrid |website=France 24 |agency=Reuters |date=28 October 2009 |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref> In November 2008, Real Madrid announced that Van Nistelrooy would miss the remainder of the ] after exploratory arthroscopic surgery revealed a partially torn ] in his right knee, with an expected recovery time of six to nine months following a second operation to repair the damage.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jcrNkFiwnlnZqad1-U7ButGPaz7w |title=Real's Van Nistelrooy out for season after knee injury |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=13 November 2008 |access-date=14 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126040832/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jcrNkFiwnlnZqad1-U7ButGPaz7w |archive-date=26 January 2009}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy travelled to the United States to see specialist ], who had previously operated on the same knee back in 2000. At the time of his injury, he had 10 goals in 12 club appearances for the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=591958&|title=Van Nistelrooy out for season with knee injury|date=13 November 2008|work=Soccernet|publisher=ESPN|access-date=30 April 2010|archive-date=20 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020043417/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=591958&|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following the injury, he was de-registered by Real Madrid for the rest of the 2008–09 season, and his shirt number was given to ]. On 24 August 2009, in the last pre-season match before the start of ], Van Nistelrooy stepped on the pitch for the first time since his injury and played the last 15 minutes of the game against ], substituting ]. Van Nistelrooy came on for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 80th minute against ] in his first La Liga match since recovering from his injury. In the 81st minute, he provided the assist for a ] goal, following it with his own 88th-minute goal. During his strike, however, he picked up a thigh injury, where it was later revealed by Real Madrid that he would be out from first team action for up to six weeks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Real Madrid Star Ruud van Nistelrooy Injured Against Xerez |url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/88/spain/2009/09/20/1513536/real-madrid-star-ruud-van-nistelrooy-injured-against-xerez |publisher=Goal.com |date=20 September 2009 |access-date=30 April 2010 |archive-date=19 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819120134/https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/88/spain/2009/09/20/1513536/real-madrid-star-ruud-van-nistelrooy-injured-against-xerez |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 October, Van Nistelrooy made his second comeback of the season coming on as a substitute for ] in the 71st minute against ] in the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Third division Alcorcón ridicules Real Madrid |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20091028-third-division-alcorcon-ridicules-real-madrid |website=France 24 |agency=Reuters |date=28 October 2009 |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217110519/https://www.france24.com/en/20091028-third-division-alcorcon-ridicules-real-madrid |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Hamburg=== ===Hamburger SV===
On 23 January 2010, Van Nistelrooy signed an 18-month contract with the German club ] until June 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hsv.de/teams/meldungen/bundesliga/januar-2010/hsv-verpflichtet-van-nistelrooy/ |title=HSV verpflichtet Ruud van Nistelrooy |date=23 January 2010 |publisher=Hamburger SV |language=German |trans-title=HSV signs Ruud van Nistelrooy |accessdate=30 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127011225/http://www.hsv.de/teams/meldungen/bundesliga/januar-2010/hsv-verpflichtet-van-nistelrooy |archivedate=27 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8468559.stm |title=Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy joins Hamburg |date=23 January 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=26 January 2010}}</ref> He made his first appearance for the club after coming off the bench in the last two minutes of Hamburg's 3–3 draw with ] on 6 February.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h0xe_2qY6KlwEE4xasrGRZZ1CKWg |title=Three-star Robben strikes as Bayern draw level |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=6 February 2010 |accessdate=27 April 2010}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy scored his first two goals for Hamburg on 13 February 2010 against ] in the 75th and 77th minutes of a 3–1 win, after entering the game just a few minutes prior.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j_BsH0anl9KD2JHAd7uggPoi_XOg |title=Van Nistelrooy at the double for Hamburg |date=13 February 2010 |agency=Agence France-Presse |accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> On 11 March 2010, he scored his first ] goal in the 40th minute of Hamburg's match against ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Jarolím gives Hamburg breathing space |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2010/matches/round=2000039/match=2000939/postmatch/report/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=11 March 2010 |accessdate=27 April 2010}}</ref> On 23 January 2010, Van Nistelrooy signed an 18-month contract with the German club ] until June 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hsv.de/teams/meldungen/bundesliga/januar-2010/hsv-verpflichtet-van-nistelrooy/ |title=HSV verpflichtet Ruud van Nistelrooy |date=23 January 2010 |publisher=Hamburger SV |language=de |trans-title=HSV signs Ruud van Nistelrooy |access-date=30 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127011225/http://www.hsv.de/teams/meldungen/bundesliga/januar-2010/hsv-verpflichtet-van-nistelrooy |archive-date=27 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8468559.stm |title=Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy joins Hamburg |date=23 January 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=26 January 2010 |archive-date=31 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531112622/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8468559.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his first appearance for the club after coming off the bench in the last two minutes of Hamburg's 3–3 draw with ] on 6 February.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h0xe_2qY6KlwEE4xasrGRZZ1CKWg |title=Three-star Robben strikes as Bayern draw level |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=6 February 2010 |access-date=27 April 2010 |archive-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090808/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h0xe_2qY6KlwEE4xasrGRZZ1CKWg |url-status=dead }}</ref> Van Nistelrooy scored his first two goals for Hamburg on 13 February 2010 against ] in the 75th and 77th minutes of a 3–1 win, after entering the game just a few minutes prior.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j_BsH0anl9KD2JHAd7uggPoi_XOg |title=Van Nistelrooy at the double for Hamburg |date=13 February 2010 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=30 April 2010 |archive-date=17 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217143729/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j_BsH0anl9KD2JHAd7uggPoi_XOg |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 11 March 2010, he scored his first ] goal in the 40th minute of Hamburg's match against ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Jarolím gives Hamburg breathing space |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2010/matches/round=2000039/match=2000939/postmatch/report/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=11 March 2010 |access-date=27 April 2010 |archive-date=29 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929064418/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2010/matches/round=2000039/match=2000939/postmatch/report/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Van Nistelrooy scored his only competitive hat-trick with Hamburg on 15 August 2010, in a 5–1 win over ] in the first round of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=295858&cc=5739|title=Torgelower SV Greif 1–5 Hamburg SV|date=15 August 2010 |work=ESPN Soccernet|accessdate=23 August 2010}}</ref> On 21 August 2010, he scored a brace in Hamburg's ] against ], which HSV won 2–1. During that match, he played against his friend and former Real Madrid teammate Raúl, who was making his Bundesliga debut. In the January transfer window, Van Nistelrooy was linked a return move back to Real Madrid and could be used for a short-term basis to cover, following injuries of ] and Karim Benzema as manager ] would be happy for Van Nistelrooy to join the club as Mourinho left the door for him.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jose opens door for Ruud |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6664823/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=15 January 2011 |accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy admitted he seriously considered moving back to the club if the bid happened.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud reveals Real appeal |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6665875/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=16 January 2011 |accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> The club, however, rejected Madrid's bid for Van Nistelrooy, giving the club a warning as Hamburg wants to keep hold of him until the transfer window ended.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hamburg – Hands off Ruud |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6673117/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=19 January 2011 |accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> Despite being angered over his move to Real Madrid rejected, Van Nistelrooy said he would remain committed at Hamburg.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud committed to Hamburg |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6747152/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=12 February 2011 |accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> During a match between Hamburg and ] on 16 April 2011, Van Nistelrooy suffered a calf injury that kept him out until the last matchday.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy to miss rest of the season |url=https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/ruud-van-nistelrooy-to-miss-rest-of-the-season-63824527-041711 |website=Fox Sports |date=17 April 2011 |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fussballdaten.de/person/ruud-van-nistelrooy/2011/ |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy |website=Fussballdaten.de |accessdate=16 December 2018 |language=German}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy scored his only competitive hat-trick with Hamburg on 15 August 2010, in a 5–1 win over ] in the first round of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=295858&cc=5739|title=Torgelower SV Greif 1–5 Hamburg SV|date=15 August 2010|work=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=23 August 2010|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023111535/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=295858&cc=5739|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 21 August 2010, he scored a brace in Hamburg's ] against ], which HSV won 2–1. During that match, he played against his friend and former Real Madrid teammate Raúl, who was making his Bundesliga debut. In the January transfer window, Van Nistelrooy was linked a return move back to Real Madrid and could be used for a short-term basis to cover, following injuries of ] and Karim Benzema as manager ] would be happy for Van Nistelrooy to join the club as Mourinho left the door for him.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jose opens door for Ruud |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6664823/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=15 January 2011 |access-date=15 November 2012 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029215146/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6664823/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Van Nistelrooy admitted he seriously considered moving back to the club if the bid happened.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud reveals Real appeal |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6665875/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=16 January 2011 |access-date=15 November 2012 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184132/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6665875/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The club, however, rejected Madrid's bid for Van Nistelrooy, giving the club a warning as Hamburg wants to keep hold of him until the transfer window ended.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hamburg – Hands off Ruud |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6673117/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=19 January 2011 |access-date=15 November 2012 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193513/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6673117/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite being angered over his move to Real Madrid rejected, Van Nistelrooy said he would remain committed at Hamburg.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud committed to Hamburg |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6747152/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=12 February 2011 |access-date=15 November 2012 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305222810/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6747152 |url-status=live }}</ref> During a match between Hamburg and ] on 16 April 2011, Van Nistelrooy suffered a calf injury that kept him out until the last matchday.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy to miss rest of the season |url=https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/ruud-van-nistelrooy-to-miss-rest-of-the-season-63824527-041711 |website=Fox Sports |date=17 April 2011 |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217110544/https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/ruud-van-nistelrooy-to-miss-rest-of-the-season-63824527-041711 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fussballdaten.de/person/ruud-van-nistelrooy/2011/ |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy |website=Fussballdaten.de |access-date=16 December 2018 |language=de |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217062835/https://www.fussballdaten.de/person/ruud-van-nistelrooy/2011/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Van Nistelrooy netted seven goals and made two assists in 25 appearances in his only full season with Hamburg.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamburger SV Squad Summary 2010/11|url=http://www.whoscored.com/Teams/38/Archive/Germany-Hamburger-SV|publisher=WhoScored.com}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy netted seven goals and made two assists in 25 appearances in his only full season with Hamburg.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hamburger SV Squad Summary 2010/11|url=http://www.whoscored.com/Teams/38/Archive/Germany-Hamburger-SV|publisher=WhoScored.com|access-date=15 September 2011|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405152303/http://www.whoscored.com/Teams/38/Archive/Germany-Hamburger-SV|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Málaga=== ===Málaga===
] ]


On 1 June 2011, Van Nistelrooy returned to Spain to pen a one-year deal with La Liga side ], on a free transfer.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy returns to La Liga with Malaga |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13631851.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 June 2011 |accessdate=2 June 2011}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy was presented at ] as he was welcomed by 15,000 Málaga fans.<ref>{{cite news |title=Presentación galáctica de Van Nistelrooy ante 15.000 personas |url=http://www.marca.com/2011/06/02/futbol/equipos/malaga/1307042357.html |website=Marca|location=Madrid |language=Spanish |date=2 June 2011 |accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> He made his debut in a 2–1 loss against ] on the opening game of the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Negredo at the double in Sevilla win |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/la-liga/2011-2012/negredo-at-the-double_sto2925094/story.shtml |website=Eurosport |date=29 August 2011 |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="ESPN">{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/8852/ruud-van-nistelrooy?season=2011 |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy |website=ESPN FC |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref> On 1 June 2011, Van Nistelrooy returned to Spain to pen a one-year deal with La Liga side ], on a free transfer.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy returns to La Liga with Malaga |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13631851.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 June 2011 |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223138/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13631851 |url-status=live }}</ref> Van Nistelrooy was presented at ] as he was welcomed by 15,000 Málaga fans.<ref>{{cite news |title=Presentación galáctica de Van Nistelrooy ante 15.000 personas |url=http://www.marca.com/2011/06/02/futbol/equipos/malaga/1307042357.html |website=Marca |location=Madrid |language=es |date=2 June 2011 |access-date=15 November 2012 |archive-date=18 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618143830/http://www.marca.com/2011/06/02/futbol/equipos/malaga/1307042357.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his debut in a 2–1 loss against ] on the opening game of the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Negredo at the double in Sevilla win |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/la-liga/2011-2012/negredo-at-the-double_sto2925094/story.shtml |website=Eurosport |date=29 August 2011 |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223101/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ESPN">{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/8852/ruud-van-nistelrooy?season=2011 |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy |website=ESPN FC |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217063035/http://www.espnfc.com/player/8852/ruud-van-nistelrooy?season=2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Van Nistelrooy registered his first goal on 1 October 2011 against ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy trefzeker tijdens overwinning Málaga |url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/van-nistelrooy-trefzeker-tijdens-overwinning-malaga |website=Voetbal International |date=1 October 2011 |accessdate=16 December 2018 |language=Dutch}}</ref> On 21 December, against the same club, he opened the scoring with a volley as Málaga won 3–2 on aggregate in the ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Rocío |last=Bonachera |title=Buonanotte y Van Nistelrooy clasifican al Málaga para octavos de Copa |url=https://www.vavel.com/es/futbol/2011/12/21/malaga/54009.html |website=Vavel |date=21 December 2011 |accessdate=16 December 2018 |language=Spanish}}</ref> Later on in the season, Van Nistelrooy scored two more goals in the league against ] and ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Malaga comes from behind to beat Espanyol |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/spanish-liga-sunday/ |website=Sportsnet |agency=Associated Press |date=25 March 2012 |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=El Málaga vence sin problemas y ya es tercero |url=https://www.cuatro.com/deportes/futbol/malaga/Liga_BBVA-Jornada_32-Malaga-Racing_de_Santander_0_1393875499.html |website=Cuatro |agency=Reuters |date=9 April 2012 |accessdate=16 December 2018 |language=Spanish}}</ref> with the latter being his final goal of his career.<ref name="ESPN"/> Just one day before his retirement, Van Nistelrooy made his last appearance of his career, coming on as a substitute in the 75th minute for goalscorer ], who scored the only goal in Málaga's league match against ].<ref name="ESPN"/><ref>{{cite news |title=El Málaga completa una sensacional temporada clasificándose para la Champions League |url=https://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/futbol/noticias/3963931/05/12/El-Malaga-completa-una-sensacional-temporada-clasificandose-para-la-Champions-League.html |website=El Economista |agency=Europa Press |date=13 May 2012 |accessdate=16 December 2018 |language=Spanish}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy registered his first goal on 1 October 2011 against ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy trefzeker tijdens overwinning Málaga |url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/van-nistelrooy-trefzeker-tijdens-overwinning-malaga |website=Voetbal International |date=1 October 2011 |access-date=16 December 2018 |language=nl |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223103/https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/van-nistelrooy-trefzeker-tijdens-overwinning-malaga |url-status=live }}</ref> On 21 December, against the same club, he opened the scoring with a volley as Málaga won 3–2 on aggregate in the ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Rocío |last=Bonachera |title=Buonanotte y Van Nistelrooy clasifican al Málaga para octavos de Copa |url=https://www.vavel.com/es/futbol/2011/12/21/malaga/54009.html |website=Vavel |date=21 December 2011 |access-date=16 December 2018 |language=es |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217062711/https://www.vavel.com/es/futbol/2011/12/21/malaga/54009.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Later on in the season, Van Nistelrooy scored two more goals in the league against ] and ],<ref>{{cite news |title=Malaga comes from behind to beat Espanyol |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/spanish-liga-sunday/ |website=Sportsnet |agency=Associated Press |date=25 March 2012 |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217062825/https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/spanish-liga-sunday/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=El Málaga vence sin problemas y ya es tercero |url=https://www.cuatro.com/deportes/futbol/malaga/Liga_BBVA-Jornada_32-Malaga-Racing_de_Santander_0_1393875499.html |website=Cuatro |agency=Reuters |date=9 April 2012 |access-date=16 December 2018 |language=es |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217062713/https://www.cuatro.com/deportes/futbol/malaga/Liga_BBVA-Jornada_32-Malaga-Racing_de_Santander_0_1393875499.html |url-status=live }}</ref> with the latter being his final goal of his career.<ref name="ESPN"/> Just one day before his retirement, Van Nistelrooy made his last appearance of his career, coming on as a substitute in the 75th minute for goalscorer ], who scored the only goal in Málaga's league match against ].<ref name="ESPN"/><ref>{{cite news |title=El Málaga completa una sensacional temporada clasificándose para la Champions League |url=https://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/futbol/noticias/3963931/05/12/El-Malaga-completa-una-sensacional-temporada-clasificandose-para-la-Champions-League.html |website=El Economista |agency=Europa Press |date=13 May 2012 |access-date=16 December 2018 |language=es |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217062854/https://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/futbol/noticias/3963931/05/12/El-Malaga-completa-una-sensacional-temporada-clasificandose-para-la-Champions-League.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


On 14 May 2012, Van Nistelrooy announced his retirement from football at the age of 35.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy calls time on career at age of 35 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/9264662/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-calls-time-on-career-at-age-of-35.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=14 May 2012 |accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> He told ] he previously made hints that his football career was coming to an end after insisting Málaga would be his last club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy admits he could retire this summer |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/462/netherlands/2012/03/20/2979625/van-nistelrooy-admits-he-could-retire-this-summer |publisher=Goal.com |date=20 March 2012 |accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> On 14 May 2012, Van Nistelrooy announced his retirement from football at the age of 35.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy calls time on career at age of 35 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/9264662/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-calls-time-on-career-at-age-of-35.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/9264662/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-calls-time-on-career-at-age-of-35.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=14 May 2012 |access-date=3 August 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He told ] he previously made hints that his football career was coming to an end after insisting Málaga would be his last club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy admits he could retire this summer |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/462/netherlands/2012/03/20/2979625/van-nistelrooy-admits-he-could-retire-this-summer |publisher=Goal.com |date=20 March 2012 |access-date=15 November 2012 |archive-date=14 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614173608/http://www.goal.com/en/news/462/netherlands/2012/03/20/2979625/van-nistelrooy-admits-he-could-retire-this-summer |url-status=live }}</ref>


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==International career== ==International career==
] ]
Van Nistelrooy earned 70 caps and scored 35 goals for the ]. He made his debut for the national team in a friendly match against ] on 18 November 1998.<ref>{{cite web |first=Roberto |last=Di Maggio |url=http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/nistelrooij-intlg.html |title=Ruud van Nistelrooij – Goals in international matches |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |date=5 February 2015 |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref> However, the cruciate ligament injury which postponed his transfer to Manchester United also ruled Van Nistelrooy out of ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy out for a year with cruciate ligament injury |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/apr/28/newsstory.sport8 |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=28 April 2000 |accessdate=31 March 2011}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy earned 70 caps and scored 35 goals for the ]. He made his debut for the national team in a friendly match against ] on 18 November 1998.<ref>{{cite web |first=Roberto |last=Di Maggio |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/nistelrooij-intlg.html |title=Ruud van Nistelrooij – Goals in international matches |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |date=5 February 2015 |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=10 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710163351/https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/nistelrooij-intlg.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the cruciate ligament injury which postponed his transfer to Manchester United also ruled Van Nistelrooy out of ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy out for a year with cruciate ligament injury |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/apr/28/newsstory.sport8 |work=The Guardian |location=London |date=28 April 2000 |access-date=31 March 2011 |archive-date=11 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811033912/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/apr/28/newsstory.sport8 |url-status=live }}</ref>


The Dutch failed to qualify for the ], being beaten to a playoff place by the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Holland – Failure to qualify for World Cup |url=https://www.wsc.co.uk/the-archive/holland--failure-to-qualify-for-world-cup/ |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=When Saturday Comes |date=November 2001}}</ref> On 19 November 2003, Van Nistelrooy scored a hat-trick in a 6–0 win over ] in the ] qualifcation playoffs, ensuring a place in the finals with a 6–1 aggregate win.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scotland thrashed by Dutch |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/scotland/3275085.stm |access-date=29 October 2024 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 November 2003}}</ref> At the finals in Portugal, he scored in a draw with Germany, a loss to the ] and twice in a 3–0 win over ], to become the only player other than Czech ] to net in all three group games at the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Diamond |first1=Harry |title=Every player to score in all three group games at a European Championship |url=https://thefootballfaithful.com/every-player-to-score-in-all-three-group-games-at-a-european-championship/ |access-date=29 October 2024 |work=The Football Faithful |date=28 June 2024}}</ref>
As the Dutch failed to qualify for the ], Van Nistelrooy did not make his tournament debut for the Netherlands until ], where he and the ]'s ] were the only players to score in all three group stage matches. The Netherlands reached the semi-finals where they were defeated by hosts ] 2–1. Van Nistelrooy was named in the tournament all-star team.


During a ], he scored in the Dutch's 4–0 win over bottom-placed ] and was yellow-carded for going to Andorra player ] and celebrating in front of him, following an incident six minutes before when Van Nistelrooy missed a penalty and Lima laughed at him.<ref>{{cite web|title=2006 FIFA World Cup preliminaries: Netherlands vs Andorra |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/germany2006/preliminaries/preliminary=8071/matches/match=36520/report.html |publisher=FIFA |date=7 September 2005 |accessdate=27 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908174046/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/germany2006/preliminaries/preliminary%3D8071/matches/match%3D36520/report.html |archivedate=8 September 2011}}</ref> He was a part of coach ]'s squad for the ] finals, for which he served as the official FIFA/SOS ambassador.<ref>{{cite news |title=FIFA for SOS Children's Villages Ambassadors |url=http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/charity-news/six-villages-ambassadors.htm |publisher=SOS Children's Villages |date=21 February 2006 |accessdate=18 August 2006 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060928234654/http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/charity-news/six-villages-ambassadors.htm |archivedate = 28 September 2006}}</ref> He started, and was substituted, in all of the Netherlands' group stage matches, and scored his lone goal against the ]. Van Nistelrooy was dropped to the bench by Van Basten without an explanation for the Netherlands' second round match, which saw them again eliminated by Portugal. During a ], he scored in the Dutch's 4–0 win over bottom-placed ] and was yellow-carded for going to Andorra player ] and celebrating in front of him, following an incident six minutes before when Van Nistelrooy missed a penalty and Lima laughed at him.<ref>{{cite web|title=2006 FIFA World Cup preliminaries: Netherlands vs Andorra |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/germany2006/preliminaries/preliminary=8071/matches/match=36520/report.html |publisher=FIFA |date=7 September 2005 |access-date=27 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908174046/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/germany2006/preliminaries/preliminary%3D8071/matches/match%3D36520/report.html |archive-date=8 September 2011}}</ref> He was a part of coach ]'s squad for the ] finals, for which he served as the official FIFA/SOS ambassador.<ref>{{cite news |title=FIFA for SOS Children's Villages Ambassadors |url=http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/charity-news/six-villages-ambassadors.htm |publisher=SOS Children's Villages |date=21 February 2006 |access-date=18 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060928234654/http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/charity-news/six-villages-ambassadors.htm |archive-date = 28 September 2006}}</ref> He started, and was substituted, in all of the Netherlands' group stage matches, and scored his lone goal against the ]. Van Nistelrooy was dropped to the bench by Van Basten without an explanation for the Netherlands' second round match, which saw them again eliminated by Portugal.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanghera |first1=Mandeep |title=Ruud turns attention to Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/holland/5116128.stm |access-date=29 October 2024 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 June 2006}}</ref>


] ]


Van Basten left the striker out of the squad for a friendly against the ] on 16 August 2006.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news24.com/xArchive/Sport/Soccer/Van-Basten-drops-Van-Nistelrooy-20060811|title=Van Basten drops Van Nistelrooy |publisher=News24|date=11 August 2006 |accessdate=30 March 2011}}</ref> ] replaced Van Nistelrooy in their next match against Portugal in September.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooij haalt uit naar bondscoach |url=http://www.nos.nl/nosstudiosport/artikelen/2006/9/26/26091330vannistelrooijhaaltuitnaarbondscoach.html |publisher=nos.nl |date=26 September 2006 |accessdate=6 September 2007 |language=Dutch |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911025710/http://www.nos.nl/nosstudiosport/artikelen/2006/9/26/26091330vannistelrooijhaaltuitnaarbondscoach.html |archivedate=11 September 2007}}</ref> After ] was unavailable for ] against ] and ] due to injury, Van Nistelrooy refused Van Basten's request to take his place on the roster. Van Basten left the striker out of the squad for a friendly against the Republic of Ireland on 16 August 2006,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news24.com/xArchive/Sport/Soccer/Van-Basten-drops-Van-Nistelrooy-20060811|title=Van Basten drops Van Nistelrooy|publisher=News24|date=11 August 2006|access-date=30 March 2011|archive-date=28 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928065254/http://www.news24.com/xArchive/Sport/Soccer/Van-Basten-drops-Van-Nistelrooy-20060811|url-status=dead}}</ref> and ] replaced him in their next match against Portugal in September.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooij haalt uit naar bondscoach |url=http://www.nos.nl/nosstudiosport/artikelen/2006/9/26/26091330vannistelrooijhaaltuitnaarbondscoach.html |publisher=nos.nl |date=26 September 2006 |access-date=6 September 2007 |language=nl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911025710/http://www.nos.nl/nosstudiosport/artikelen/2006/9/26/26091330vannistelrooijhaaltuitnaarbondscoach.html |archive-date=11 September 2007}}</ref> After ] was unavailable for ] against ] and ] due to injury, Van Nistelrooy refused Van Basten's request to take his place on the team.<ref>{{cite news |title=Duo reject call-up to Dutch squad |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/5398080.stm |access-date=29 October 2024 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 October 2006}}</ref>


On 23 January 2007, Van Nistelrooy announced his retirement from international football following continued disputes with Van Basten, which had started back in 2006 during the course of the World Cup finals matches.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6291257.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy in Dutch decision |publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 January 2007 |accessdate=23 January 2007}}</ref> After several phone conversations and at the persuasion of veteran goalkeeper ], however, both player and coach put aside their differences. Van Basten announced four months later that Van Nistelrooy was returning to the ''Oranje''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud to make Holland return |url=http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?HLID=468587&CPID=219&title=Ruud+to+make+Holland+return&lid=&channel=Football_Home&f=rss&clid=366 |publisher=Sky Sports |date=25 May 2007 |accessdate=25 May 2007 }}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/2007/0525/vannistelrooyr.html |title=Ruud primed for Dutch return |publisher=RTÉ Sport |date=25 May 2007 |accessdate=25 May 2007}}</ref> On 8 September, Van Nistelrooy filled Huntelaar's spot, as previously requested, for the qualifier against Bulgaria, scoring in a 2–0 victory,<ref>{{cite news |title=Madrid duo do the Netherlands proud |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2008/matches/round=2241/match=83687/postmatch/report/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=9 September 2007 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> and scored the winning goal four days later in injury time of the Netherlands' win over ]. On 23 January 2007, Van Nistelrooy announced his retirement from international football following continued disputes with Van Basten, which had started back in 2006 during the course of the World Cup finals matches.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6291257.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy in Dutch decision |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 January 2007 |access-date=23 January 2007 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407130312/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6291257.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> After several phone conversations and at the persuasion of veteran goalkeeper ], however, both player and coach put aside their differences. Van Basten announced four months later that Van Nistelrooy was returning to the ''Oranje''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud to make Holland return |url=http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?HLID=468587&CPID=219&title=Ruud+to+make+Holland+return&lid=&channel=Football_Home&f=rss&clid=366 |publisher=Sky Sports |date=25 May 2007 |access-date=25 May 2007 }}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/2007/0525/vannistelrooyr.html |title=Ruud primed for Dutch return |publisher=RTÉ Sport |date=25 May 2007 |access-date=25 May 2007 |archive-date=22 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222123853/http://www.rte.ie/sport/2007/0525/vannistelrooyr.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 8 September, Van Nistelrooy filled Huntelaar's spot, as previously requested, for the qualifier against Bulgaria, scoring in a 2–0 victory,<ref>{{cite news |title=Madrid duo do the Netherlands proud |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2008/matches/round=2241/match=83687/postmatch/report/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=9 September 2007 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=29 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029105439/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2008/matches/round=2241/match=83687/postmatch/report/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and scored the winning goal four days later in injury time of the Netherlands' win over ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7bb13cd2b6-7b3c7ec120e7-1000--van-nistelrooy-times-it-right-in-tirana/|title=Van Nistelrooy times it right in Tirana|publisher=UEFA|date=12 September 2007|access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref>


At ], Van Nistelrooy scored for the Netherlands in their decisive 3–0 victory over ] in the group stage, and scored the equaliser in their eventual 3–1 loss to ] in the quarter-finals. On 4 August, he again announced his retirement from international competition.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy retires from international football |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKL447526520080804?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews |agency=Reuters UK |date=4 August 2008 |accessdate=4 August 2008 |first=Theo |last=Ruizenaar}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7542088.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy quits Dutch set-up |date=4 August 2008 |accessdate=4 August 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> At ], Van Nistelrooy scored for the Netherlands in their decisive 3–0 victory over ] in the group stage, and scored the equaliser in their eventual 3–1 loss to ] in the quarter-finals. On 4 August, he again announced his retirement from international competition.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy retires from international football |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKL447526520080804?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews |agency=Reuters UK |date=4 August 2008 |access-date=4 August 2008 |first=Theo |last=Ruizenaar |archive-date=27 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227194957/http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKL447526520080804?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7542088.stm |title=Van Nistelrooy quits Dutch set-up |date=4 August 2008 |access-date=4 August 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405201240/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7542088.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>


During the buildup to the ], Van Nistelrooy again made himself available, but was left out by the Netherlands' new coach ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8676023.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |title=Trio omitted from Dutch Cup squad |date=15 May 2010 |accessdate=23 May 2010}}</ref> After being left out for the World Cup, Van Nistelrooy said he had no choice but to face the fact that his international career is finished.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dutch striker accepts fate |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6150902/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=13 May 2010 |accessdate=15 November 2012}}</ref> During the buildup to the ], Van Nistelrooy again made himself available, but was left out by the Netherlands' new coach ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8676023.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |title=Trio omitted from Dutch Cup squad |date=15 May 2010 |access-date=23 May 2010 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223118/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8676023.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> After being left out for the World Cup, Van Nistelrooy said he had no choice but to face the fact that his international career is finished.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dutch striker accepts fate |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6150902/ |publisher=Sky Sports |date=13 May 2010 |access-date=15 November 2012 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029183847/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6150902/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


After main striker ] suffered an injury during a match with his club Arsenal, Van Marwijk gave Van Nistelrooy a chance to reclaim his position as the main striker of the Netherlands' national team. Van Nistelrooy was invited to two Netherlands' Group E qualification matches for ] against ] and ].<ref name="Nu.nl">{{cite news|url=http://www.nu.nl/sport/2322729/van-nistelrooij-terug-bij-nederlands-elftal.html|title=Van Nistelrooij terug bij Nederlands Elftal |date=30 August 2010 |publisher=Nu.nl |language=Dutch |trans-title=Van Nistelrooij back in Dutch national squad|accessdate=30 August 2010}}</ref> He scored in the 5–0 victory against San Marino on 3 September 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Huntelaar hits hat-trick |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=299313&cc=5901 |publisher=ESPN Soccernet |date=3 September 2010 |accessdate=3 September 2010}}</ref> After main striker ] suffered an injury during a match with his club Arsenal, Van Marwijk gave Van Nistelrooy a chance to reclaim his position as the main striker of the Netherlands' national team. Van Nistelrooy was invited to two Netherlands' Group E qualification matches for ] against ] and ].<ref name="Nu.nl">{{cite news |url=http://www.nu.nl/sport/2322729/van-nistelrooij-terug-bij-nederlands-elftal.html |title=Van Nistelrooij terug bij Nederlands Elftal |date=30 August 2010 |publisher=Nu.nl |language=nl |trans-title=Van Nistelrooij back in Dutch national squad |access-date=30 August 2010 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405201239/https://www.nu.nl/sport/2322729/van-nistelrooij-terug-bij-nederlands-elftal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored in the 5–0 victory against San Marino on 3 September 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Huntelaar hits hat-trick |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=299313&cc=5901 |publisher=ESPN Soccernet |date=3 September 2010 |access-date=3 September 2010 |archive-date=7 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907063930/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=299313&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Van Nistelrooy was again recalled to the squad in March 2011 for two Euro 2012 qualification games with ], after injuries to strikers Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Dutch recall Van Nistelrooy |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6828848,00.html |publisher=Sky Sports |date=21 March 2011 |accessdate=29 March 2011}}</ref> In the away game on 25 March, he appeared as a late substitute for Dirk Kuyt<ref>{{cite news |title=Lineups: Hungary 0–4 Netherlands |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002065/postmatch/lineups/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=25 March 2011 |accessdate=30 March 2011}}</ref> while in the return game in ] four days later, he came off the bench to score his 35th international goal.<ref>{{cite news |first=Berend |last=Scholten |title=Kuyt kills off brave Hungary for Netherlands |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002052/postmatch/report/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=29 March 2011 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> adding it is "wonderful to be able to add something to this Oranje team", as he told Berend Scholten.<ref>{{cite news |first=Berend |last=Scholten |title=Van Nistelrooy vaunts Dutch class |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002052/postmatch/quotes/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=30 March 2011 |accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy was again recalled to the squad in March 2011 for two Euro 2012 qualification games with ], after injuries to strikers Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Dutch recall Van Nistelrooy |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6828848,00.html |publisher=Sky Sports |date=21 March 2011 |access-date=29 March 2011 |archive-date=15 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815061309/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6828848,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the away game on 25 March, he appeared as a late substitute for Dirk Kuyt<ref>{{cite news |title=Lineups: Hungary 0–4 Netherlands |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002065/postmatch/lineups/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=25 March 2011 |access-date=30 March 2011 |archive-date=4 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104012440/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002065/postmatch/lineups/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> while in the return game in ] four days later, he came off the bench to score his 35th international goal.<ref>{{cite news |first=Berend |last=Scholten |title=Kuyt kills off brave Hungary for Netherlands |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002052/postmatch/report/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=29 March 2011 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=26 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026214623/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002052/postmatch/report/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> adding it is "wonderful to be able to add something to this Oranje team", as he told Berend Scholten.<ref>{{cite news |first=Berend |last=Scholten |title=Van Nistelrooy vaunts Dutch class |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002052/postmatch/quotes/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=30 March 2011 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017074201/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15171/match=2002052/postmatch/quotes/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Style of play== ==Style of play==
A highly prolific goalscorer, Van Nistelrooy was known for being extremely clinical and opportunistic in front of goal, and stood out throughout his career for his outstanding striking ability and finishing ability with either foot as well as his head, which earned him a reputation as one of the best strikers of his generation.<ref name="footnote">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/12011800/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-deserves-more-than-being-a-footnote-to-Jamie-Vardys-achievements.html |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy deserves more than being a footnote to Jamie Vardy's achievements |publisher=The Daily Telegraph |first=Mark |last=Ogden |date=23 November 2015 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref name="toast"/><ref name="cult">{{cite web |url=https://sports.vice.com/en_ca/article/78gpzd/the-cult-ruud-van-nistelrooy |title=The Cult: Ruud van Nistelrooy |publisher=Vice Sports |first=Will |last=Magee |date=7 December 2016 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref name="complete"/><ref name="Time your run to perfection">{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/skills/ruud-van-nistelrooy-time-your-run-perfection |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy: Time your run to perfection |publisher=FourFourTwo |first=Ben |last=Welch |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-nistelrooy-trumps-rooneys-trick-531952.html |title=Van Nistelrooy trumps Rooney's trick |publisher=The Independent |first=Glenn |last=Moore |date=4 November 2004 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=629564.html |title=Van Nistelrooy: a life in goalscoring |publisher=UEFA.com |date=30 November 2007 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2017/12/historic-goals-van-nistelrooy |title=The forward scored the winning goal at the San Mamés in the 2007–08 campaign |publisher=www.realmadrid.com |date=1 December 2017 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref> Due to his excellent positional sense, quick reactions, and intelligent offensive movement, he excelled at finding space in the penalty area and at anticipating his opponents to the ball, and was also known for his ability to time his runs to lose his markers, beat the ], and get on the end of his teammates' passes; his tendency to be in the right place at the right time in the box saw him occasionally labelled as a "poacher" in the media.<ref name="toast"/><ref name="cult"/><ref name="complete"/><ref name="Time your run to perfection"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/charlton-athletic-1-preston-north-end-2-brown-goals-are-a-ruud-awakening-for-charlton-793642.html |title=Charlton Athletic 1 Preston North End 2: Brown goals are a Ruud awakening for Charlton |publisher=The Independent |first=Evan |last=Fanning |date=10 March 2008 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/united-in-debt-to-van-nistelrooy-after-great-escape-czmhcgq7533 |title=United in debt to Van Nistelrooy after great escape |publisher=The Times |first=Oliver |last=Kay |date=16 September 2004 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4525113.stm |title=Southampton 1-2 Man Utd |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2005 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref> A highly prolific goalscorer, Van Nistelrooy was known for being extremely clinical and opportunistic in front of goal, and stood out throughout his career for his outstanding striking ability and finishing ability with either foot as well as his head, which earned him a reputation as one of the best strikers of his generation.<ref name="footnote">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/12011800/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-deserves-more-than-being-a-footnote-to-Jamie-Vardys-achievements.html |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy deserves more than being a footnote to Jamie Vardy's achievements |publisher=The Daily Telegraph |first=Mark |last=Ogden |date=23 November 2015 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=19 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619031459/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/12011800/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-deserves-more-than-being-a-footnote-to-Jamie-Vardys-achievements.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="toast"/><ref name="cult">{{cite web |url=https://sports.vice.com/en_ca/article/78gpzd/the-cult-ruud-van-nistelrooy |title=The Cult: Ruud van Nistelrooy |publisher=Vice Sports |first=Will |last=Magee |date=7 December 2016 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203139/https://sports.vice.com/en_ca/article/78gpzd/the-cult-ruud-van-nistelrooy |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="complete"/><ref name="Time your run to perfection">{{cite web |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/skills/ruud-van-nistelrooy-time-your-run-perfection |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy: Time your run to perfection |publisher=FourFourTwo |first=Ben |last=Welch |date=26 August 2011 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175622/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/skills/ruud-van-nistelrooy-time-your-run-perfection |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-nistelrooy-trumps-rooneys-trick-531952.html |title=Van Nistelrooy trumps Rooney's trick |work=The Independent |first=Glenn |last=Moore |date=4 November 2004 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618184041/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-nistelrooy-trumps-rooneys-trick-531952.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=629564.html |title=Van Nistelrooy: a life in goalscoring |publisher=UEFA.com |date=30 November 2007 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=19 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619005833/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=629564.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2017/12/historic-goals-van-nistelrooy |title=The forward scored the winning goal at the San Mamés in the 2007–08 campaign |publisher=www.realmadrid.com |date=1 December 2017 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618204748/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2017/12/historic-goals-van-nistelrooy |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to his excellent positional sense, quick reactions and intelligent offensive movement, he excelled at finding space in the penalty area and at anticipating his opponents movement to the ball. He was also known for his ability to time his runs to lose his markers, beat the ], and get on the end of his teammates' passes; his tendency to be in the right place at the right time in the box saw him occasionally labelled as a "poacher" in the media.<ref name="toast"/><ref name="cult"/><ref name="complete"/><ref name="Time your run to perfection"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/charlton-athletic-1-preston-north-end-2-brown-goals-are-a-ruud-awakening-for-charlton-793642.html |title=Charlton Athletic 1 Preston North End 2: Brown goals are a Ruud awakening for Charlton |work=The Independent |first=Evan |last=Fanning |date=10 March 2008 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618184048/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/charlton-athletic-1-preston-north-end-2-brown-goals-are-a-ruud-awakening-for-charlton-793642.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/united-in-debt-to-van-nistelrooy-after-great-escape-czmhcgq7533 |title=United in debt to Van Nistelrooy after great escape |work=The Times |first=Oliver |last=Kay |date=16 September 2004 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175707/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/united-in-debt-to-van-nistelrooy-after-great-escape-czmhcgq7533 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4525113.stm |title=Southampton 1-2 Man Utd |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2005 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=27 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427115404/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4525113.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>


A well-rounded centre-forward, in addition to his eye for goal, Van Nistelrooy was gifted with pace, physical strength, and shooting power, as well as excellent technical skills, and an ability to hold up the ball with his back to goal and link-up with his teammates or provide them with assists, due to his ability to read the game.<ref name="That finishing Dutch"/><ref name="footnote"/><ref name="toast">{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/a-toast-to-van-extraordinaire-9161977.html |title=A toast to Van extraordinaire |publisher=The Independent |first=Alex |last=Hayes |date=13 January 2002 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref><ref name="complete"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-ruud-van-nistelrooy-10488532 |title=How former Manchester United striker legend Ruud van Nistelrooy set the benchmark for Jamie Vardy |publisher=Manchester Evening News |first=Stuart |last=Mathieson |date=24 November 2015 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref> He was also an accurate penalty taker.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ruud-still-reds-penalty-king-1152514 |title=Ruud still Reds penalty king says Fergie |publisher=Manchester Evening News |date=11 August 2004 |accessdate=18 June 2018 }}</ref> In spite of his talent and goalscoring ability, however, at times he drew criticism from managers, players and pundits for his controversial behaviour, as well as for having a tendency to be selfish, overly flamboyant, or for his penchant for ].<ref name="cult"/> A well-rounded ], in addition to his eye for goal, Van Nistelrooy was gifted with pace, physical strength, and shooting power, as well as excellent technical skills, and an ability to hold up the ball with his back to goal and link-up with his teammates or provide them with ], due to his ability to read the game.<ref name="That finishing Dutch"/><ref name="footnote"/><ref name="toast">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/a-toast-to-van-extraordinaire-9161977.html |title=A toast to Van extraordinaire |work=The Independent |first=Alex |last=Hayes |date=13 January 2002 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618183926/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/a-toast-to-van-extraordinaire-9161977.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="complete"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-ruud-van-nistelrooy-10488532 |title=How former Manchester United striker legend Ruud van Nistelrooy set the benchmark for Jamie Vardy |publisher=Manchester Evening News |first=Stuart |last=Mathieson |date=24 November 2015 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203131/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-ruud-van-nistelrooy-10488532 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was also an accurate ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ruud-still-reds-penalty-king-1152514 |title=Ruud still Reds penalty king says Fergie |publisher=Manchester Evening News |date=11 August 2004 |access-date=18 June 2018 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175640/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ruud-still-reds-penalty-king-1152514 |url-status=live }}</ref> In spite of his talent and goalscoring ability, however, at times he drew criticism from managers, players and pundits for his controversial behaviour, as well as for having a tendency to be selfish, overly flamboyant, or for his penchant for ].<ref name="cult"/>


==Coaching career== ==Coaching career==
===PSV under-17s=== ===PSV under-17s===
On 22 June 2013, Van Nistelrooy joined PSV as a coaching intern working with the under-17s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Van Nistelrooy, Ooijer, Kolkka and Zenden undertake internship|url=http://www.psv.nl/News/News-page/Van-Nistelrooy-Ooijer-Kolkka-and-Zenden-undertake-internship.htm|date=22 June 2013|publisher=PSV|accessdate=19 May 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519222912/http://www.psv.nl/News/News-page/Van-Nistelrooy-Ooijer-Kolkka-and-Zenden-undertake-internship.htm|archivedate=19 May 2014}}</ref> He was revealed as the new striker coach of the under-17s, 19s and the reserve team in February 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy roped in at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven |url=http://www.kickoff.com/news/62476/ruud-van-nistelrooy-roped-in-at-dutch-side-psv-eindhoven |website=Kick Off |date=3 February 2016 |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref> On 22 June 2013, Van Nistelrooy joined PSV as a coaching intern working with the under-17s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Van Nistelrooy, Ooijer, Kolkka and Zenden undertake internship|url=http://www.psv.nl/News/News-page/Van-Nistelrooy-Ooijer-Kolkka-and-Zenden-undertake-internship.htm|date=22 June 2013|publisher=PSV|access-date=19 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519222912/http://www.psv.nl/News/News-page/Van-Nistelrooy-Ooijer-Kolkka-and-Zenden-undertake-internship.htm|archive-date=19 May 2014}}</ref> He was revealed as the new striker coach of the under-17s, 19s and the reserve team in February 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy roped in at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven |url=http://www.kickoff.com/news/62476/ruud-van-nistelrooy-roped-in-at-dutch-side-psv-eindhoven |website=Kick Off |date=3 February 2016 |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217062743/http://www.kickoff.com/news/62476/ruud-van-nistelrooy-roped-in-at-dutch-side-psv-eindhoven |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Netherlands=== ===Netherlands===
In March 2014, it was announced that Van Nistelrooy would be assisting ] after the ].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Van Nistelrooy joins Holland coaching setup|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/295261.html|date=28 March 2014|work=ESPN UK|accessdate=19 May 2014}}</ref> In March 2014, it was announced that Van Nistelrooy would be assisting ] after the ].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Van Nistelrooy joins Holland coaching setup|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/295261.html|date=28 March 2014|work=ESPN UK|access-date=19 May 2014|archive-date=5 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905020944/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/295261.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===PSV under-19s=== ===PSV under-19s===
On 25 June 2018, Van Nistelrooy became the new manager of the PSV under-19s, taking over ], who left his role for the senior team.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy volgt Mark van Bommel op bij PSV-jeugd: 'Het trainersvak heeft me gegrepen' |url=https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/243483/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-volgt-Mark-van-Bommel-op-bij-PSV-jeugd-Het-trainersvak-heeft-me-gegrepen |website=Omroep Brabant |date=25 June 2018 |accessdate=16 December 2018 |language=Dutch}}</ref> On 25 June 2018, Van Nistelrooy became the new manager of the PSV under-19s, taking over ], who left his role for the senior team.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy volgt Mark van Bommel op bij PSV-jeugd: 'Het trainersvak heeft me gegrepen' |url=https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/243483/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-volgt-Mark-van-Bommel-op-bij-PSV-jeugd-Het-trainersvak-heeft-me-gegrepen |website=Omroep Brabant |date=25 June 2018 |access-date=16 December 2018 |language=nl |archive-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217110523/https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/243483/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy-volgt-Mark-van-Bommel-op-bij-PSV-jeugd-Het-trainersvak-heeft-me-gegrepen |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In December 2019 it was confirmed, that Van Nistelrooy beside his position at PSV, also had been added to ]'s backroom staff as an assistant manager together with ] ahead of the ], after ] recently had left the position.<ref>, dailymail.co.uk, 17 December 2019</ref> In December 2019 it was confirmed, that Van Nistelrooy beside his position at PSV, also had been added to ]'s Netherlands backroom staff as an assistant manager together with ] ahead of the ], after ] recently had left the position.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/van-nistelrooy-roped-in-as-dutch-assistant-coach-for-euro-2020-12191768 | title = Van Nistelrooy roped in as Dutch assistant coach for Euro 2020 | website = channelnewsasia.com | date = 18 December 2019 | access-date = 21 August 2020 | archive-date = 1 December 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201201122654/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/van-nistelrooy-roped-in-as-dutch-assistant-coach-for-euro-2020-12191768 | url-status = live }}</ref>

===PSV first team===
In March 2022, Van Nistelrooy was appointed as the replacement for the outgoing ] as PSV's head coach. He signed a three-year contract beginning with the 2022–23 season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy: PSV Eindhoven appoint former Manchester United striker as boss from the 2022-23 season |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60932996 |website=BBC Sport |date=30 March 2022 |accessdate=11 April 2022 |archive-date=11 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411141136/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60932996 |url-status=live }}</ref> After winning the ] and ], he resigned with one match remaining in the ] season, citing a lack of support.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/6264961/van-nistelrooij-vertrekt-per-direct-als-trainer-psv-wegens-gebrek-aan-steun.html |title=Van Nistelrooij vertrekt per direct als trainer PSV wegens gebrek aan steun |trans-title=Van Nistelrooy immediately leaves PSV due to lack of support |language=Dutch |date=24 May 2023 |access-date=24 May 2023 |archive-date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524114442/https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/6264961/van-nistelrooij-vertrekt-per-direct-als-trainer-psv-wegens-gebrek-aan-steun.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Manchester United===
On 11 July 2024, Van Nistelrooy was appointed as an assistant coach for Premier League club ] on a two-year contract. He was originally tasked to work alongside ], however following the sacking of the latter on 28 October, he was appointed as interim head coach.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Manchester United F.C.|url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-official-club-statement-on-erik-ten-hag-28-oct |title=Man Utd official club statement on Erik ten Hag |date=28 October 2024|access-date=28 October 2024}}</ref> Two days later in his first game, he led Manchester United to a 5–2 win over ] in the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13243589/man-utd-5-2-leicester-ruud-van-nistelrooy-gets-off-to-winning-start-in-carabao-cup|title=Man Utd 5-2 Leicester: Ruud van Nistelrooy gets off to winning start in Carabao Cup|publisher=]|date=30 October 2024|access-date=31 October 2024}}</ref> On 7 November, Van Nistelrooy led his club to their first European win in 13 months in a 2–0 win against ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11959/13248474/manchester-united-2-0-paok-amad-diallo-scores-twice-as-ruud-van-nistelrooy-oversees-long-awaited-european-win|title=Manchester United 2–0 PAOK: Amad Diallo scores twice as Ruud van Nistelrooy oversees long-awaited European win|publisher=]|date=7 November 2024|access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref> In what would be his final game in charge, he oversaw a 3–0 league win, again over Leicester City.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Man Utd 3-0 Leicester City: Bruno Fernandes shines in Premier League win |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c1lgj2eje9vt |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> Upon the arrival of new head coach ], Van Nistelrooy departed the club. He finished his tenure as interim manager with three wins and one draw in four matches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statement: Van Nistelrooy later fully leaves the club, not remaining as an Assistant Manager or a member of the coaching staff following Amorim's changes. |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/statement-on-ruud-van-nistelrooy-and-coaching-staff-departures |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=www.manutd.com}}</ref>

===Leicester City===
On 29 November 2024, Van Nistelrooy was appointed manager of Premier League club ] on a two-and-a-half-year deal running until June 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lcfc.com/pages/en/media-article/leicester-city-name-ruud-van-nistelrooy-as-new-first-team-manager |title=Leicester City Name Ruud Van Nistelrooy As New First Team Manager |website=Leicester City |date=29 November 2024 |access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref> On 3 December 2024, he got his first win as a Premier League manager, in the home debut game and winning 3-1 against ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Van Nistelrooy starts Leicester reign with win over West Ham |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/4183315 |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=www.premierleague.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanner |first=Rob |title=How Ruud van Nistelrooy is building on Leicester’s box midfield foundations |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5983549/2024/12/11/how-ruud-van-nistelrooy-is-building-on-leicesters-box-midfield-foundations/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


==Outside football== ==Outside football==
===Personal life=== ===Personal life===
Van Nistelrooy married his girlfriend, Leontien Slaats, in July 2004.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud celebrates match of the day |publisher=BBC News |date=10 July 2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3883195.stm |accessdate=2 February 2011}}</ref> The couple had their first child, a girl named Moa Annette, in September 2006, and a son named Liam in March 2008.<ref>{{cite news |title=New father Van Nistelrooy rejoins Real squad |url=http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/26092006/2/photo/new-father-van-nistelrooy-rejoins-real-squad.html |publisher=Yahoo! Sport |date=26 September 2006 |accessdate=6 September 2007 }}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Proud dad Ruud set for Real berth |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/football/09/25/spain.ronaldo/ |publisher=CNN |date=26 September 2006 |accessdate=6 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy happy |url=http://www.realmadrid.com/articulo/rma33942.htm |archive-url=https://archive.is/20070929091549/http://www.realmadrid.com/articulo/rma33942.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 September 2007 |publisher=Real Madrid C.F. |date=26 September 2006 |accessdate=6 September 2007}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy was brought up as a ].<ref>{{cite news |title=What Dutch football tells us |publisher=The Tablet |date=4 November 2000 |url=http://archive.thetablet.co.uk/article/4th-november-2000/15/what-dutch-football-tells-us |accessdate=12 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124113006/http://archive.thetablet.co.uk/article/4th-november-2000/15/what-dutch-football-tells-us |archive-date=24 November 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy married his girlfriend, Leontien Slaats, in July 2004.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud celebrates match of the day |publisher=BBC News |date=10 July 2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3883195.stm |access-date=2 February 2011 |archive-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111110132214/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3883195.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The couple have a daughter and a son.<ref>{{cite news |title=New father Van Nistelrooy rejoins Real squad |url=http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/26092006/2/photo/new-father-van-nistelrooy-rejoins-real-squad.html |publisher=Yahoo! Sport |date=26 September 2006 |access-date=6 September 2007 }}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Proud dad Ruud set for Real berth |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/football/09/25/spain.ronaldo/ |publisher=CNN |date=26 September 2006 |access-date=6 September 2007 |archive-date=12 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012021429/http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/football/09/25/spain.ronaldo/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy happy |url=http://www.realmadrid.com/articulo/rma33942.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070929091549/http://www.realmadrid.com/articulo/rma33942.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 September 2007 |publisher=Real Madrid CF |date=26 September 2006 |access-date=6 September 2007}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy is a ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3883195.stm |title=Europe &#124; Ruud celebrates match of the day |publisher=BBC News |date=10 July 2004 |accessdate=20 July 2022 |archive-date=18 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718155034/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3883195.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=What Dutch football tells us |publisher=The Tablet |date=4 November 2000 |url=http://archive.thetablet.co.uk/article/4th-november-2000/15/what-dutch-football-tells-us |access-date=12 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124113006/http://archive.thetablet.co.uk/article/4th-november-2000/15/what-dutch-football-tells-us |archive-date=24 November 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Charity=== ===Charity===
Van Nistelrooy and his wife are both heavily involved with the charity organization ]. The organization has been around since 1949 and is an international development charity which serves to protect the interests and rights of children. Van Nistelrooy was officially appointed "FIFA for SOS Children's Villages" Ambassador in the Netherlands on 1 September 2001.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Netherlands: Ruud van Nistelrooy |url=http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/get-involved/celebrities-as-partners/fifa-ambassadors-europe/pages/netherlands-ruud-van-nistelrooy.aspx |publisher=SOS Children's Villages |accessdate=19 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617065944/http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/Get-involved/Celebrities-as-partners/FIFA-ambassadors-Europe/Pages/Netherlands-Ruud-van-Nistelrooy.aspx |archivedate=17 June 2010}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy and his wife are both heavily involved with the charity organization ]. The organization has been around since 1949 and is an international development charity which serves to protect the interests and rights of children. Van Nistelrooy was officially appointed "FIFA for SOS Children's Villages" Ambassador in the Netherlands on 1 September 2001.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Netherlands: Ruud van Nistelrooy |url=http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/get-involved/celebrities-as-partners/fifa-ambassadors-europe/pages/netherlands-ruud-van-nistelrooy.aspx |publisher=SOS Children's Villages |access-date=19 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617065944/http://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/Get-involved/Celebrities-as-partners/FIFA-ambassadors-Europe/Pages/Netherlands-Ruud-van-Nistelrooy.aspx |archive-date=17 June 2010}}</ref>


On 17 November 2009, Van Nistelrooy and his wife hosted SOS at ]. The purpose of the event was to help create a calendar which would be sold to benefit the organization.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy's Charity Work |url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202804440334/noticia/Noticia/Van_Nistelrooy_s_charity_work.htm |publisher=Real Madrid C.F. |date=17 November 2009 |accessdate=19 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120185259/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202804440334/noticia/Noticia/Van_Nistelrooy_s_charity_work.htm |archivedate=20 November 2009}}</ref> On 17 November 2009, Van Nistelrooy and his wife hosted SOS at ]. The purpose of the event was to help create a calendar which would be sold to benefit the organization.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Nistelrooy's Charity Work |url=http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202804440334/noticia/Noticia/Van_Nistelrooy_s_charity_work.htm |publisher=Real Madrid CF |date=17 November 2009 |access-date=19 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120185259/http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202804440334/noticia/Noticia/Van_Nistelrooy_s_charity_work.htm |archive-date=20 November 2009}}</ref>


===Endorsements=== ===Endorsements===
Van Nistelrooy was sponsored by sportswear company ] and appeared in Nike commercials. In a global Nike advertising campaign in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, he starred in a "]" commercial (branded "Scorpion KO") directed by ], appearing alongside football players such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], with former player ] as the tournament "referee".<ref>{{cite news|title=A lighter shoe, cooler kits, a faster ball, a Secret Tournament – every touch counts |url=http://www.nikebiz.com/story/stry_scorpion.shtml |work=NikeBiz |publisher=Nike |accessdate=21 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020602055510/http://www.nikebiz.com/story/stry_scorpion.shtml |archivedate=2 June 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Claire |last=Cozens |title=Cantona hosts World Cup with a difference |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/apr/03/advertising.worldcupfootball2002?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 |work=The Guardian |date=3 April 2002 |accessdate=21 July 2012}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy was sponsored by sportswear company ] and appeared in Nike commercials. In a global Nike advertising campaign in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, he starred in a "]" commercial (branded "Scorpion KO") directed by ], appearing alongside football players such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], with former player ] as the tournament "referee".<ref>{{cite news|title=A lighter shoe, cooler kits, a faster ball, a Secret Tournament – every touch counts |url=http://www.nikebiz.com/story/stry_scorpion.shtml |work=NikeBiz |publisher=Nike |access-date=21 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020602055510/http://www.nikebiz.com/story/stry_scorpion.shtml |archive-date=2 June 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Claire |last=Cozens |title=Cantona hosts World Cup with a difference |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/apr/03/advertising.worldcupfootball2002?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 |work=The Guardian |date=3 April 2002 |access-date=21 July 2012 |archive-date=1 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701165023/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/apr/03/advertising.worldcupfootball2002?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Media career=== ===Media career===
During the 2014 World Cup, Van Nistelrooy worked as a ] for ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Silva and Van Nistelrooy join ESPN for World Cup|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=soccer&id=10279077|publisher=ESPN|date=11 January 2014|accessdate=19 July 2014}}</ref> During the 2014 World Cup, Van Nistelrooy worked as a ] for ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Silva and Van Nistelrooy join ESPN for World Cup|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=soccer&id=10279077|publisher=ESPN|date=11 January 2014|access-date=19 July 2014|archive-date=8 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808155129/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=soccer&id=10279077|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Career statistics== ==Career statistics==
===Club=== ===Club===
:Sources:<ref name="NFT">{{NFT|4636|name=Van Nistelrooy, Ruud |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy PSV.nl profile |url=https://www.psv.nl/nieuwspagina/artikel/ruud-van-nistelrooy-2.htm |website=PSV Eindhoven official website |date=18 April 2002 |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://thetopforward.com/view?id=72 |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy The Top Forward profile |website=The Top Forward |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="PSV_statistics"/>

{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center {| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref name="NFT">{{NFT|4636|name=Van Nistelrooy, Ruud |access-date=16 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy |url=https://www.psv.nl/nieuwspagina/artikel/ruud-van-nistelrooy-2.htm |website=PSV.nl |date=18 April 2002 |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=27 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727185745/https://www.psv.nl/nieuwspagina/artikel/ruud-van-nistelrooy-2.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://thetopforward.com/view?id=72 |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy The Top Forward profile |website=The Top Forward |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129035042/http://thetopforward.com/view?id=72 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PSV_statistics"/>
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|- |-
!rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League !colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National Cup{{efn|Appearances in the ], the ], the ] and the ]}} !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes ], ], ], ]}}
!colspan="2"|League Cup{{efn|Appearances in the ]}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes ]}}
!colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Europe
!colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Other
Line 188: Line 226:
|- |-
|rowspan="5"|] |rowspan="5"|]
|] |{{nowrap|]}}
|rowspan="4"|] |]
|2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0 |2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0
|- |-
|] |]
|Eerste Divisie
|15||3||2||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|–||17||6 |15||3||2||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|–||17||6
|- |-
|] |]
|Eerste Divisie
|21||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||21||2 |21||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||21||2
|- |-
|] |]
|Eerste Divisie
|31||12||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||12 |31||12||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||12
|- |-
Line 204: Line 245:
!69!!17!!2!!3!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!71!!20 !69!!17!!2!!3!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!71!!20
|- |-
|] |]
|] |]
|] |]
|31||13||5||3||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|Appearances in the ]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||40||16 |31||13||5||3||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|Appearances in ]}}||0||colspan="2"|—||40||16
|- |-
|rowspan="4"|] |rowspan="4"|]
|] |]
|rowspan="3"|Eredivisie |Eredivisie
|34||31||4||4||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in the UEFA Champions League}}||6||1{{efn|Appearance in the ]}}||0||46||41 |34||31||4||4||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in ]}}||6||1{{efn|Appearance in ]}}||0||46||41
|- |-
|] |]
|Eredivisie
|23||29||1||0||colspan="2"|—||8{{efn|name=UCL}}||3||colspan="2"|—||32||32 |23||29||1||0||colspan="2"|—||8{{efn|name=UCL}}||3||colspan="2"|—||32||32
|- |-
|] |]
|Eredivisie
|10||2||2||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||4 |10||2||2||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||4
|- |-
Line 225: Line 268:
|rowspan="6"|] |rowspan="6"|]
|] |]
|rowspan="5"|] |]
|32||23||2||2||0||0||14{{efn|name=UCL}}||10||1{{efn|name=FCS|Appearance in the FA Charity/Community Shield}}||1||49||36 |32||23||2||2||0||0||14{{efn|name=UCL}}||10||1{{efn|name=FCS|Appearance in ]}}||1||49||36
|- |-
|] |]
|Premier League
|34||25||3||4||4||1||11{{efn|name=UCL}}||14||0||0||52||44 |34||25||3||4||4||1||11{{efn|name=UCL}}||14||0||0||52||44
|- |-
|] |]
|Premier League
|32||20||4||6||0||0||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||1{{efn|name=FCS}}|||0||44||30 |32||20||4||6||0||0||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||1{{efn|name=FCS}}|||0||44||30
|- |-
|] |]
|Premier League
|17||6||3||2||0||0||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||8||0||0||27||16 |17||6||3||2||0||0||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||8||0||0||27||16
|- |-
|] |]
|Premier League
|35||21||2||0||2||1||8{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||0||0||47||24 |35||21||2||0||2||1||8{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||0||0||47||24
|- |-
Line 243: Line 290:
!150!!95!!14!!14!!6!!2!!47!!38!!2!!1!!219!!150 !150!!95!!14!!14!!6!!2!!47!!38!!2!!1!!219!!150
|- |-
|rowspan="5"|] |rowspan="5"|]
|] |]
|rowspan="4"|] |]
|37||25||3||2||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||6||0||0||47||33 |37||25||3||2||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||6||0||0||47||33
|- |-
|] |]
|La Liga
|24||16||1||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||1{{efn|name=SDE|Appearances in the Supercopa de España}}||0||33||20
|24||16||1||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||4||1{{efn|name=SDE|Appearances in ]}}||0||33||20
|- |-
|] |]
|La Liga
|6||4||0||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=UCL}}||3||2{{efn|name=SDE}}||3||12||10 |6||4||0||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=UCL}}||3||2{{efn|name=SDE}}||3||12||10
|- |-
|] |]
|La Liga
|1||1||2||0||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||0||0||4||1 |1||1||2||0||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||0||0||4||1
|- |-
Line 262: Line 312:
|rowspan="3"|] |rowspan="3"|]
|] |]
|rowspan="2"|] |]
|11||5||0||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|Appearances in the ]}}||2||0||0||18||7 |11||5||0||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|Appearances in ]}}||2||0||0||18||7
|- |-
|] |]
|Bundesliga
|25||7||1||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||26||10 |25||7||1||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||26||10
|- |-
Line 283: Line 334:


===International=== ===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
:Source:<ref name="NFT"/>
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name="NFT"/>

{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|-
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year
|- |-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|- |-
|rowspan="14"|] | rowspan="14" |]
|-
|1998||1||0 |1998||1||0
|- |-
Line 314: Line 361:
|- |-
|2008||5||3 |2008||5||3
|-
|2009
|0
|0
|- |-
|2010||3||1 |2010||3||1
Line 319: Line 370:
|2011||3||1 |2011||3||1
|- |-
!colspan="2"|Total||70||35 !colspan="2"|Total!!70!!35
|} |}
:''Scores and results list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each van Nistelrooy goal.''


{| class="wikitable sortable"
===International goals===
:''Netherlands score listed first, score column indicates score after each Van Nistelrooy goal.''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=21836 |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy |website=European Football |accessdate=16 December 2018}}</ref> |+ List of international goals scored by Ruud van Nistelrooy<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=21836 |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy |website=European Football |access-date=16 December 2018 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030223107/https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=21836 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
|- |-
!scope=col|No. !scope="col"|No.
!scope=col data-sort-type=date|Date !scope="col" data-sort-type="date"|Date
!scope=col|Venue !scope="col"|Venue
!scope=col|Cap !scope="col"|Cap
!scope=col|Opponent !scope="col"|Opponent
!scope=col|Score !scope="col"|Score
!scope=col|Result !scope="col"|Result
!scope=col|Competition !scope="col"|Competition
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|1
!scope=row|1
|28 April 1999||], ], Netherlands||3||{{fb|Morocco}}||1–2||1–2||] |28 April 1999||], ], Netherlands|| style="text-align:center;"|3||{{fb|MAR}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–2|| style="text-align:center;"|1–2||]
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|2
!scope=row|2
|25 April 2001||], ], Netherlands||11||{{fb|Cyprus}}||4–0||4–0||rowspan="3"|] |25 April 2001||], ], Netherlands|| style="text-align:center;"|11||{{fb|CYP|1960}}|| style="text-align:center;"|4–0|| style="text-align:center;"|4–0||]
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|3
!scope=row|3
|rowspan="2"|2 June 2001||rowspan="2"|], ], Estonia||rowspan="2"|12||rowspan="2"|{{fb|Estonia}}||2–2||rowspan="2"|4–2 |rowspan="2"|2 June 2001||rowspan="2"|], ], Estonia||rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|12||rowspan="2"|{{fb|EST}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2–2||rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–2||rowspan="2"|2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
|- style="text-align:center;"
||4
||4–2
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|5
!scope=row|4
|15 August 2001||], ], England|| style="text-align:center;"|13||{{fb|ENG}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2–0|| style="text-align:center;"|2–0||Friendly
|4–2
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|6
!scope=row|5
|5 September 2001||Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands|| style="text-align:center;"|15||{{fb|EST}}|| style="text-align:center;"|5–0|| style="text-align:center;"|5–0||2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
|15 August 2001||], ], England||13||{{fb|England}}||2–0||2–0||Friendly
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|7
!scope=row|6
|5 September 2001||Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands||15||{{fb|Estonia}}||5–0||5–0||rowspan="3"|2002 FIFA World Cup qualification |rowspan="2"|6 October 2001||rowspan="2"|GelreDome, Arnhem, Netherlands||rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|16||rowspan="2"|{{fb|AND}}|| style="text-align:center;"|3–0||rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–0||rowspan="2"|2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
|- style="text-align:center;"
||8
||4–0
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|9
!scope=row|7
|20 November 2002||], ], Germany|| style="text-align:center;"|21||{{fb|GER}}|| style="text-align:center;"|3–1|| style="text-align:center;"|3–1||Friendly
|rowspan="2"|6 October 2001||rowspan="2"|GelreDome, Arnhem, Netherlands||rowspan="2"|16||rowspan="2"|{{fb|Andorra}}||3–0||rowspan="2"|4–0
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|10
!scope=row|8
|29 March 2003||], ], Netherlands|| style="text-align:center;"|23||{{fb|CZE}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0|| style="text-align:center;"|1–1||]
|4–0
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|11
!scope=row|9
|2 April 2003||], ], Moldova|| style="text-align:center;"|24||{{fb|MLD}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–1|| style="text-align:center;"|2–1||UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
|20 November 2002||], ], Germany||21||{{fb|Germany}}||3–1||3–1||Friendly
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|12
!scope=row|10
|29 March 2003||], ], Netherlands||23||{{fb|Czech Republic}}||1–0||1–1||rowspan="2"|] |rowspan="3"|19 November 2003||rowspan="3"|], ], Netherlands||rowspan="3" style="text-align:center"|29||rowspan="3"|{{fb|SCO}}|| style="text-align:center;"|3–0||rowspan="3" style="text-align:center"|6–0||rowspan="3"|]
|- style="text-align:center;"
||13
||4–0
|- style="text-align:center;"
||14
||6–0
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|15
!scope=row|11
|15 June 2004||], ], Portugal|| style="text-align:center;"|34||{{fb|GER}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–1|| style="text-align:center;"|1–1||]
|2 April 2003||], ], Moldova||24||{{fb|Moldova}}||1–1||2–1
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|16
!scope=row|12
|19 June 2004||], ], Portugal|| style="text-align:center;"|35||{{fb|CZE}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2–0|| style="text-align:center;"|2–3||UEFA Euro 2004
|rowspan="3"|19 November 2003||rowspan="3"|], ], Netherlands||rowspan="3"|29||rowspan="3"|{{fb|Scotland}}||3–0||rowspan="3"|6–0||rowspan="3"|]
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|17
!scope=row|13
|rowspan="2"|23 June 2004||rowspan="2"|], ], Portugal||rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|36||rowspan="2"|{{fb|LAT}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0||rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–0||rowspan="2"|UEFA Euro 2004
|4–0
|- style="text-align:center;"
||18
||2–0
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|19
!scope=row|14
|rowspan="2"|13 October 2004||rowspan="2"|Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands||rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|39||rowspan="2"|{{fb|FIN}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2–1||rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–1||rowspan="2"|]
|6–0
|- style="text-align:center;"
||20
||3–1
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|21
!scope=row|15
|30 March 2005||Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands|| style="text-align:center;"|42||{{fb|ARM}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2–0|| style="text-align:center;"|2–0||2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
|15 June 2004||], ], Portugal||34||{{fb|Germany}}||1–1||1–1||rowspan="4"|]
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|22
!scope=row|16
|8 June 2005||], ], Finland|| style="text-align:center;"|44||{{fb|FIN}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0|| style="text-align:center;"|4–0||2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
|19 June 2004||], ], Portugal||35||{{fb|Czech Republic}}||2–0||2–3
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|23
!scope=row|17
|3 September 2005||], ], Armenia|| style="text-align:center;"|46||{{fb|ARM}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0||2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
|rowspan="2"|23 June 2004||rowspan="2"|], ], Portugal||rowspan="2"|36||rowspan="2"|{{fb|Latvia}}||1–0||rowspan="2"|3–0
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|24
!scope=row|18
|rowspan="2"|7 September 2005||rowspan="2"|Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands||rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|47||rowspan="2"|{{fb|AND}}|| style="text-align:center;"|3–0||rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–0||rowspan="2"|2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
|2–0
|- style="text-align:center;"
||25
||4–0
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|26
!scope=row|19
|27 May 2006||De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands|| style="text-align:center;"|50||{{fb|CMR}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0||Friendly
|rowspan="2"|13 October 2004||rowspan="2"|Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands||rowspan="2"|39||rowspan="2"|{{fb|Finland}}||2–1||rowspan="2"|3–1||rowspan=7|]
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|27
!scope=row|20
|4 June 2006||De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands|| style="text-align:center;"|51||{{fb|AUS}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0|| style="text-align:center;"|1–1||Friendly
|3–1
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|28
!scope=row|21
|16 June 2006||], ], Germany|| style="text-align:center;"|53||{{fb|CIV}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2–0|| style="text-align:center;"|2–1||]
|30 March 2005||Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands||42||{{fb|Armenia}}||2–0||2–0
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|29
!scope=row|22
|8 September 2007||Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands|| style="text-align:center;"|56||{{fb|BUL}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2–0|| style="text-align:center;"|2–0||]
|8 June 2005||], ], Finland||44||{{fb|Finland}}||1–0||4–0
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|30
!scope=row|23
|3 September 2005||], ], Armenia||46||{{fb|Armenia}}||1–0||1–0 |12 September 2007||], ], Albania|| style="text-align:center;"|57||{{fb|ALB}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0||UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|31
!scope=row|24
|rowspan="2"|7 September 2005||rowspan="2"|Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands||rowspan="2"|47||rowspan="2"|{{fb|Andorra}}||3–0||rowspan="2"|4–0 |29 May 2008||Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands|| style="text-align:center;"|60||{{fb|DEN}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0|| style="text-align:center;"|1–1||Friendly
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|32
!scope=row|25
|9 June 2008||], ], Switzerland|| style="text-align:center;"|62||{{fb|ITA}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–0|| style="text-align:center;"|3–0||]
|4–0
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|33
!scope=row|26
|21 June 2008||], ], Switzerland|| style="text-align:center;"|64||{{fb|RUS}}|| style="text-align:center;"|1–1|| style="text-align:center;"|1–3||UEFA Euro 2008
|27 May 2006||rowspan="2"|De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands||50||{{fb|Cameroon}}||1–0||1–0||rowspan="2"|Friendly
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|34
!scope=row|27
|3 September 2010||], ], San Marino|| style="text-align:center;"|65||{{fb|SMR|1862}}|| style="text-align:center;"|5–0|| style="text-align:center;"|5–0||]
|4 June 2006||51||{{fb|Australia}}||1–0||1–1
|- |-
| style="text-align:center;"|35
!scope=row|28
|29 March 2011||Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands|| style="text-align:center;"|70||{{fb|HUN}}|| style="text-align:center;"|3–2|| style="text-align:center;"|5–3||UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
|16 June 2006||], ], Germany||53||{{fb|Ivory Coast}}||2–0||2–1||]
|}

==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|match played 26 December 2024}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure
|- |-
! rowspan="2" |Team
!scope=row|29
! rowspan="2" |From
|8 September 2007||Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands||56||{{fb|Bulgaria}}||2–0||2–0||rowspan="2"|]
! rowspan="2"|To
! colspan="8" |Record
!rowspan=2|{{abbr|Ref|Reference}}
|-
!{{Tooltip|G|Games managed}}
!{{Tooltip|W|Games won}}
!{{Tooltip|D|Games drawn}}
!{{Tooltip|L|Games lost}}
!{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}}
!{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}}
!{{Tooltip|GD|Goal difference}}
!{{Tooltip|Win %|Winning percentage}}
|- |-
|align=left|]
!scope=row|30
|align=left|1 June 2021
|12 September 2007||], ], Albania||57||{{fb|Albania}}||1–0||1–0
|align=left|18 May 2022
{{WDL|38|11|11|16|for=61|against=63|diff=yes}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.soccerway.com/teams/netherlands/jong-psv/4789/|title=Jong PSV: Matches|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=12 August 2022|archive-date=12 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812220941/https://uk.soccerway.com/teams/netherlands/jong-psv/4789/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- |-
|align=left|]
!scope=row|31
|align=left|19 May 2022
|29 May 2008||Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands||60||{{fb|Denmark}}||1–0||1–1||Friendly
|align=left|24 May 2023
{{WDL|51|33|10|8|for=126|against=60|diff=yes}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.soccerway.com/teams/netherlands/psv-nv/1517/|title=PSV Eindhoven: Matches|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=12 August 2022|archive-date=12 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812220940/https://uk.soccerway.com/teams/netherlands/psv-nv/1517/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- |-
|align=left|] (interim)
!scope=row|32
|align=left|28 October 2024
|9 June 2008||], ], Switzerland||62||{{fb|Italy}}||1–0||3–0||rowspan="2"|]
|align=left|10 November 2024
{{WDL|4|3|1|0|for=11|against=3|diff=yes}}
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy - Manchester United interim manager (28/10/2024 - 10/11/2024) |url=https://www.mufcinfo.com/manupag/managers/mangers_pages/van_nistelrooy_ruud.html |website=MUFCinfo.com |access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref>
|- |-
|align=left|]
!scope=row|33
|align=left|29 November 2024{{efn|Van Nistelrooy's appointment was announced on 29 November 2024, he was in the stand and not in charge of the game on 30 November as Leicester lost 4–1 against ], which was taken by first team coach ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c2e79z9wem3t|title=Brentford 4-1 Leicester preview: Kevin Schade's hat-trick shows Ruud van Nistelrooy the Foxes' problems|first=Nick |last=Mashiter |website=BBC Sport |date=30 November 2024|access-date=3 December 2024}}</ref> Van Nistelrooy's first match in charge was a 3–1 win over ] on 3 December.}}
|21 June 2008||], ], Switzerland||64||{{fb|Russia}}||1–1||1–3
|align=left|Present
{{WDL|5|1|1|3|for=6|against=13|diff=yes}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.soccerway.com/teams/england/leicester-city-fc/682/|title=Leicester City: Matches|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|- |-
!colspan="3"|Total
!scope=row|34
{{WDLtot|98|48|23|27|for=204|against=139|diff=yes}}
|3 September 2010||], ], San Marino||65||{{fb|San Marino}}||5–0||5–0||rowspan="2"|]
!—
|-
!scope=row|35
|29 March 2011||Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands||70||{{fb|Hungary}}||3–2||5–3
|} |}

{{notelist}}


==Honours== ==Honours==

'''PSV'''<ref name="Soccerway">{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/ruud-van-nistelrooy/46/ |title=R. van Nistelrooy |publisher=Soccerway |accessdate=28 July 2014}}</ref>
===Player===
'''PSV'''<ref name="Soccerway">{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/ruud-van-nistelrooy/46/ |title=R. van Nistelrooy |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=28 July 2014 |archive-date=11 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011040735/http://int.soccerway.com/players/ruud-van-nistelrooy/46/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*]: ], ] *]: ], ]
*]: ] *]: ]


'''Manchester United'''<ref name="Soccerway"/> '''Manchester United'''<ref name="Soccerway"/>
*]: ]<ref name=PL>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/2117/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy/overview |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy: Overview |publisher=Premier League |accessdate=28 September 2018}}</ref> *]: ]<ref name=PremProfile>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/2117/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy/overview |title=Ruud van Nistelrooy: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=28 September 2018 |archive-date=18 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418074643/https://www.premierleague.com/players/2117/Ruud-van-Nistelrooy/overview |url-status=live }}</ref>
*]: ] *]: ]
*]: ] *]: ]
Line 458: Line 560:
*]: ] *]: ]


===Manager===
'''Individual'''
'''PSV'''
*]: ]<ref name="NOS">{{cite web |date=30 April 2023 |title=PSV wint na strafschoppen van Ajax in bekerfinale vol irritaties en opstootjes |trans-title=PSV beats Ajax after penalty kicks in cup final full off irritations and fights |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2473413-psv-wint-na-strafschoppen-van-ajax-in-bekerfinale-vol-irritaties-en-opstootjes |access-date=10 May 2023 |language=Dutch |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513171342/https://nos.nl/artikel/2473413-psv-wint-na-strafschoppen-van-ajax-in-bekerfinale-vol-irritaties-en-opstootjes |url-status=live }}</ref>
*]: ]<ref name=JCSwin>{{cite web|url=https://www.psv.nl/english-psv/matches/match/ajax-psv-30-07-2022.htm|title=Ajax - PSV|website=PSV.nl|date=30 July 2022|accessdate=30 July 2022|archive-date=20 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620112929/https://www.psv.nl/english-psv/matches/match/ajax-psv-30-07-2022.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Individual===
<!--LEAGUE AND FEDERATION-SANCTIONED AWARDS ONLY. No fan or magazine-voted awards. Listed in chronological order--> <!--LEAGUE AND FEDERATION-SANCTIONED AWARDS ONLY. No fan or magazine-voted awards. Listed in chronological order-->
*]: 1998–99, 1999–2000<ref name="Dutch Player of the Year"/> *]: 1998–99, 1999–2000<ref name="Dutch Player of the Year"/>
*]: ], ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/ned-eredivisie-1998-1999/|title=Eredivisie 1998/1999 " Top Scorer|publisher=WorldFootball.net|accessdate=12 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="1999–2000 top goalscorer"/> *]: ], ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/ned-eredivisie-1998-1999/|title=Eredivisie 1998/1999 " Top Scorer|publisher=WorldFootball.net|access-date=12 May 2015|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305025605/http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/ned-eredivisie-1998-1999/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="1999–2000 top goalscorer"/>
*]: ], February 2002, ]<ref name=PL/> *]: ], February 2002, ]<ref name=PremProfile/>
*]: ], ]<ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Arrowsmith|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-player-year-robin-1893164|title='An incredible year': Robin Van Persie gushes after picking up fans' Manchester United Player of the Year award |publisher=Mirror Online|date=16 May 2013|accessdate=2 May 2018}}</ref> *]: ], ]<ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Arrowsmith|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-player-year-robin-1893164|title='An incredible year': Robin Van Persie gushes after picking up fans' Manchester United Player of the Year award|publisher=Mirror Online|date=16 May 2013|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418161423/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-player-year-robin-1893164|url-status=live}}</ref>
*]: ] *]: ]
*]: ], ], ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2001/index.html|title=UEFA Champions League – 2001/02|accessdate=23 March 2015|publisher=UEFA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2002/index.html|title=UEFA Champions League – 2002/03|accessdate=23 March 2015|publisher=UEFA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2004/index.html|title=UEFA Champions League – 2004/05|accessdate=23 March 2015|publisher=UEFA}}</ref> *]: ], ], ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2001/index.html|title=UEFA Champions League – 2001/02|access-date=23 March 2015|publisher=UEFA|archive-date=15 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615010946/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2001/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2002/index.html|title=UEFA Champions League – 2002/03|access-date=23 March 2015|publisher=UEFA|archive-date=18 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218082852/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2002/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2004/index.html|title=UEFA Champions League – 2004/05|access-date=23 March 2015|publisher=UEFA|archive-date=18 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218083301/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2004/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*UEFA Champions League top assist provider: 2001–02 *UEFA Champions League top assist provider: 2001–02
*FA Cup top goalscorer: ], ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/eng-fa-cup-2002-2003/ |title=FA Cup 2002/2003 » Top Scorer |publisher=WorldFootball |access-date=22 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/eng-fa-cup-2003-2004/ |title=FA Cup 2003/2004 » Top Scorer |publisher=WorldFootball |access-date=22 October 2017}}</ref> *FA Cup top goalscorer: ], ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/eng-fa-cup-2002-2003/ |title=FA Cup 2002/2003 » Top Scorer |publisher=WorldFootball |access-date=22 October 2017 |archive-date=23 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023063342/http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/eng-fa-cup-2002-2003/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/eng-fa-cup-2003-2004/ |title=FA Cup 2003/2004 » Top Scorer |publisher=WorldFootball |access-date=22 October 2017 |archive-date=23 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023023145/http://www.worldfootball.net/goalgetter/eng-fa-cup-2003-2004/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*]: ] *]: ]
*]: ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/sport/newsid_1930000/1930474.stm|title=Van Nistelrooy is PFA Player of the Year|accessdate=19 March 2015|publisher=BBC}}</ref> *]: ]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/sport/newsid_1930000/1930474.stm|title=Van Nistelrooy is PFA Player of the Year|date=15 April 2002|access-date=19 March 2015|publisher=BBC|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402194636/http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/sport/newsid_1930000/1930474.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
*]: ], ]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-4428816/Manchester-United-kings-PFA-Team-Year-award.html|title=Manchester United kings of the PFA Team of the Year award|work=Daily Mail|date=20 April 2017|accessdate=2 May 2018|first=Andy |last=Warren}}</ref> *]: ],<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3628905.stm | title = Henry retains PFA crown | website = BBC Sport | date = 25 April 2004 | access-date = 21 August 2020 | archive-date = 18 August 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160818090749/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/3628905.stm | url-status = live }}</ref> ]<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/apr/15/newsstory.sport4 | title = PFA teams send Hatters mad | website = The Guardian | date = 15 April 2002 | access-date = 21 August 2020 | archive-date = 6 May 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210506052359/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/apr/15/newsstory.sport4 | url-status = live }}</ref>
*]: 2002<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iffhs.de/former-results/|title=Former results|accessdate=19 March 2015|publisher=IFFHS.de}}</ref> *]: 2002<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iffhs.de/former-results/|title=Former results|access-date=19 March 2015|publisher=IFFHS.de|archive-date=15 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615214702/https://iffhs.de/former-results/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*]: March 2003 *]: March 2003
*]: ]<ref name=PL/> *]: ]<ref name=PremProfile/>
*]: ]<ref name=PL/> *]: ]<ref name=PremProfile/>
*]: ] *]: ]
*]: ] *]: ]
*] *]
*]: ] *]: ]
*]: ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Historic goals: Van Nistelrooy |publisher=Real Madrid C.F. |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2016/11/historic-goals-van-nistelrooy |accessdate=1 May 2018}}</ref> *]: ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Historic goals: Van Nistelrooy |publisher=Real Madrid CF |url=https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2016/11/historic-goals-van-nistelrooy |access-date=1 May 2018 |archive-date=1 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501230421/https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2016/11/historic-goals-van-nistelrooy |url-status=live }}</ref>
*]: 2009<ref>{{cite news|last=Brewin |first=John|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/717519/espn-soccernet-international-team-of-the-decade|title=World Team of the Decade|date=25 December 2009|work=ESPNsoccernet|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=29 January 2018}}</ref> *]: 2009<ref>{{cite news|last=Brewin|first=John|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/717519/espn-soccernet-international-team-of-the-decade|title=World Team of the Decade|date=25 December 2009|work=ESPNsoccernet|publisher=ESPN|access-date=29 January 2018|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801044740/http://www.espnfc.com/story/717519/espn-soccernet-international-team-of-the-decade|url-status=live}}</ref>
*]: 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.malagacf.com/en/news/van-nistelrooy-is-named-best-goal-scorer-of-the-last-decade-by-the-iffhs|title=Van Nistelrooy is named best goal scorer of the last decade by the IFFHS|accessdate=13 November 2016|publisher=Málaga Club de Fútbol}}</ref> *]: 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.malagacf.com/en/news/van-nistelrooy-is-named-best-goal-scorer-of-the-last-decade-by-the-iffhs|title=Van Nistelrooy is named best goal scorer of the last decade by the IFFHS|access-date=13 November 2016|publisher=Málaga Club de Fútbol|archive-date=14 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114001503/http://www.malagacf.com/en/news/van-nistelrooy-is-named-best-goal-scorer-of-the-last-decade-by-the-iffhs|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==
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==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
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Latest revision as of 22:31, 26 December 2024

In this Dutch name, the surname is van Nistelrooy, not Nistelrooy. Dutch professional footballer and coach
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Van Nistelrooy in 2017
Personal information
Full name Rutgerus Johannes Martinus van Nistelrooij
Date of birth (1976-07-01) 1 July 1976 (age 48)
Place of birth Oss, Netherlands
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team Leicester City (manager)
Youth career
1981–1990 Nooit Gedacht
1990–1991 RKSV Margriet
1991–1993 Den Bosch
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1993–1997 Den Bosch 69 (17)
1997–1998 Heerenveen 31 (13)
1998–2001 PSV Eindhoven 67 (62)
2001–2006 Manchester United 150 (95)
2006–2010 Real Madrid 68 (46)
2010–2011 Hamburger SV 36 (12)
2011–2012 Málaga 28 (4)
Total 449 (249)
International career
1997–1998 Netherlands U21 4 (0)
1998–2011 Netherlands 70 (35)
Managerial career
2021–2022 Jong PSV
2022–2023 PSV Eindhoven
2024 Manchester United (interim)
2024– Leicester City
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Rutgerus Johannes Martinus van Nistelrooij (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈryt fɑn ˈnɪstəlroːi]; born 1 July 1976), commonly known as Ruud van Nistelrooy (/væn ˈnɪstəlrɔɪ/), is a Dutch professional football manager and former player who is the current manager of Premier League club Leicester City. Widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation, van Nistelrooy has been the top scorer in three UEFA Champions League seasons, and is the sixth-highest goalscorer in the competition's history with 56 goals. He has also been the top scorer in three European domestic leagues. In 2004, he was listed in the FIFA 100 of the world's greatest living players.

Van Nistelrooy began his career with Den Bosch, before moving onto Heerenveen, eventually making a name for himself at PSV Eindhoven, where he won two Eredivisie titles. His goalscoring record at PSV attracted attention from Manchester United; a deal was in place in the summer of 2000, but because of injury problems, his move was secured a year later for a then British record fee of £19 million. His time at United was successful, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Football League Cup, and FA Community Shield, along with winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year twice. Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in just 219 games for United, as well as becoming at the time their all-time European record goalscorer, but fell out of favour towards the end of his tenure. Real Madrid then secured his services in 2006. Although an injury blighted the end of his days with Madrid, he won La Liga twice and the Supercopa de España before signing for Hamburger SV during the January transfer window in 2010. After one and a half seasons with Hamburg, he moved back to Spain with Málaga in the summer of 2011. He retired as a player in 2012.

Internationally, Van Nistelrooy represented the Netherlands on 70 occasions, netting 35 times. He was part of the Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup, and Euro 2008 squads.

Club career

Early career

Born in Oss, North Brabant, Van Nistelrooy started his career in 1993, aged 17, with Dutch Eerste Divisie side Den Bosch, where he was converted from a central midfielder to centre-forward, after playing for local clubs Nooit Gedacht and RKSV Margriet. After netting 12 goals in 31 games in the 1996–97 campaign, he transferred for €360,000 to Heerenveen the next year, and scored 13 goals in 31 matches in his only season with the club.

PSV

Van Nistelrooy was signed by PSV Eindhoven ahead of the 1998-99 next season for €6.3 million, a then-record transfer sum between two Dutch teams. Manager Bobby Robson started with him as a substitute, but he went on to score 31 goals in 34 matches, the highest season total in the Eredivisie and second-highest in Europe overall, in addition to scoring all three of PSV's goals in a Champions League match against HJK Helsinki on 25 November 1998. Van Nistelrooy capped off the year by winning the Dutch Player of the Year award. The following season, he won his second Eredivisie scoring title with 29 goals.

Van Nistelrooy looked set to complete a club record £18.5 million transfer to English club Manchester United in the summer of 2000. He was to be unveiled at a press conference four days later, but this was instead used to announce that the transfer had been postponed over concerns about his fitness, having not played for a month due to problems with his knee. The transfer was then cancelled after PSV refused to agree to further medical tests, and the next day he suffered a rupture to his anterior cruciate knee ligaments during a training session, leaving him injured for a year.

Manchester United

A year later, Van Nistelrooy signed a five-year contract with Manchester United after passing his medical. He downplayed United's £19 million investment to reporters, saying, "The price is not heavy for me – it lifts me up because it means United have big confidence in me." According to a 2001 interview with The Daily Telegraph, Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson said that his son, Darren, who was at try-outs for Eredivisie rival Heerenveen at the time, begged his father, "You've got to sign Van Nistelrooy right away, he's fantastic. We've been watching him." Ferguson sent team representatives to PSV's next league game and signed Van Nistelrooy the next day.

2001–02

Van Nistelrooy made his debut in the Charity Shield against Liverpool, scoring in a 2–1 loss. On 19 August, Van Nistelrooy made his Premier League debut against Fulham at Old Trafford, and scored two goals to help United to a 3–2 win. He scored his first Champions League goals on 17 October in a 3–2 loss to Deportivo La Coruña.

On 22 December, Van Nistelrooy scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 6–1 win against Southampton. In the FA Cup, Van Nistelrooy started on the bench for the third round tie against Aston Villa due to a groin strain, but was substituted on for Luke Chadwick in the second-half with United 2–0 down and scored two "sublime" goals in three minutes to help United advance to the fourth round with a 3–2 win.

In total during his first season, Van Nistelrooy scored 23 goals in 32 league games. He broke the record he shared with Mark Stein, Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry, by scoring in eight consecutive league games. He also scored ten Champions League goals, and was named the PFA Players' Player of the Year.

2002–03

The following season, he finished as the top Premier League scorer with 25 goals in 34 games, with a goal on the final day against Everton earning him the Golden Boot ahead of Arsenal's Thierry Henry. His tally included three hat-tricks against Newcastle United, Fulham, and Charlton Athletic. He also scored in each of the final eight games of the season as United won the title. Van Nistelrooy won the Premier League Player of the Season in 2003. He was accredited with spearheading the title win for United with a goal tally that was described as "astonishing". After scoring 12 Champions League goals in nine consecutive matches, he was named by UEFA as the best striker in Europe.

2003–04

Van Nistelrooy (left) playing for Manchester United versus Tottenham Hotspur in 2004

My ambition is to combine the best of No. 9 and No. 10, as a striker who is also a team player and creator.

— Van Nistelrooy in 2003.

Van Nistelrooy started the 2003–04 season by scoring twice in his first two league matches. This meant he had scored in 10 consecutive league games, then a Premier League record, which stood until 2015 when Jamie Vardy scored in 11 consecutive matches. In the 0–0 draw on 21 September 2003, later dubbed the Battle of Old Trafford, Van Nistelrooy was at the centre of one of the most infamous incidents of the Arsenal–Manchester United rivalry. After missing a last-minute penalty that would have won the game for United, Van Nistelrooy was attacked by Martin Keown, prompting a melee involving several players from both sides; five Arsenal players including Keown received various bans and fines, while the club itself received a record fine of £175,000. Earlier in the game, he had been fouled by Patrick Vieira, who was sent off for a second bookable offence. Vieira and his manager Arsène Wenger both accused Van Nistelrooy of cheating and stamping on Vieira, prompting a vociferous defence by Alex Ferguson.

On 27 September, he scored a hat-trick against Leicester City in a 4–1 victory. He scored his 100th goal for the club in a dramatic 4–3 victory over Everton on 7 February 2004.

In the FA Cup fifth round derby against Manchester City, Van Nistelrooy scored twice to help ten-man United win 4–2, and again scored twice in the quarter-final against Fulham as United came from behind to win 2–1. He scored a further two goals, including one penalty, in United's victory over Millwall in the 2004 FA Cup Final.

2004–05

Van Nistelrooy missed a large part of the 2004–05 season due to injury, but nonetheless scored a Champions League-best eight goals. One of them was his 30th career European goal, which he scored in a 2–2 Champions League group stage draw with Lyon on 15 September 2004, overtaking Denis Law's previous club record of 28 goals. Law later said to reporters, "I'm delighted for Ruud. It could not happen to a nicer guy."

On 24 October, Arsenal returned to Old Trafford for another dramatic fixture. Arsenal entered the fixture with 49-game unbeaten run and had been dubbed "The Invincibles", but United won the game 2–0. Van Nistelrooy scored the opening goal from the penalty spot, atoning for the penalty miss the previous year, with Wayne Rooney scoring a second. Van Nistelrooy was later banned for three games for a foul on Ashley Cole that the referee had missed. On 3 November, Van Nistelrooy scored all four goals in a 4–1 win against Sparta Prague. On 17 April 2005, he scored two goals in the FA Cup semi-final in a 4–1 win against Newcastle, but United lost the final on penalties to Arsenal.

2005–06

Van Nistelrooy in United colours against Chelsea

At the start of the 2005–06 season, Van Nistelrooy scored in United's first four Premier League games. He finished as the second-highest league scorer with 21 goals, behind Arsenal's Thierry Henry. However, he was benched for the League Cup Final against Wigan Athletic, fuelling speculation of a rift between him and Alex Ferguson, which Van Nistelrooy denied. He was nonetheless left on the bench for six consecutive league matches, and though he then returned to the starting line-up and scored match-winners against West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers, fresh doubt spread over Van Nistelrooy's future when he was benched for United's season finale win over Charlton Athletic. Ferguson claimed that Van Nistelrooy was angry at the decision and left the stadium three hours before kick-off. On 9 May 2006, it was reported that Van Nistelrooy's exclusion from the squad was due to a training session fight between him and teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. Van Nistelrooy allegedly criticised Ronaldo's tendency to hold onto the ball instead of passing to his teammates, which sparked the fight, after which Van Nistelrooy remarked, "What are you going to do? Complain to your daddy?" This was in reference to United's Portuguese assistant manager, Carlos Queiroz, but Ronaldo took the statement literally and allegedly broke into tears since his father, José had died eight months previously. Van Nistelrooy later apologised to Ferguson for his behaviour in the previous few months.

Van Nistelrooy signed with Spanish La Liga side Real Madrid on 28 July, departing Old Trafford after five seasons with a total of 150 goals in 219 appearances, with his final goal coming on 1 April against Bolton, scoring what proved to be the winning goal. With 38 goals, he is also the club's second all-time European goalscorer, behind Wayne Rooney.

Real Madrid

Van Nistelrooy playing for Real Madrid during a league game to Villarreal

On 15 July 2006, Ferguson confirmed that Van Nistelrooy wanted to leave Manchester United and Real Madrid announced two weeks later that he had signed a three-year contract after being purchased for €14 million.

Van Nistelrooy made his debut for the Spanish club in a 1–0 friendly win over Reggina on 4 August 2006. Van Nistelrooy scored a hat-trick in his second league match against Levante and, on 12 November 2006, he scored all four of Real Madrid's goals in a 4–1 victory over Osasuna. For the first six months he was a teammate of Ronaldo, a player whom Van Nistelrooy regards as the best he ever played with. Van Nistelrooy won the league's Pichichi award with 25 goals as Real Madrid took home the 2006–07 title, and he also equalled the longest consecutive scoring streak in La Liga history with seven straight matches, tying a league record shared by Hugo Sánchez.

In January 2008, Van Nistelrooy signed a contract extension keeping him with Madrid until 2010, with the expiration date one day shy of his 34th birthday. He underwent ankle surgery in March, and returned for the El Clásico derby against Barcelona on 7 May, in which he netted a penalty two minutes after coming on as a substitute. He finished the season with 20 goals in 33 appearances.

Van Nistelrooy signing autographs in 2007

In November 2008, Real Madrid announced that Van Nistelrooy would miss the remainder of the 2008–09 season after exploratory arthroscopic surgery revealed a partially torn meniscus in his right knee, with an expected recovery time of six to nine months following a second operation to repair the damage. Van Nistelrooy travelled to the United States to see specialist Richard Steadman, who had previously operated on the same knee back in 2000. At the time of his injury, he had 10 goals in 12 club appearances for the season. Following the injury, he was de-registered by Real Madrid for the rest of the 2008–09 season, and his shirt number was given to Dani Parejo. On 24 August 2009, in the last pre-season match before the start of La Liga, Van Nistelrooy stepped on the pitch for the first time since his injury and played the last 15 minutes of the game against Rosenborg, substituting Kaká. Van Nistelrooy came on for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 80th minute against Xerez in his first La Liga match since recovering from his injury. In the 81st minute, he provided the assist for a Karim Benzema goal, following it with his own 88th-minute goal. During his strike, however, he picked up a thigh injury, where it was later revealed by Real Madrid that he would be out from first team action for up to six weeks. On 27 October, Van Nistelrooy made his second comeback of the season coming on as a substitute for Raúl in the 71st minute against Alcorcón in the Copa del Rey.

Hamburger SV

On 23 January 2010, Van Nistelrooy signed an 18-month contract with the German club Hamburger SV until June 2011. He made his first appearance for the club after coming off the bench in the last two minutes of Hamburg's 3–3 draw with 1. FC Köln on 6 February. Van Nistelrooy scored his first two goals for Hamburg on 13 February 2010 against VfB Stuttgart in the 75th and 77th minutes of a 3–1 win, after entering the game just a few minutes prior. On 11 March 2010, he scored his first UEFA Europa League goal in the 40th minute of Hamburg's match against Anderlecht.

Van Nistelrooy scored his only competitive hat-trick with Hamburg on 15 August 2010, in a 5–1 win over Torgelower SV Greif in the first round of the 2010–11 DFB-Pokal. On 21 August 2010, he scored a brace in Hamburg's season opener against Schalke 04, which HSV won 2–1. During that match, he played against his friend and former Real Madrid teammate Raúl, who was making his Bundesliga debut. In the January transfer window, Van Nistelrooy was linked a return move back to Real Madrid and could be used for a short-term basis to cover, following injuries of Gonzalo Higuaín and Karim Benzema as manager José Mourinho would be happy for Van Nistelrooy to join the club as Mourinho left the door for him. Van Nistelrooy admitted he seriously considered moving back to the club if the bid happened. The club, however, rejected Madrid's bid for Van Nistelrooy, giving the club a warning as Hamburg wants to keep hold of him until the transfer window ended. Despite being angered over his move to Real Madrid rejected, Van Nistelrooy said he would remain committed at Hamburg. During a match between Hamburg and Hannover 96 on 16 April 2011, Van Nistelrooy suffered a calf injury that kept him out until the last matchday.

Van Nistelrooy netted seven goals and made two assists in 25 appearances in his only full season with Hamburg.

Málaga

Van Nistelrooy being introduced as a Málaga player

On 1 June 2011, Van Nistelrooy returned to Spain to pen a one-year deal with La Liga side Málaga, on a free transfer. Van Nistelrooy was presented at La Rosaleda Stadium as he was welcomed by 15,000 Málaga fans. He made his debut in a 2–1 loss against Sevilla on the opening game of the 2011–12 season.

Van Nistelrooy registered his first goal on 1 October 2011 against Getafe. On 21 December, against the same club, he opened the scoring with a volley as Málaga won 3–2 on aggregate in the Copa del Rey. Later on in the season, Van Nistelrooy scored two more goals in the league against Espanyol and Racing Santander, with the latter being his final goal of his career. Just one day before his retirement, Van Nistelrooy made his last appearance of his career, coming on as a substitute in the 75th minute for goalscorer Salomón Rondón, who scored the only goal in Málaga's league match against Sporting Gijón.

On 14 May 2012, Van Nistelrooy announced his retirement from football at the age of 35. He told Sport1 he previously made hints that his football career was coming to an end after insisting Málaga would be his last club.

International career

Van Nistelrooy with the Netherlands during the 2006 World Cup

Van Nistelrooy earned 70 caps and scored 35 goals for the Netherlands. He made his debut for the national team in a friendly match against Germany on 18 November 1998. However, the cruciate ligament injury which postponed his transfer to Manchester United also ruled Van Nistelrooy out of Euro 2000.

The Dutch failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, being beaten to a playoff place by the Republic of Ireland. On 19 November 2003, Van Nistelrooy scored a hat-trick in a 6–0 win over Scotland in the UEFA Euro 2004 qualifcation playoffs, ensuring a place in the finals with a 6–1 aggregate win. At the finals in Portugal, he scored in a draw with Germany, a loss to the Czech Republic and twice in a 3–0 win over Latvia, to become the only player other than Czech Milan Baroš to net in all three group games at the tournament.

During a 2006 World Cup qualifying match, he scored in the Dutch's 4–0 win over bottom-placed Andorra and was yellow-carded for going to Andorra player Antoni Lima and celebrating in front of him, following an incident six minutes before when Van Nistelrooy missed a penalty and Lima laughed at him. He was a part of coach Marco van Basten's squad for the 2006 World Cup finals, for which he served as the official FIFA/SOS ambassador. He started, and was substituted, in all of the Netherlands' group stage matches, and scored his lone goal against the Ivory Coast. Van Nistelrooy was dropped to the bench by Van Basten without an explanation for the Netherlands' second round match, which saw them again eliminated by Portugal.

Van Nistelrooy (front) with Robin van Persie in 2008

Van Basten left the striker out of the squad for a friendly against the Republic of Ireland on 16 August 2006, and Dirk Kuyt replaced him in their next match against Portugal in September. After Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was unavailable for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Belarus due to injury, Van Nistelrooy refused Van Basten's request to take his place on the team.

On 23 January 2007, Van Nistelrooy announced his retirement from international football following continued disputes with Van Basten, which had started back in 2006 during the course of the World Cup finals matches. After several phone conversations and at the persuasion of veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, however, both player and coach put aside their differences. Van Basten announced four months later that Van Nistelrooy was returning to the Oranje. On 8 September, Van Nistelrooy filled Huntelaar's spot, as previously requested, for the qualifier against Bulgaria, scoring in a 2–0 victory, and scored the winning goal four days later in injury time of the Netherlands' win over Albania.

At Euro 2008, Van Nistelrooy scored for the Netherlands in their decisive 3–0 victory over Italy in the group stage, and scored the equaliser in their eventual 3–1 loss to Russia in the quarter-finals. On 4 August, he again announced his retirement from international competition.

During the buildup to the 2010 World Cup, Van Nistelrooy again made himself available, but was left out by the Netherlands' new coach Bert van Marwijk. After being left out for the World Cup, Van Nistelrooy said he had no choice but to face the fact that his international career is finished.

After main striker Robin van Persie suffered an injury during a match with his club Arsenal, Van Marwijk gave Van Nistelrooy a chance to reclaim his position as the main striker of the Netherlands' national team. Van Nistelrooy was invited to two Netherlands' Group E qualification matches for Euro 2012 against San Marino and Finland. He scored in the 5–0 victory against San Marino on 3 September 2010.

Van Nistelrooy was again recalled to the squad in March 2011 for two Euro 2012 qualification games with Hungary, after injuries to strikers Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Arjen Robben and Theo Janssen. In the away game on 25 March, he appeared as a late substitute for Dirk Kuyt while in the return game in Amsterdam four days later, he came off the bench to score his 35th international goal. adding it is "wonderful to be able to add something to this Oranje team", as he told Berend Scholten.

Style of play

A highly prolific goalscorer, Van Nistelrooy was known for being extremely clinical and opportunistic in front of goal, and stood out throughout his career for his outstanding striking ability and finishing ability with either foot as well as his head, which earned him a reputation as one of the best strikers of his generation. Due to his excellent positional sense, quick reactions and intelligent offensive movement, he excelled at finding space in the penalty area and at anticipating his opponents movement to the ball. He was also known for his ability to time his runs to lose his markers, beat the offside trap, and get on the end of his teammates' passes; his tendency to be in the right place at the right time in the box saw him occasionally labelled as a "poacher" in the media.

A well-rounded centre-forward, in addition to his eye for goal, Van Nistelrooy was gifted with pace, physical strength, and shooting power, as well as excellent technical skills, and an ability to hold up the ball with his back to goal and link-up with his teammates or provide them with assists, due to his ability to read the game. He was also an accurate penalty taker. In spite of his talent and goalscoring ability, however, at times he drew criticism from managers, players and pundits for his controversial behaviour, as well as for having a tendency to be selfish, overly flamboyant, or for his penchant for simulation.

Coaching career

PSV under-17s

On 22 June 2013, Van Nistelrooy joined PSV as a coaching intern working with the under-17s. He was revealed as the new striker coach of the under-17s, 19s and the reserve team in February 2016.

Netherlands

In March 2014, it was announced that Van Nistelrooy would be assisting Guus Hiddink after the 2014 World Cup.

PSV under-19s

On 25 June 2018, Van Nistelrooy became the new manager of the PSV under-19s, taking over Mark van Bommel, who left his role for the senior team.

In December 2019 it was confirmed, that Van Nistelrooy beside his position at PSV, also had been added to Ronald Koeman's Netherlands backroom staff as an assistant manager together with Maarten Stekelenburg ahead of the Euro 2020, after Kees van Wonderen recently had left the position.

PSV first team

In March 2022, Van Nistelrooy was appointed as the replacement for the outgoing Roger Schmidt as PSV's head coach. He signed a three-year contract beginning with the 2022–23 season. After winning the 2022 Johan Cruyff Shield and 2022–23 KNVB Cup, he resigned with one match remaining in the 2022–23 Eredivisie season, citing a lack of support.

Manchester United

On 11 July 2024, Van Nistelrooy was appointed as an assistant coach for Premier League club Manchester United on a two-year contract. He was originally tasked to work alongside Erik ten Hag, however following the sacking of the latter on 28 October, he was appointed as interim head coach. Two days later in his first game, he led Manchester United to a 5–2 win over Leicester City in the EFL Cup. On 7 November, Van Nistelrooy led his club to their first European win in 13 months in a 2–0 win against PAOK. In what would be his final game in charge, he oversaw a 3–0 league win, again over Leicester City. Upon the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim, Van Nistelrooy departed the club. He finished his tenure as interim manager with three wins and one draw in four matches.

Leicester City

On 29 November 2024, Van Nistelrooy was appointed manager of Premier League club Leicester City on a two-and-a-half-year deal running until June 2027. On 3 December 2024, he got his first win as a Premier League manager, in the home debut game and winning 3-1 against West Ham United.

Outside football

Personal life

Van Nistelrooy married his girlfriend, Leontien Slaats, in July 2004. The couple have a daughter and a son. Van Nistelrooy is a Roman Catholic.

Charity

Van Nistelrooy and his wife are both heavily involved with the charity organization SOS Children's Villages. The organization has been around since 1949 and is an international development charity which serves to protect the interests and rights of children. Van Nistelrooy was officially appointed "FIFA for SOS Children's Villages" Ambassador in the Netherlands on 1 September 2001.

On 17 November 2009, Van Nistelrooy and his wife hosted SOS at Ciudad Real Madrid. The purpose of the event was to help create a calendar which would be sold to benefit the organization.

Endorsements

Van Nistelrooy was sponsored by sportswear company Nike and appeared in Nike commercials. In a global Nike advertising campaign in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, he starred in a "Secret Tournament" commercial (branded "Scorpion KO") directed by Terry Gilliam, appearing alongside football players such as Thierry Henry, Ronaldo, Edgar Davids, Fabio Cannavaro, Francesco Totti, Ronaldinho, Luís Figo and Hidetoshi Nakata, with former player Eric Cantona as the tournament "referee".

Media career

During the 2014 World Cup, Van Nistelrooy worked as a studio analyst for ESPN.

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Den Bosch 1993–94 Eerste Divisie 2 0 0 0 2 0
1994–95 Eerste Divisie 15 3 2 3 17 6
1995–96 Eerste Divisie 21 2 0 0 21 2
1996–97 Eerste Divisie 31 12 0 0 31 12
Total 69 17 2 3 71 20
Heerenveen 1997–98 Eredivisie 31 13 5 3 4 0 40 16
PSV 1998–99 Eredivisie 34 31 4 4 7 6 1 0 46 41
1999–2000 Eredivisie 23 29 1 0 8 3 32 32
2000–01 Eredivisie 10 2 2 2 12 4
Total 67 62 7 6 15 9 1 0 90 77
Manchester United 2001–02 Premier League 32 23 2 2 0 0 14 10 1 1 49 36
2002–03 Premier League 34 25 3 4 4 1 11 14 0 0 52 44
2003–04 Premier League 32 20 4 6 0 0 7 4 1 0 44 30
2004–05 Premier League 17 6 3 2 0 0 7 8 0 0 27 16
2005–06 Premier League 35 21 2 0 2 1 8 2 0 0 47 24
Total 150 95 14 14 6 2 47 38 2 1 219 150
Real Madrid 2006–07 La Liga 37 25 3 2 7 6 0 0 47 33
2007–08 La Liga 24 16 1 0 7 4 1 0 33 20
2008–09 La Liga 6 4 0 0 4 3 2 3 12 10
2009–10 La Liga 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 4 1
Total 68 46 6 2 19 13 3 3 96 64
Hamburger SV 2009–10 Bundesliga 11 5 0 0 7 2 0 0 18 7
2010–11 Bundesliga 25 7 1 3 26 10
Total 36 12 1 3 7 2 0 0 44 17
Málaga 2011–12 La Liga 28 4 4 1 32 5
Career total 449 249 39 32 6 2 92 62 6 4 592 349
  1. Includes KNVB Cup, FA Cup, Copa del Rey, DFB-Pokal
  2. Includes Football League Cup
  3. Appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. Appearance in Johan Cruyff Shield
  6. ^ Appearance in FA Community Shield
  7. ^ Appearances in Supercopa de España
  8. Appearances in UEFA Europa League

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Netherlands 1998 1 0
1999 8 1
2000 1 0
2001 7 7
2002 4 1
2003 8 5
2004 11 6
2005 9 5
2006 5 3
2007 5 2
2008 5 3
2009 0 0
2010 3 1
2011 3 1
Total 70 35
Scores and results list the Netherlands' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each van Nistelrooy goal.
List of international goals scored by Ruud van Nistelrooy
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 28 April 1999 GelreDome, Arnhem, Netherlands 3  Morocco 1–2 1–2 Friendly
2 25 April 2001 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands 11  Cyprus 4–0 4–0 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
3 2 June 2001 Lilleküla Stadium, Tallinn, Estonia 12  Estonia 2–2 4–2 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
4 4–2
5 15 August 2001 White Hart Lane, London, England 13  England 2–0 2–0 Friendly
6 5 September 2001 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands 15  Estonia 5–0 5–0 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
7 6 October 2001 GelreDome, Arnhem, Netherlands 16  Andorra 3–0 4–0 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
8 4–0
9 20 November 2002 Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, Germany 21  Germany 3–1 3–1 Friendly
10 29 March 2003 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands 23  Czech Republic 1–0 1–1 UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
11 2 April 2003 Sheriff Stadium, Tiraspol, Moldova 24  Moldova 1–1 2–1 UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
12 19 November 2003 Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands 29  Scotland 3–0 6–0 UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
13 4–0
14 6–0
15 15 June 2004 Estádio do Dragão, Porto, Portugal 34  Germany 1–1 1–1 UEFA Euro 2004
16 19 June 2004 Estádio Municipal de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal 35  Czech Republic 2–0 2–3 UEFA Euro 2004
17 23 June 2004 Estádio Municipal de Braga, Braga, Portugal 36  Latvia 1–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2004
18 2–0
19 13 October 2004 Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands 39  Finland 2–1 3–1 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
20 3–1
21 30 March 2005 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands 42  Armenia 2–0 2–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
22 8 June 2005 Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland 44  Finland 1–0 4–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
23 3 September 2005 Hanrapetakan Stadium, Yerevan, Armenia 46  Armenia 1–0 1–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
24 7 September 2005 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands 47  Andorra 3–0 4–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
25 4–0
26 27 May 2006 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands 50  Cameroon 1–0 1–0 Friendly
27 4 June 2006 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands 51  Australia 1–0 1–1 Friendly
28 16 June 2006 Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion, Stuttgart, Germany 53  Ivory Coast 2–0 2–1 2006 FIFA World Cup
29 8 September 2007 Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands 56  Bulgaria 2–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
30 12 September 2007 Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania 57  Albania 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
31 29 May 2008 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands 60  Denmark 1–0 1–1 Friendly
32 9 June 2008 Stade de Suisse, Bern, Switzerland 62  Italy 1–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2008
33 21 June 2008 St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland 64  Russia 1–1 1–3 UEFA Euro 2008
34 3 September 2010 Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle, San Marino 65  San Marino 5–0 5–0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
35 29 March 2011 Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands 70  Hungary 3–2 5–3 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying

Managerial statistics

As of match played 26 December 2024
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Jong PSV 1 June 2021 18 May 2022 38 11 11 16 61 63 −2 028.95
PSV Eindhoven 19 May 2022 24 May 2023 51 33 10 8 126 60 +66 064.71
Manchester United (interim) 28 October 2024 10 November 2024 4 3 1 0 11 3 +8 075.00
Leicester City 29 November 2024 Present 5 1 1 3 6 13 −7 020.00
Total 98 48 23 27 204 139 +65 048.98
  1. Van Nistelrooy's appointment was announced on 29 November 2024, he was in the stand and not in charge of the game on 30 November as Leicester lost 4–1 against Brentford, which was taken by first team coach Ben Dawson. Van Nistelrooy's first match in charge was a 3–1 win over West Ham on 3 December.

Honours

Player

PSV

Manchester United

Real Madrid

Manager

PSV

Individual

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