Former Manchester United Manager Louis van Gaal Shares Update on Prostate Cancer Battle

The ex-Manchester United coach, Louis van Gaal, has given an update on his well-being two years after disclosing his battle with severe prostate cancer.

After the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Dutchman, aged 72, stepped down from his third term as manager of the Netherlands national team following the tournament, to concentrate on battling his prostate cancer. His treatment involves undergoing radiation therapy and utilizing a urinary collection device.

Currently, the manager is participating in the filming of a documentary called ‘Always Positive’ with Maria Blasco, director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre. The documentary aims to contribute to oncological research efforts.

In a conversation with Spanish outlet AS, Van Gaal discussed how he is managing while living with the illness, provided an update on his ongoing treatment, and shared his perspective on the experience of losing loved ones in his family.

Van Gaal responded to the question about whether prostate cancer has altered his perspective on life by saying: “Not much, really. Look, I come from a family in which we are nine brothers. I am the smallest. My father died when I was 11 years old. He died at 53.

“My first wife died when she was 39. And all my brothers died too soon. I’m used to death. That’s why I know that death is a part of life, and you can deal with it.

“When I first heard I had cancer I said, “Okay, it’s not good news, but I better try to do something about it.” Each human can react in a different way. That’s why I say: “Be yourself.”

“I have always looked very young, that is the reason for my good appearance,’ he said, laughing. ‘My mother was dying and until the last moment she had her face like a flower. No one could see that she was sick. And I have the same problem. Or the same luck.

“I have been living with the disease for just over three years, with radiation, hormone injections, operations, catheters and urine bags. It’s unbelievable, but I can handle it. I have managed it, and I have been able to do it even working during the last World Cup.

“I even think that during the World Cup I managed it even better, because I had a goal. And with the cancer process it happens just like with the process of being a coach, you look for a goal. For me it was positive to deal with both things.’