Ruud van Nistelrooy Steps Down as Leicester City Manager After Relegation

Ruud van Nistelrooy has departed from his role as manager of Leicester City following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, as announced by the club on Friday.

The statement confirmed that the club and Van Nistelrooy had “mutually agreed” to terminate the Dutchman’s contract with immediate effect.

The 48-year-old took charge of the struggling Foxes in late November after a brief tenure as caretaker manager at Manchester United.

However, he was unable to halt their downward trajectory, leading them to a return to the second-tier Championship after just one season back in the Premier League.

“Ruud has led the club through a challenging phase,” Leicester stated.

“Since his appointment in November 2024, he embraced the role with professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to our objectives, notably through the introduction of several promising academy players into the first-team setup.

“Ruud leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone at the football club for his hard work and commitment, along with our heartfelt best wishes for his future.”

Van Nistelrooy expressed: “I want to extend my personal thanks to the Leicester City players, coaches, academy, and all the staff I have had the pleasure of working with for their professionalism and dedication throughout my time with the club.”