Dirk Kuyt era ends at Fenerbahçe: Istanbul club bids farewell to Dutch coach

Fenerbahçe have officially announced that they have parted ways with Dirk Kuyt, who had been serving as assistant coach. The Istanbul club published a message of thanks and farewell for the 46-year-old Dutch coach, who also wore Fenerbahçe's striped shirt with distinction during his playing days. Kuyt, who joined the coaching staff in July 2026, had briefly taken charge of the team as caretaker following İsmail Kartal's departure. The experienced coach lost to Göztepe in the two matches he oversaw as interim head coach, but claimed an eye-catching victory over his former club Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

The statement shared on the club's official social media accounts highlighted the strong bond the Dutchman built with the club and its supporters, saying: "First on the pitch, then in the dugout, you were with us. With your love for and devotion to the yellow and navy stripes, you earned a special place in all of our hearts." Fenerbahçe thanked Kuyt for his contributions to the club and wished him success for the rest of his career.

Dirk Kuyt, who served as interim head coach of the Istanbul club from 28 October to 5 November 2026, dropped points against Göztepe in the Süper Lig but earned a place in the supporters' memories with the Champions League triumph over Liverpool.