Remembering Leo!

𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙜𝙤 𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙚𝙤 𝘽𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙠𝙚𝙧

It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude that the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) acknowledges the passing of Leo Beenhakker — a titan of world football, and an enduring hero in the story of our nation’s game.

Leo was more than a coach to Trinidad and Tobago. He was a visionary leader, a mentor, and above all, a believer. When he accepted the challenge in 2005 to lead our national team during the final stretch of the FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, he walked into a dream many thought unreachable — and turned it into a living reality.

Under his calm, confident, and masterful stewardship, Trinidad and Tobago achieved the unthinkable: qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany — the first and only time we have reached the world’s biggest stage in football. He led with integrity, tactical brilliance, and a deep respect for our players and our culture. In doing so, he united a nation, brought pride to the Caribbean, and inspired generations of footballers and fans.

The journey to Germany was not just about football. It was about belief, identity, and hope. Leo saw not just athletes, but ambassadors in our Soca Warriors. He nurtured talent, instilled discipline, and brought out the best in every player. That unforgettable November night in Bahrain — when we secured our World Cup berth — will forever be etched in the hearts of every Trinidadian and Tobagonian, and it would not have been possible without Leo’s steady hand and unwavering faith in our potential.

His legacy in Trinidad and Tobago transcends the field. Leo Beenhakker reminded us of what we are capable of when we dare to dream and when we are guided by those who see greatness in us — even when we forget to see it in ourselves.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the global football community. Trinidad and Tobago mourns with you. But even in our mourning, we give thanks — for Leo’s time with us, for the history he helped us make, and for the pride he helped us feel.

Rest in peace, Leo. Your name is forever written in our hearts, and in the annals of our football story.

𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙜𝙤 𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣