Ruben den Uil

Ruben den Uil (born 3 February 1991) is a Dutch professional football manager who manages club Excelsior.

Early years and education Den Uil was born in Ede, Netherlands, and attended secondary school at Het Streek. He then studied at CIOS in Arnhem before completing a bachelor's degree in Sports Management & Entrepreneurship. Additionally, he obtained coaching diplomas from the KNVB.

Coaching career Den Uil began his coaching career as a youth coach at Ajax Cape Town before spending a year in Utrecht's youth academy. In 2015, he joined Sparta Rotterdam, where he coached various youth teams over six seasons.

Managerial career After Excelsior's relegation from the Eredivisie at the end of the 2023–24 season, the club parted ways with head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen. On 28 June 2024, Den Uil was promoted to head coach, becoming the youngest manager in Dutch professional football at the time. He signed a contract through June 2026 and was assisted by the experienced Adrie Koster.

In his first season in charge, Den Uil guided Excelsior to a second-place finish in the Eerste Divisie, securing promotion back to the Eredivisie at the first attempt.

Managerial statistics