At The Football Week, we don’t just report on football. We get to know the people behind the game. That’s why we asked Kees van Wonderen a series of personal questions to discover more about the man behind the coach.
He gave us more than just answers. His reflections reveal his values, his journey, and the experiences that shaped him into the person he is today.
But before we tap into his words directly, let’s take a closer look at the life and career of Kees van Wonderen.
A Calm Leader With a Clear Vision
Kees van Wonderen might not be the loudest name in European football, but his quiet, methodical rise through the game commands attention. Known for his tactical clarity, development-first mindset, and modern approach to leadership, van Wonderen brings a refreshing profile to the managerial landscape. As the head coach of Schalke 04, he stepped into a role charged with expectation and opportunity.
From Dutch Roots to the Eredivisie
Born on January 4, 1969, in the small Dutch town of Bergen, van Wonderen built his football career from humble beginnings. He didn’t emerge through one of the traditional power academies, but instead developed his skills at local side VV Bennekom before earning his break at NEC Nijmegen. A cerebral central defender, he went on to make his name in the Eredivisie with NAC Breda and ultimately with Feyenoord, one of the Netherlands’ biggest clubs.
During his time in Rotterdam, he lifted the Eredivisie title and was part of the squad that won the 2002 UEFA Cup. While never the flashiest player, he was consistent, composed, and reliable. These are traits that would later define his coaching style.
Transitioning From the Pitch to the Sidelines
After hanging up his boots in 2004, van Wonderen didn’t rush into management. Instead, he spent time observing the game from the inside, first as a scout at Feyenoord, then gradually stepping into coaching roles. This deliberate approach allowed him to build a solid foundation shaped by learning, reflection, and mentorship.
He joined FC Twente’s technical staff during a successful period under Steve McClaren, then later took on national youth roles within the KNVB. With the Netherlands U17 and U18 teams, he built a reputation for nurturing young talent and for creating teams that played with intelligence and structure.
Building a Coaching Identity
Van Wonderen’s coaching philosophy is based on balance between discipline and freedom, structure and spontaneity. His teams are organized but never robotic. He values positional play, off-the-ball intelligence, and collective responsibility.
When he took charge of Go Ahead Eagles in 2020, many questioned whether his style would translate to senior football. He answered that with results. Promotion to the Eredivisie, a stable campaign in the top flight, and a growing list of admirers across Dutch football followed. He then moved to Heerenveen, where he further proved his ability to lead teams with modest budgets against bigger clubs, all while integrating younger players and improving the team’s tactical identity.
His Time at Schalke
In October 2024, Schalke 04 appointed van Wonderen as head coach, entrusting him with one of the most emotionally charged projects in German football. Schalke, with its rich history and massive fanbase, sought stability, growth, and a long-term vision. These are qualities van Wonderen is known to deliver.
He brought to Gelsenkirchen not only his calm authority but also a proven track record of helping clubs transition, improve, and rediscover their identity. For a club like Schalke, seeking both performance and process, van Wonderen provided the steady hand they needed.
Why Football Professionals Should Take Note
For club owners, sporting directors, and headhunters, Kees van Wonderen represents a modern football coach who is grounded in tradition and fluent in today’s game. He understands the power of youth development, speaks the language of modern tactics, and is capable of managing pressure with dignity.
He is not the headline-grabbing firebrand, but rather the type of coach that builds long-term success. The kind that transforms clubs from within.
If you are a fan wondering what the future holds for your club under van Wonderen, expect a team that works hard, communicates clearly, and evolves with purpose. His style is deliberate, humble, and focused. For those covering his journey, van Wonderen is a case study in patience, planning, and long-term thinking in football management. He may not shout, but his work speaks loudly.
A Personal Glimpse: Our Exclusive Interview with Kees van Wonderen
Can you share a little about your upbringing? Where did you grow up, and what were some of the most influential moments of your childhood?
I grew up in a small village in Holland. My parents owned a shoe store, and we lived above it. That environment shaped me. Growing up in a family business taught me to be independent, take responsibility early on, and understand what hard work really means. I was always drawn to football. Every day, I was outside with a ball, playing wherever I could. That passion was always there.
When you’re not on the football pitch, how do you spend your time? Do you have any hobbies or interests that keep you grounded?
As I said, from a young age football was everything. But when I wasn’t playing, I was outside swimming, climbing trees, building things with friends. And of course, I spent a lot of time in the shop with my parents. There was always something happening there.
What inspired you to pursue football as a career? Was there a specific moment or person that set you on this path?
It came from within. There wasn’t a single moment or a specific person who pushed me toward football. It was just something I was deeply passionate about from the start. It was the only thing that truly captured my interest.
Looking back, how did your first steps in football shape you as a person, not just as a player or coach?
I was talented from a young age, quick, skillful, and often made the difference in games. But around the age of 13 or 14, others started growing and I stayed small. Suddenly, I wasn’t standing out anymore. That was tough. It really challenged me mentally. I stuck with it, and eventually started growing at 18. My performances improved, and by 22, I signed my first professional contract with NEC Nijmegen. It taught me resilience and how to keep going even when it feels like the odds are against you.
Who has been the most influential person in your life, both personally and professionally? How have they impacted the way you approach challenges?
My parents, without a doubt. They supported me through every phase. When things were tough, they gave me balance and encouragement. And when things were going well, they kept me grounded. They’ve always been the stable foundation in my life.
As a coach and a public figure, your life is often in the spotlight. How do you balance your personal life with the demands of your profession?
Life teaches you to deal with different kinds of moments, good and bad. I’ve learned to stay humble, to be thankful, and to enjoy the good days while staying resilient during the tough ones. My wife, my daughters, and our dog help me stay grounded. They’re my home.
If you weren’t involved in football, what do you think you would be doing today? Is there a dream or passion outside of the sport that you’ve always wanted to explore?
That’s a hard question because football is really my life. But if I hadn’t pursued this path, I think I might have taken over my parents’ store or ended up in some kind of commercial job. Still, I can’t imagine not being part of the game.
We thank Kees van Wonderen for taking the time to share his story with The Football Week. His openness and reflections offer a unique window into the person behind the profession. We wish him all the best in his continued journey as a football coach.