Ruud Gullit Criticizes Modern Football on Ziggo Sport: 'Football Has Become Horrible. Where Are the Players with Guts?'

Ruud Gullit, the former Dutch football legend and 1987 Ballon d'Or winner, has openly criticized the current state of football, describing it as "absolutely horrible" and announcing that he has decided to stop watching matches. His comments were made during a podcast for the Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport, where he expressed deep frustration with how the sport has evolved.

Gullit, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs such as AC Milan and Ajax, highlighted a recent Premier League fixture between Arsenal and Chelsea as an example of what he finds wrong with modern football. He described the match as "completely dull," pointing to what he perceives as overly cautious tactics, including players attempting to force corners and throw-ins, as well as the involvement of ball boys handing towels to players. These observations reflect his view that the game has become overly focused on routine and lacks spontaneity.

The former midfielder lamented the absence of players who show individual flair and bravery on the pitch. He criticized the current trend of repetitive passing, saying, "Everyone is just performing tasks on the field. Where are the players who dribble? Where are the players with guts? It's just pass, pass, pass, and pass again." This sentiment underscores his belief that football has lost some of its excitement and creativity, which he feels diminishes the enjoyment of watching the sport.

Despite his overall disappointment, Gullit did express hope for the future by mentioning a young talent, Lamine Yamal, as an exception to the current trend. He hopes to see more players who dare to take on defenders and bring back the joy and unpredictability that he feels football is missing today.

Gullit's remarks come at a time when football tactics and styles continue to evolve, often emphasizing structure and efficiency. His perspective invites reflection on how the sport balances entertainment with strategic discipline. As the Premier League and other competitions progress, fans and analysts alike may watch closely to see if emerging players and teams can restore some of the excitement and daring that Gullit feels is lacking.

Looking ahead, the ongoing season will provide further opportunities to observe whether football can recapture the qualities that once made it thrilling for legends like Gullit. Meanwhile, his comments add a notable voice to the ongoing debate about the direction of the modern game.