What became of…Hesp

Previously… Ruud Hesp (born 31 October 1965 in Bussum, the Netherlands) was a Dutch goalkeeper who spent the majority of his career in his home country. He made his professional debut in 1985 with HFC Haarleem, later signing for Fortuna Sittard in Holland’s second tier in 1987, staying with the club until 1994. Three seasons later, at 32 years of age and encouraged by his compatriot Louis Van Gaal, the goalkeeper took a step up in his career to join FC Barcelona. He spent three years at the Camp Nou, finally giving stability to Barcelona in goal after some turbulent years following the departure of Andoni Zubizarreta.

His achievements… The goalkeeper enjoyed a golden age with Barcelona, winning two Liga BBVA titles, a European Super Cup and a Copa del Rey. As well as taking the number one spot from Víctor Bahía, the Dutchman had his moment of glory in the 1998 Copa del Rey final against RCD Mallorca, saving the final penalty from Xabi Eskurza to win the cup for the Catalans.

After hanging up his boots… Hesp retired in 2002 at his former club Fortuna Sittard, where he returned after leaving Barcelona. The custodian stayed in the football world after finishing playing, starting a career as a goalkeeper coach. He has spent many years working in this capacity for the Holland national team, and is now goalkeeper coach at PSV Eindhoven.

Did you know… his great performances earned him the nickname "Hespiderman", because of his reflexes and ability. His brother Danny Hesp, was also a professional footballer and played for the big Dutch sides such as Ajax and Roda JC, where he shared a dressing room with the former Barça goalkeeper in 1994.