Dutch Legend Roy Makaay Bluntly Rejects China's National Team Coaching Offer: 'No Coaching License' Excuse Exposed as False

The Harsh Reality of China's Coaching Search

China's national football team has been dealt another blow in their desperate search for a new head coach. Following the dismissal of Branko Ivankovic after their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) has been scrambling to find a suitable replacement. Their latest rejection came from an unexpected source - Dutch legend Roy Makaay, who is currently working with Bayern Munich's youth development programs.

The rejection wasn't just disappointing; it was embarrassing. When approached by Chinese media during his visit to China with Bayern Munich's World Squad, Makaay didn't mince words. Asked whether he would consider coaching China's national team, he responded with a firm 'no' and claimed he didn't have the necessary coaching licenses. This excuse, however, was quickly exposed as false, revealing the uncomfortable truth that even experienced coaches are reluctant to take on the challenging task of managing China's struggling national team.

Makaay's Coaching Credentials Exposed

Roy Makaay's claim about lacking coaching credentials was nothing short of a polite lie. The Dutch striker, who terrorized defenses during his playing days at Deportivo La Coruña and Bayern Munich, has been actively involved in coaching since his retirement in 2010. He served as a youth coach and first-team assistant at Feyenoord Rotterdam, working alongside former teammate Giovanni van Bronckhorst. He later moved to Scottish giants Rangers as an assistant coach before joining Bayern Munich's youth development system.

Currently, Makaay leads Bayern Munich's World Squad program, where he coaches talented young players from around the globe. His recent trip to China with the World Squad Class of '25 included training sessions in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Taicang, where he demonstrated his coaching abilities. When pressed further about his rejection, Makaay admitted that his current role with Bayern's U-19 and reserve teams is 'completely different from being a head coach,' but emphasized his preference for developing young strikers rather than taking on the pressures of international management.

China's Desperate Coaching Carousel

The rejection from Makaay is just the latest in a series of setbacks for Chinese football. Since parting ways with high-profile coaches like Marcello Lippi, who earned $28 million annually during his tenure, China has struggled to attract world-class managers. The CFA's current budget of $1.2-1.8 million per year pales in comparison to what top coaches can earn elsewhere, making it difficult to compete for elite talent.

The coaching carousel has been spinning relentlessly. After Ivankovic's dismissal in June 2025, the team was temporarily managed by Dejan Djurjevic during the East Asian Cup, where they suffered humiliating defeats to South Korea (0-3) and Japan (0-2). Djurjevic has since returned to coaching China's U-21 team, leaving the senior squad without permanent leadership once again. This instability has become a defining characteristic of Chinese football, with coaches changing more frequently than the seasons.

Paulo Bento Emerges as Leading Candidate

Despite the setbacks, China hasn't given up hope. Former South Korea national team coach Paulo Bento has emerged as the leading candidate for the position. The Portuguese manager, who guided South Korea to the Round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, has previously been contacted by the CFA. His experience in Asian football and proven track record make him an attractive option for Chinese officials.

However, Bento's potential appointment isn't without complications. He was recently dismissed from his role with the UAE national team due to poor performance in World Cup qualifying. Chinese media outlet 'The Paper' has reported that both Bento and Felix Sanchez, who led Qatar to Asian Cup glory, are being seriously considered. The competition for Bento's services has intensified, with other nations also showing interest in the experienced coach. For China, securing Bento would represent a significant coup in their efforts to rebuild their football program.

Fan Reactions and Community Sentiment

The Chinese football community's reaction to Makaay's rejection has been mixed, ranging from disappointment to resignation. On popular platforms like Sohu and Weibo, fans expressed frustration with yet another high-profile rejection. Many supporters have grown weary of the constant coaching changes and the team's inability to attract top-tier management.

Some fans on Chinese social media platforms have sarcastically commented that 'even coaches we've never heard of are rejecting us now,' highlighting the depth of their frustration. The failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has left a bitter taste among supporters, who remember the glory days when China reached the 2002 World Cup finals. The current generation of fans has witnessed nothing but disappointment, with the team failing to progress beyond the group stages of major tournaments consistently. This pessimism has created a toxic atmosphere around the national team, making it even harder to attract quality coaches.

The Broader Crisis in Chinese Football

Makaay's rejection symbolizes a broader crisis in Chinese football that extends beyond just coaching appointments. The sport has been plagued by corruption scandals, poor youth development, and a lack of competitive domestic structure. Despite massive investments in recent years, including the importation of expensive foreign players to the Chinese Super League, the national team's performance has continued to deteriorate.

The contrast between China's ambitions and reality is stark. While the country has poured billions into football infrastructure and attempted to learn from successful footballing nations, the results on the pitch tell a different story. The national team currently ranks poorly in FIFA's world rankings and struggles against regional rivals. This disconnect between investment and performance has led to questions about the fundamental approach to football development in China, with critics arguing that throwing money at the problem isn't enough to create a winning culture.

Looking Ahead: Can China Find Its Savior?

As China continues its search for a new head coach, the options are becoming increasingly limited. Beyond Paulo Bento, other names mentioned include Felix Sanchez and former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, who previously had a brief stint with the Chinese national team. However, each potential candidate comes with their own set of challenges and question marks.

The CFA faces a crucial decision point. They can either continue pursuing high-profile foreign coaches who may demand significant financial commitments, or consider developing domestic talent for the long term. The pressure to show immediate results in upcoming competitions adds another layer of complexity to their decision-making process. Whatever choice they make, Chinese football fans hope it will finally bring stability and success to a program that has been searching for its identity for far too long. The clock is ticking, and with each rejection, the task becomes more daunting for a nation desperate to restore pride in its football heritage.