Dirk Kuijt returns to Fenerbahçe as Kartal's assistant

Dirk Kuijt, the 45‑year‑old Katwijk native, has left FC Dordrecht to become assistant coach at Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, working alongside head coach Ismail Kartal. The move, confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, follows his recent contract extension in Dordrecht and returns him to Istanbul where he played 130 matches for the club.

Kuijt previously featured for Fenerbahçe as a player between 2012 and 2015, accumulating 130 appearances. During that spell he collected a Süper Lig title, the Turkish Cup and the Super Cup.

He had only just renewed his deal with FC Dordrecht when the Turkish side approached him. The former employer’s invitation prompted a swift decision, and he departed without further delay.

Wednesday’s confirmation arrived via an official statement from Istanbul, naming Kuijt as the new right‑hand to head coach Ismail Kartal. The duo are tasked with restoring the club’s dominance in the Süper Lig.

On Fenerbahçe’s official channels Kuijt said: “Sommige reizen lijken te eindigen, maar dat is nooit echt zo. Als een plek deel gaat uitmaken van wie je bent, vind je altijd je weg terug. Nu ben ik terug waar ik thuishoor.” He added: “Fenerbahçe-fans, ik ben blij om thuis te zijn. Laten we samen strijden om kampioen te worden.”

FC Dordrecht is set to receive several thousand euros as compensation for Kuijt’s departure. The club will replace him with Rick Adjei, the current assistant coach of Go Ahead Eagles.