Ruud Brood

Player

Brood was born in Gorinchem. After joining the Feyenoord youth academy from hometown amateur side Unitas, Brood was not able to break into Feyenoord's senior squad. He then served RBC (1985–1987), FC Den Bosch (1987–1989), Willem II Tilburg (1989–1990) and NAC Breda (1990–1998). With Den Bosch, he finished 7th in the 1987–88 Eredivisie season and that won him a place in Rinus Michels' preliminary Euro 1988 squad. He did not make the final squad, which went on to win the Euro 1988 title.

Manager

He previously coached Helmond Sport, the second team of NAC Breda, Heracles Almelo, RKC Waalwijk and Roda JC Kerkrade. He was appointed manager of relegated NEC in 2014 and immediately led the club back to the Eredivisie. In summer 2015 he became assistant to Phillip Cocu at PSV Eindhoven. On 22 June 2023, Brood was hired as a manager by TOP Oss in the Eerste Divisie with a one-year deal. He returned to childhood club Unitas in summer 2025 after steering Kozakken Boys to the Tweede Divisie. He had succeeded Edwin Grünholz in February 2025 at the Werkendam club.

Club

RKC Waalwijk

Eerste Divisie (1): 2010–11 NEC

Eerste Divisie (1): 2014–15