“Ruud van Nistelrooy dead 2026” : Footballer killed by internet death hoax

News of footballer Ruud van Nistelrooy’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the March 2026 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the 49-year-old footballer is alive and well.

UPDATE 23/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Ruud van Nistelrooy death hoax spreads on Facebook

Rumors of the footballer’s alleged demise gained traction on Saturday after a ‘R.I.P. Ruud van Nistelrooy’ Facebook page attracted nearly one million of ‘likes’. Those who read the ‘About’ page were given a believable account of the Dutch footballer’s passing:

“At about 11 a.m. ET on Saturday (March 21, 2026), our beloved footballer Ruud van Nistelrooy passed away. Ruud van Nistelrooy was born on July 1, 1976 in Oss. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 49-year-old footballer and coach was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.

Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major Dutch network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of a footballer of Ruud van Nistelrooy's stature would be major news across networks.

A recent poll conducted for the Celebrity Post shows that 76% still think false Ruud van Nistelrooy death rumors are funny.

Ruud van Nistelrooy Death Hoax Dismissed Since Footballer Is ‘Alive And Well’

On Sunday (March 22) the footballer's reps officially confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy is not dead. “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said.

Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved footballer. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.

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