Feyenoord appoints Dévy Rigaux as new technical director

Feyenoord have appointed Dévy Rigaux as their new technical director. The 38‑year‑old Belgian leaves Club Brugge after seventeen years of service to begin a new adventure in Rotterdam.

Rigaux stresses the importance of a close relationship with the head coach. "It is important to have a good bond with the coach, to understand how a trainer looks at selection and transfer decisions, and to help him," he said.

He began his career in 2009 as a 21‑year‑old youth coach at Club Brugge, travelling three times a week to train the youngest groups aged eight to ten. In that role he worked with future Belgian international Charles De Ketelaere. The early experience gave him a foundation in player development.

Although he lacked a traditional football background, Rigaux quickly became a jack‑of‑all‑trades at Club Brugge. In 2011 he acted as translator for the arrival of Spanish midfielder Víctor Vázquez from Barcelona B, and also provided on‑field translations for German coach Christoph Daum. His language skills earned him a place in the club’s scouting department that same year.

From 2013 Rigaux served as team manager, acting as the link between players, staff and the board. He was involved in the first‑team dressing room and was dispatched on transfer missions. By 2021 his focus shifted toward the strategic side of the club’s operations.

In 2024 he was promoted to Director of Football at Club Brugge, taking responsibility for the sporting direction, scouting and transfer policy. The role cemented his reputation as a modern football executive.

During his tenure he oversaw lucrative sales such as Ardon Jashari for €36 million to AC Milan, Igor Thiago for €33 million to Brentford and Antonio Nusa for €21 million to RB Leipzig. He is also expected to secure a profitable exit for former Ajax player Carlos Forbs. These deals highlight his ability to generate significant profit on player transactions.

A major test of his authority came in December 2025 when he dismissed coach Nicky Hayen after a run of disappointing results. "We tried to help Nicky and give him insights, but the fire was no longer there," he explained.

Rigaux now faces the task of replicating his Brugge success at Feyenoord. The Dutch club hopes his network and transfer acumen will strengthen their squad and financial position.