The 45-year-old technician, with 70 caps with the Netherlands (35 goals) succeeds the German Roger Schmidt, present since 2020 and who has not renewed his contract.
The latter could, according to the Portuguese media, find an agreement with Benfica.
Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 matches with Manchester United between 2001 and 2006 or 64 with Real Madrid between 2006 and 2010, hung up his boots in 2012.
He, who notably served as an assistant in the Netherlands national team (2014-2016 then 2021), has coached PSV youth teams for the past three seasons.
"It has always been my dream to become the head coach of PSV", rejoiced the former striker of the Eindhoven club for which he wore the colors between 1998 and 2001.
Ruud van Nistelrooy "is a strong and inspiring leader, his commitment and his ethics will be second to none," said PSV director of football John de Jong.
The club is currently second in the Dutch league, behind Ajax Amsterdam.
© 2022 AFP