Jose Maria Olazabal has been named as Europe's third vice-captain for this year's Ryder Cup.

Olazabal was the last Team Europe captain to lead the team to Ryder Cup glory on American soil in 2012. He won the tournament three times outright as a player.

Europe are aiming to retain the Ryder Cup, having beaten the United States 16½ - 11½ in Rome in 2023, when Olazabal was also vice-captain.

The Spaniard played in the tournament seven times between 1987 and 2006 and joins Luke Donald's backroom team, which also includes Edoardo Molinari and Thomas Bjorn, for the 2025 event at Bethpage Black.

"It is wonderful news," said Olazabal.

Synonymous with European golf

Hear from José María Olazábal as he rejoins #TeamEurope as a Vice Captain. pic.twitter.com/0QycgjPeUN

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) April 23, 2025

"When Luke approached me and asked me about the possibility of being a vice-captain again, I have to be honest, I thought about it for a while, because being in New York, it's not going to be easy.

"But the Ryder Cup is very close to my heart. I have wonderful memories about this event, so I said yes.

"I think Luke did a wonderful job in Rome, and I believe he will do a very good job this time round, too.

"He took care of absolutely all the details: players, caddies, families. It was wonderful to see some of the lines he came up with and the images from past champions."

The Ryder Cup will take place between September 26 and 28.