Key Takeaways:
- Feyenoord relieved Robin van Persie of his duties after 16 months as manager
- Van Persie led Feyenoord to a second-place Eredivisie finish and Champions League qualification in his sole full season
- The 42-year-old’s departure arrives just two weeks after the appointments of Devy Rigaux as technical director and Robert Eenhoorn as general manager
Managerial Change at De Kuip
Feyenoord have parted ways with manager Robin van Persie after just 16 months in charge. The club announced the decision to dismiss the former Dutch international, whose only complete season at the helm culminated in a second-place finish in the Eredivisie and Champions League qualification. However, the Rotterdam side concluded the campaign 19 points adrift of eventual champions PSV Eindhoven.
Feyenoord parts ways with Robin van Persie
Feyenoord will start the 2026-2027 season with a new head coach. The club would like to thank Robin van Persie for everything he gave during his time as head coach. pic.twitter.com/P9UkuUGUnv
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) June 7, 2026
Leadership Transition and Internal Review
This managerial change comes shortly after significant adjustments at the executive level, with Devy Rigaux stepping in as technical director and Robert Eenhoorn assuming the role of general manager two weeks prior to van Persie’s dismissal.
Rigaux commented, “Robin van Persie has given everything for the club over the past 1.5 years. He certainly deserves credit for concluding a difficult season with a final second-place finish. This secured Champions League football, which is of course very important.”
He added, “We conducted a thorough internal analysis. In this, we took into account, among other things, the development of the style of play and the declining trend in terms of points total, both in Europe and in the Eredivisie. The conclusion was that it is better to start the next season with a new head coach.”
Van Persie’s Tenure and History with Feyenoord
Van Persie, aged 42, is a club legend at Feyenoord, having enjoyed two spells as a player — both at the start and the conclusion of his career — where he scored 46 goals in 122 appearances. After ending his playing days, he began coaching at Feyenoord by assisting Dick Advocaat and becoming involved with the youth set-up.
He initially left Rotterdam to take over managerial duties at Heerenveen in May 2024, before returning to Feyenoord only nine months later to become head coach.
Career Achievements
The Dutchman’s illustrious playing career included a prolonged stint at Arsenal from 2004, where he contributed to lifting the FA Cup, followed by his move to Manchester United in 2012. Notably, van Persie captured the Premier League title during his debut season at Old Trafford.
Statistical Highlights from Van Persie’s Spell
- 1 full season in charge at Feyenoord as head coach
- Secured 2nd place in Eredivisie, 19 points behind PSV Eindhoven
- Oversaw Champions League qualification for the club
