Robin van Persie has been officially appointed as Feyenoord's new head coach, signing a contract until June 2027. The former Dutch international, who previously worked as an assistant coach and led the club’s U-19 team, returns to take charge of the first team.
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Robin van Persie was officially announced this Sunday as the new head coach of Feyenoord, marking a significant moment in the club’s history as one of its most iconic former players takes over the managerial reins.
The decision to appoint Van Persie represents both a nostalgic return and a bold new chapter, as the former striker leaves Heerenveen, where he had begun the season as a manager, securing nine wins in 25 matches.
The 41-year-old former Dutch international had previously worked as an assistant coach at Feyenoord and also led the club’s U-19 team, where he gained valuable experience in player development and tactical planning. Now, he returns to the club he once represented as a player to take charge of the first team, hoping to bring his wealth of footballing experience and winning mentality to a squad aiming to compete at the highest level.
Van Persie’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Feyenoord, as the club seeks to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite. Despite solid performances in recent years, they have struggled to maintain consistency in a league where Ajax and PSV have traditionally dominated. The former striker has signed a contract valid until June 2027, showing the club’s long-term commitment to his leadership and vision.
"Everyone knows how special my connection to Feyenoord is. This club means so much to me, and I’m honored to take on this responsibility," Van Persie said in his first official statement. "I’m looking forward to working with this group of players, alongside a strong staff, and playing matches at De Kuip with the support of the fans, striving for success together. We want to build something exciting and bring the kind of football that Feyenoord supporters expect and deserve."
For many, Van Persie’s appointment is more than just a managerial change it’s a symbol of Feyenoord’s ambition to combine its deep-rooted footballing identity with a fresh, modern approach. His experience at the highest levels of football, having played in the Premier League, Champions League, and international tournaments, will be invaluable as he transitions into the next phase of his career.
Feyenoord's general director of football, Dennis te Kloese, expressed confidence in Van Persie’s ability to lead the team forward. "We are very pleased to appoint a true club icon, Robin van Persie, as Feyenoord’s new head coach. Robin knows the club incredibly well and understands exactly what is needed to achieve results. His deep understanding of the game, his leadership skills, and his ability to inspire players make him the ideal choice to take this club forward. We believe he will bring a strong tactical philosophy and a winning mentality to the team."
Van Persie replaces Pascal Bosschaart, who had been serving as interim coach in recent weeks following the departure of the previous manager. "Pascal has done a fantastic job over the past few weeks, for which we are incredibly grateful. The fact that Feyenoord managed to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 is a great achievement by the entire team and the squad. We are very thankful to Pascal for being a true club man and stepping in immediately when we called upon him," Te Kloese added.
Van Persie’s appointment has been met with excitement among Feyenoord supporters, many of whom still hold fond memories of his playing days. Known for his technical brilliance, goal-scoring ability, and leadership on the pitch, Van Persie was a fan favorite at Feyenoord before moving on to enjoy a highly successful career at Arsenal and Manchester United. He also had a stint in Turkey with Fenerbahçe before returning to Feyenoord to retire as a player in 2019.
As a player, Van Persie had an illustrious career, beginning his development at Excelsior and Feyenoord, where he broke into the senior team before moving on to Arsenal, Manchester United, and Fenerbahçe. At Arsenal, he became one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League, winning the Golden Boot and captaining the team before making a controversial move to Manchester United. His time at Old Trafford was marked by immediate success, as he played a key role in securing United’s last Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
His international career was equally remarkable, earning 102 caps for the Netherlands and scoring 50 goals, making him the country's all-time top scorer. He was instrumental in the Netherlands' deep runs in major tournaments, most notably at the 2010 World Cup, where they finished as runners-up, and the 2014 World Cup, where he scored one of the most iconic goals in tournament history a stunning flying header against Spain.
Now, Van Persie faces the challenge of translating his experience as a world-class player into success as a head coach. His ability to inspire and develop players will be crucial, particularly as Feyenoord looks to compete both domestically and in Europe. With young talents emerging and experienced players needing guidance, his leadership will be tested from the start.
Feyenoord currently sits third in the Dutch Eredivisie with 43 points, trailing Ajax, who leads with 54, and PSV, who has 52. With the season still in progress, Van Persie will be tasked with closing the gap and ensuring that Feyenoord secures a strong finish in both the league and their European campaign. The coming months will be a defining period, as fans eagerly watch how their club legend transitions from the pitch to the dugout.
The football world will be watching closely to see if Van Persie’s managerial career will be as successful as his playing days. While expectations are high, his deep knowledge of the club, combined with his experience and ambition, gives Feyenoord supporters hope that he can bring long-term success to De Kuip.
