Dutch giants Feyenoord have announced the departure of head coach Robin van Persie, ending his tenure at the club despite securing a second-place finish in the Eredivisie and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The club confirmed the decision in a brief statement released on its official social media platforms on Sunday, stating that Feyenoord would begin the 2026/27 campaign with a new manager.
“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,” the statement read.
Van Persie, a former Netherlands international and Feyenoord academy product, returned to his boyhood club as head coach in February 2025. His appointment was widely welcomed by supporters, who viewed the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker as a club legend capable of leading Feyenoord into a new era.
Although he guided the Rotterdam-based side to a runners-up finish in the Dutch top flight and secured a place in Europe’s elite club competition, the club’s hierarchy ultimately decided a change was necessary.
Explaining the decision, Feyenoord’s newly appointed technical director, Devy Rigaux said an extensive review of the team’s performance and overall development influenced the club’s move.
According to Rigaux, the evaluation focused on several factors, including the team’s style of play and a perceived decline in results both domestically and in European competitions.
“We conducted a thorough internal analysis. We considered, 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,” Rigaux said.
“The conclusion was that it is better to start the next season with a new head coach.”
The decision marks a surprising end to Van Persie’s spell in charge, given the club’s qualification for the Champions League. However, Feyenoord’s leadership appears determined to pursue a different direction as preparations begin for the upcoming season.
Attention will now turn to the search for a successor capable of building on the club’s recent achievements and challenging for major honours in both domestic and European competitions.
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