Dutch football legend Robin van Persie officially took the reins as the new head coach of Feyenoord, marking a significant homecoming for the former striker who began and ended his illustrious playing career with the Rotterdam club.
The appointment, confirmed today, sees Van Persie sign a contract until June 2027, stepping into the role less than a year after embarking on his senior managerial career with Eredivisie side Heerenveen.
Van Persie’s journey to this moment has been a swift yet deliberate transition from player to coach. After retiring in 2019 following a triumphant second stint at Feyenoord where he won the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield, he initially dipped into coaching at his boyhood club.
From 2020 to 2024, he worked with Feyenoord’s youth teams, including the U16s and U19s, and assisted the first team under Dick Advocaat, honing his skills with a focus on developing strikers.
In May 2024, he took his first senior managerial job at Heerenveen, guiding them to a respectable ninth place in the Eredivisie with notable wins, including against PSV Eindhoven. His tenure there, though brief, showcased his ability to manage at the top level, catching Feyenoord’s eye after they parted ways with Brian Priske on February 10, 2025.
Feyenoord’s decision to appoint Van Persie came after a turbulent period following Priske’s exit, with Pascal Bosschaart serving as interim coach.
The club, currently fourth in the Eredivisie and 14 points behind leaders Ajax, sought a figure who could reignite their campaign while capitalizing on their recent qualification for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 after defeating AC Milan.
Van Persie, a product of Feyenoord’s academy who scored 46 goals in 122 appearances across two spells as a player, emerged as the ideal candidate.
Reports indicate an agreement in principle was reached with Heerenveen earlier this week, with Feyenoord compensating their rivals to secure his release, alongside naming Rene Hake, formerly Erik ten Hag’s assistant at Manchester United as his deputy.