Dutch club Feyenoord has confirmed the departure of head coach Robin van Persie, stating that the squad will begin the 2026/27 season under new management.
In a brief statement sent on Sunday via its X handle, the Rotterdam-based club said, “Feyenoord will begin the 2026-2027 season with a new head coach. The club would want to thank Robin van Persie for everything he did as head coach.
Van Persie, who returned to his boyhood club as head coach in February 2025 on a contract until 2027, departs after leading Feyenoord to second place in the Eredivisie and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Devy Rigaux, Feyenoord’s newly hired technical director, explained the decision, saying, “Robin van Persie has given everything for the club over the last 1.5 years.
“He undoubtedly deserves credit for finishing second in the final race after a difficult season. This clinched Champions League football, which is obviously very crucial.”
Rigaux 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 led Feyenoord to second place in the Dutch first flight, but the club finished 19 points behind champions PSV Eindhoven and had an erratic season.
During his 16-month tenure as manager, the 42-year-old former Netherlands, Arsenal, and Manchester United striker won 30 of 58 matches.
