Feyenoord Part Ways With Robin Van Persie Despite UCL Qualification

Dutch giants Feyenoord have confirmed the departure of head coach Robin van Persie, bringing an end to his 16-month spell in charge despite securing a second-place finish in the Eredivisie and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The Rotterdam club announced the decision in a brief statement on 𝕏 on Sunday.

“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 club sai

Van Persie, who returned to his boyhood club as manager in February 2025 on a contract due to run until 2027, leaves after guiding Feyenoord to runners-up spot in the Dutch top flight.

The 42-year-old, a former Netherlands international and ex-Arsenal and Manchester United striker, oversaw 58 matches, winning 30 during his time at the helm.

Explaining the decision, Feyenoord’s newly appointed technical director, Devy Rigaux, said the club’s review went beyond the final league position.

“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 said.

Rigaux said an internal assessment highlighted concerns over the team’s overall progress and results.

“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.”

Although Feyenoord finished second, they ended the campaign 19 points behind champions PSV Eindhoven and struggled for consistency throughout the season.

The club has yet to announce Van Persie’s successor ahead of preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.