Dutch football legend Robin van Persie has returned to his roots, taking over as head coach of Feyenoord with immediate effect.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker replaces Brian Priske, who was sacked following a string of poor results. Van Persie’s contract will run until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Van Persie’s journey with Feyenoord dates back to 1999 when he joined the club’s youth academy after a dispute with Excelsior’s coaching staff. He made 78 first-team appearances before moving to Arsenal in 2004. After an illustrious career that included spells at Manchester United and Fenerbahce, he returned to De Kuip in 2018 to finish his playing career.
“Everyone knows how special my bond with Feyenoord is,” Van Persie said in his unveiling. “I am enormously looking forward, together with a strong staff, to working with the players at 1908 and then in De Kuip, supported by the Legion, playing matches and achieving successes together.”
Coaching Journey
The 41-year-old transitioned into coaching immediately after retiring, working as an assistant under Dutch coaching icon Dick Advocaat at Feyenoord. He later took charge of the club’s younger age groups before landing his first senior role at Heerenveen last summer. His impressive start in management saw Feyenoord bring him back home less than a year later.
Van Persie will be joined by assistant coach Rene Hake, who was part of Erik ten Hag’s staff at Manchester United until November. The duo is tasked with reviving Feyenoord’s fortunes and ensuring the club competes for silverware once again.
Feyenoord’s return to the Champions League knockout stages had fans hoping for a reunion between Van Persie and Arsenal, where he became a Premier League icon. However, the recent draw paired the Dutch side with a different opponent, while the Gunners will face PSV Eindhoven.
