Football legend announces wife's death

Ronald Koeman shared the news of his wife Bartina's death from breast cancer on Instagram, saying goodbye to his wife of 41 years with a heartbreaking tribute.

“With intense sadness, but also with great pride and love, we say goodbye to my beautiful wife, our dearest mom and grandma.”

Koeman's emotional Instagram tribute

The 63-year-old posted a black and white photo of the couple holding hands and looking into each other's eyes as he announced her passing.

A legendary playing career

Koeman established himself as a football legend during his decorated playing career for Barcelona, Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord before moving into management.

Married since 1985

Koeman and Bartina married in 1985 and built a family together with three children and four grandchildren over their long marriage.

Bartina's first cancer battle

Bartina first recovered from breast cancer in 2010, but the disease returned in 2018 and continued to affect her health in the years that followed.

Re-diagnosed during his coaching role

Bartina was re-diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 when Koeman started his second spell as manager of the Dutch national team.

Metastases detected last year

Bartina continued fighting the disease and metastases were detected last year, for which she was receiving treatment.

Koeman steps down from Dutch job

When Koeman stepped down from managing the Netherlands after their World Cup elimination by Morocco, he thanked Bartina for her support despite her illness.

Tribute to her strength

Koeman said his wife supported and encouraged him every day despite her own illness, calling it a testament to incredible strength.

“My wife Bartina supported and encouraged me every day, despite her own illness, to finish my work as national coach. That is a testament to incredible strength.”

Grateful beyond words

Koeman said he was more grateful to Bartina for her support than he would ever be able to put into words.

“I am more grateful to her for that than I will ever be able to put into words.”

Bartina's successful career

Beyond supporting her husband, Bartina thrived in her own successful career as an entrepreneur with her own cosmetics and skincare line.

Tributes flood in on social media

Following the announcement, an outpouring of support came from the football community, with tributes flooding in on social media.

Van der Sar's condolences

Legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar wrote that he was sending his deepest condolences and wishing the family strength together.

“My deepest condolences and wishing you all much strength together as a family.”

Dutch stars respond with support

Dutch national team players including Denzel Dumfries, Brian Brobbey, Ryan Gravenberch and Nathan Ake replied to Koeman's message with heart emojis.

Premier League management experience

Koeman managed Southampton and Everton in the Premier League before his roles with Barcelona and the Dutch national team.

No new job since stepping down

Koeman has not taken another job since stepping down from the Netherlands position after their World Cup elimination by Morocco in the round of 32.