# Ronald Koeman's wife Bartina dies of breast cancer > The legendary football manager announces the death of his wife after a 41-year marriage and her long battle with cancer. - Title: Ronald Koeman's wife Bartina dies of breast cancer · Dailymail - Summary: The legendary football manager announces the death of his wife after a 41-year marriage and her long battle with cancer. Ronald Koeman's wife Bartina died at… - Keywords: ronald koeman, bartina koeman, breast cancer, netherlands national team, barcelona, death, marriage, news, entertainment, Ronald, Koeman's, wife - Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/sport/football/article-16135581/Ronald-Koeman-wife-dead-cancer-Netherlands.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss - Published: 2026-09-16T10:43:42+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: ronald koeman, bartina koeman, breast cancer, netherlands national team, barcelona, death, marriage, news, entertainment ## 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. ## Key takeaway Ronald Koeman's wife Bartina died at 65 from breast cancer, which she had battled since 2010 with recurrences in 2018 and 2023.