Robin van Persie dismissed by Feyenoord after Champions League qualification

Robin van Persie has been dismissed as head coach of Feyenoord after less than 16 months in charge. The dismissal comes despite the Dutch club securing Champions League qualification in his first full season.

Van Persie returned to Feyenoord in February 2025, having begun his coaching career with the club’s under‑18 side. After a brief spell with Heerenveen, he replaced Brian Priske midway through the previous season and guided the team to a third‑place finish. In his first full campaign he led Feyenoord to second place in the Eredivisie.

Feyenoord ended that season 19 points behind champions PSV and were eliminated in the Europa League league phase and in the second round of the Dutch Cup. Van Persie recorded 30 wins from 58 matches, including a nine‑match unbeaten run to close the campaign. He signed former Premier League forward Raheem Sterling earlier in the year.

Feyenoord announced it will start the 2026‑2027 season with a new head coach and thanked Van Persie for his service. Technical director Devy Rigaux said the club conducted an internal evaluation, noted a downward trend in points, and concluded a new coach was needed. Supporters voiced criticism during a goalless draw with Volendam in April, chanting “Shame on you!”.

As a player, Van Persie had two spells with Feyenoord, scoring 46 goals in 123 senior appearances. He joined the Feyenoord academy at age 12, won the UEFA Cup, then moved to Arsenal in 2004. He later made 280 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and Manchester United, scoring 144 goals, and after a spell with Fenerbahce returned to Feyenoord in January 2018 before retiring at 35. Internationally he scored 50 goals in 102 caps for the Netherlands.