Marten de Roon calls World Cup exit a huge disappointment

Midfielder Marten de Roon, who plays for Atalanta Bergamo, posted on Instagram after the Netherlands' World Cup elimination, describing the exit as a “huge disappointment” and thanking coach Ronald Koeman, who announced his departure earlier this week. He also voiced disbelief at the abrupt end to what he had hoped would be a historic campaign.

De Roon opened his Instagram post with a candid remark: ‘En dan typ je ineens deze woorden vanuit huis en moet je vakanties zoeken, terwijl je daar totaal geen zin in hebt’. He posted the message from his home, indicating a desire to find a vacation despite the disappointment.

He explained that he tried to avoid World Cup coverage on television and social media, noting that most matches were scheduled at night, which limited his exposure. He said the night‑time scheduling meant he could not follow the games closely.

The 44‑cap international described how the tournament began as a “great surprise” and a source of joy, because he was selected for the squad that travelled to Qatar. He highlighted the excitement of being part of the squad that travelled to Qatar for the tournament.

‘What began as a great surprise and especially joy that I was part of the team that went to the World Cup ended as a huge disappointment that I have not fully gotten over’, he wrote. He admitted the emotional impact of the early exit still weighs on him.

De Roon also reflected on the team’s confidence, saying they believed they were the side that would become first‑time world champions, before the abrupt exit shattered those expectations. He recalled the team's belief that they would secure the title for the first time.

He thanked Ronald Koeman, who announced his departure as national coach earlier in the week, for the influence he had during his first period and for the call that brought the squad to the World Cup, strengthening their bond. He noted that Koeman’s departure marks the end of an era for the national side.

Finally, De Roon expressed gratitude to the coach, the players, the staff and the Dutch public for their support, adding a note that the support excluded the racist elements that targeted Quinten Timber, Justin Kluivert and Crysencio Summerville after the match. The racist abuse directed at Timber, Kluivert and Summerville was condemned by De Roon.