Feyenoord have terminated Robin van Persie’s contract as head coach after 16 months in charge. The Dutch club confirmed the decision on Sunday, ending a tenure that secured Champions League football but fell short of title contention.
Van Persie, 42, led Feyenoord to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie this season. The club finished 19 points behind champions PSV Eindhoven. Feyenoord’s technical director Devy Rigaux cited a "declining trend in points total" and stagnant tactical development as key reasons for the sacking.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker won 30 of his 58 matches in charge. His side struggled with consistency, recording only three wins in 14 games across all competitions between October and January. Early exits in the Dutch Cup and European competitions further weakened his position.
Feyenoord’s board acted swiftly after appointing new leadership. General manager Robert Eenhoorn and technical director Rigaux were installed two weeks before Van Persie’s dismissal. The club will now search for a replacement to lead the team into the 2026-27 season.
Van Persie began his managerial career at Feyenoord in February 2025. He previously served as an assistant coach and youth team manager at the club. His departure leaves a vacancy at one of the Netherlands’ most storied football institutions.
