Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has been named the new head coach of Feyenoord.
Van Persie, who retired from professional football in 2019, leaves fellow Dutch club Heerenveen to return to Feyenoord, where he made 122 appearances as a player.
He scored 46 goals for Feyenoord across his two spells there.
Van Persie also had a coaching stint at De Kuip, serving as Dick Advocaat’s assistant before becoming Heerenveen boss in May last year.
The 41-year-old leaves Heerenveen in ninth position in the Eredivisie table, having won seven of the 23 games played so far this term.
The next chapter starts here.
𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐞, welcome home again! pic.twitter.com/mgaM8yl79e
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) February 23, 2025
Feyenoord state that Van Persie will sign a contract that runs until 2027 and will be joined in the dugout by ex-United coach Rene Hake.
Hake was part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff before their dismissal late last year.
Reacting to his appointment, Van Persie said, “Everyone knows how special my bond with Feyenoord is.”
“I am really looking forward to working with the group of players on 1908, together with a strong staff, and then playing matches in De Kuip, supported by the legion, and achieving success together.”
General manager Dennis te Kloese remarked, “We are delighted that we can appoint a real club icon with Robin van Persie as the new coach of Feyenoord. Robin knows the club incredibly well and knows exactly what is needed to achieve results.”
“With his enormous international experience, Robin can of course help the players to develop further here. His football vision also fits in perfectly with what we have in mind at Feyenoord: attacking and neat football, combined with courage, intensity and fight.”
“To support him as a coach in conveying that vision, we have found a very experienced assistant in René Hake who will also strengthen the technical staff with immediate effect.”
Feyenoord are currently third in the Eredivisie standings and 11 points behind table leaders Ajax.
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
