Former Netherlands coach Koeman announces death of wife Bartina post breast cancer

Ronald Koeman’s club coaching career includes stints with teams in the Netherlands, England, Portugal and Spain. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Former Netherlands coach and Dutch football great Ronald Koeman announced on Wednesday that his wife, Bartina, has died at the age of 65 following a long battle with breast cancer.

“With deep sorrow, but also with great pride and love, we say goodbye to my wonderful wife, our dearest mom and grandma,” Koeman wrote on social media, sharing a black-and-white photograph of the couple, who had been married for 41 years.

Bartina had been undergoing weekly treatment for recurring breast cancer. In June, before the Netherlands began its World Cup campaign, Koeman said he hoped she would be able to miss one session and travel to the United States if his team reached the final.

Koeman then left his position after Netherlands was knocked out by Morocco in the round of 32, with his wife’s illness among the reasons behind his decision.

“The past years have made me realize again that there are more important things than football. Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes,” Koeman wrote on Instagram on June 30. “My wife Bartina has supported and encouraged me every day to finish my work as a national coach despite her own illness process. That is a testimony to incredible strength.”

Koeman also coached the Netherlands on two occasions and even managed Barcelona during the 2020-21 season. His club coaching career also included teams in the Netherlands, England, Portugal and Spain.

Highly regarded as one of the finest defenders of his era, Koeman helped the Netherlands win the 1988 European Championship. He also lifted European Cup trophies with PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona.

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In 1992, he was the player to score the decisive goal at Wembley as Barcelona won the European Cup for the first time.

“FC Barcelona and its supporters send their deepest condolences and affection to Ronald Koeman and his family for the passing of his wife, Bartina Koeman,” the Spanish club wrote on social media. “May she rest in peace.”

FC Barcelona and its supporters send their deepest condolences and affection to Ronald Koeman and his family for the passing of his wife, Bartina Koeman. May she rest in peace.

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 16, 2026