Ronald Koeman has resigned as Netherlands manager just hours after his side’s World Cup exit — a defeat that triggered what the Dutch football association called “appalling” racist abuse aimed at the players who missed penalties.
The 63-year-old stepped down after Morocco knocked Oranje out in a last-32 penalty shootout in Monterrey. The match finished 1-1 after Fulham defender Issa Diop equalised deep into stoppage time, cancelling out Cody Gakpo’s 72nd-minute opener. In the shootout, Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all failed from 12 yards, with Morocco’s Ismael Saibari scoring the decisive spot-kick. Timber and Kluivert missed the target entirely; Summerville was denied by a superb reflex save by Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
“Ronald Koeman resigns as Netherlands manager after World Cup defeat, as three players face racist abuse.”
Almost immediately, the three players were subjected to discriminatory and hateful comments on social media. The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) condemned the abuse and said it would pursue criminal charges. “We find this appalling,” the KNVB said. “Once a report is filed, legal staff assess whether the statement constitutes a punishable offence. This can lead to a formal complaint being lodged with the Public Prosecution Service, which may then initiate a criminal investigation.” The KNVB added: “Football brings together millions of different people, whereas discrimination does the exact opposite.”
Koeman broke the news of his resignation on Instagram, describing the manner of his departure as “hurtful”. He wrote: “We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would write history. That didn’t work out. No-one is more disappointed about that than me.” He also hinted that his managerial career may be over, saying: “The past years have made me realise 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’s wife Bartina has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Koeman’s contract was due to expire, but he felt it was time to step away, partly to spend time with his wife. His second spell in charge — which followed a successful first stint from 2018 that included Nations League wins over France and Germany — had been more difficult, with criticism over his defensive approach. He had previously left to manage Barcelona and returned in 2023.
The racist abuse echoes the treatment of England’s Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho after they missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy in 2021. That case led to two people being sentenced to prison and another receiving a suspended sentence.
Koeman becomes the fifth managerial casualty of this World Cup, joining Scotland’s Steve Clarke among those to have left their posts. He said on Instagram: “I am saying goodbye with mixed feelings. Of course, I would have preferred to conclude my time with Oranje with a world title. Unfortunately, that dream remained unfulfilled. But above all, pride prevails.”