Robin van Persie has been sacked as Feyenoord manager after just 16 months, the club announced on Sunday – a decision that comes despite his guiding the Eredivisie side to a second-place finish and Champions League qualification. The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker was informed of his dismissal during a meeting with the club’s management, including technical director Devy Rigaux and general manager Robert Eenhoorn, both appointed just two weeks ago.
“Robin van Persie has given everything for the club over the past 1.5 years,” Rigaux said. “He certainly deserves credit for concluding a difficult season with a final second-place finish. This secured Champions League football, which is of course very important.” But the club’s internal analysis pointed to a downward trend: “We took into account, among other things, the development of the style of play and the declining trend in terms of points total, both in Europe and in the Eredivisie. The conclusion was that it is better to start the next season with a new head coach.”
“Robin van Persie sacked by Feyenoord after 16 months, despite leading them to second place and Champions League qualification.”
Van Persie, 42, was appointed in February 2025, returning to the club where he began and ended his playing career. Over two seasons he led Feyenoord to third and then second, but they finished 19 points behind champions PSV Eindhoven in his only full campaign. His overall record stands at 30 wins from 58 games.
He first joined Feyenoord as a player in 2004, scoring 46 goals in 122 appearances across two spells before moving to Arsenal, where he spent eight years and won the FA Cup. A £24m transfer to Manchester United in 2012 brought a Premier League title in his first season. After stints at Fenerbahce and a return to Feyenoord, he retired in 2019 and became an assistant under Dick Advocaat. His first managerial role came at Heerenveen in May 2024, but he lasted only nine months – with nine wins from 26 games – before returning to Feyenoord.
Van Persie had previously returned to Manchester under Erik ten Hag to work on his coaching badges. He now joins a list of former United players turned managers – including Michael Carrick, currently in charge at Old Trafford – as he searches for his next job.