Barcelona legend Ronald Koeman announces tragic death of his wife after cancer battle

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FT Desk

Barcelona and Netherlands legend Ronald Koeman has announced the death of his wife after a long cancer battle.

Koeman had been married to Bartina Koeman-Boddeveld for 41 years before she passed at the age of 65. They had three children together as well as grandchildren.

The Dutchman confirmed the news via a post on Facebook which read:

"With intense sadness, but also with great pride and love, we say goodbye to my beautiful wife, our dearest mom and grandma."

Bartina was first diagnosed with cancer in 2010. After undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the disease entered remission but came back eight years later.

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A post shared by Ronald Koeman (@ronaldkoeman)

In 2023, reports emerged that it had reappeared as breast cancer.

Two years later, Koeman revealed that the disease had spread to his wife's liver and due to her weekly treatments, she was unable to join him at the 2026 World Cup where he represented the Netherlands as head coach.

Following the Netherlands' elimination from the tournament at the hands of Morocco in the last-16, Koeman resigned from his position, stating a desire to spend more time with Bartina and his family.

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

“The past years have made me realise again that there are more important things than football," he wrote on Instagram.

"Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes.

“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 has enjoyed success both as a player and a manager and notably scored the winning goal in the 1992 European Cup final as Barcelona won the tournament for the first time in their history.

He would also represent the likes of Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord.

As a manager, he took charge of Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Barcelona, Everton, Southampton and the Dutch national team, among others.

Throughout his career, Bartina was faithfully by his side.