Sparta Rotterdam officially appointed Rogier Meijer as their new head coach on Monday, May 25, 2026. The 44-year-old manager signed a contract that runs until mid-2028.
Meijer replaces Maurice Steijn at Het Kasteel. The club chose him over Feyenoord assistant coach René Hake for the position.
>>> Greek Swimmer Breaks World Record at Controversial Enhanced Games in Las Vegas
Technical director Gerard Nijkamp selected Meijer, who spent the past season as an assistant coach at Bayer Leverkusen.
Prior to his stint in Germany, Meijer managed Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen for five years.
The decision delays Hake's return to a head coaching role in the Dutch top flight.
The former FC Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles manager will remain part of the technical staff under Robin van Persie at Feyenoord.
>>> Giulio Pellizzari Recovers from Illness to Secure Fifth in Giro d'Italia
Meijer's Motivation
In the club's official announcement, Meijer expressed his enthusiasm for the role.
"After one year as an assistant coach at Bayer Leverkusen, I was ready to be the head coach of a first team again next season," he said.
"When Sparta offered me this opportunity, I was immediately excited."
While Meijer prepares to take over at Sparta Rotterdam, Feyenoord faces uncertainty regarding their coaching staff.
>>> Kristian Gkolomeev Wins $1.75 Million at Inaugural Enhanced Games
Assistant coach Etiënne Reijnen is linked with a potential move to join Arne Slot at Liverpool FC, while Said Bakkati is expected to reinforce the Feyenoord staff.
