Ronald Koeman has stepped down as head coach of the Netherlands national team following their World Cup exit.
The 63-year-old announced his resignation after the team failed to reach the semifinals, citing his desire to spend more time with his wife, Bartina, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
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Bartina Koeman has been battling a chronic form of breast cancer for 16 years and requires weekly medical treatments.
She was unable to travel to North America for the World Cup.
During an earlier press conference in White Plains, Koeman spoke about the emotional toll of being separated from his wife during the tournament.
"I discussed this carefully with Bartina beforehand," he said. "But it is difficult.
Football is sometimes an outlet for me."
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Despite her health struggles, Bartina encouraged her husband to fulfill his coaching duties throughout the World Cup campaign.
"Sometimes it's difficult, because she has treatments every week. That is also the reason why she cannot basically come this way," Koeman explained.
After his official departure, Koeman shared a holiday photo on social media on July 30, 2026, showing the couple together on a boat.
"The rest is unimportant in life," he wrote.
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The couple has been married since 1985. Bartina has been a constant presence throughout Koeman's extensive international playing and managerial career.
