Former Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has announced the death of his wife, Bartina Koeman, paying an emotional tribute to his longtime partner and mother of their three children.
Koeman confirmed the news in a message shared on Instagram on Wednesday, September 16, as he reflected on the loss of a woman who had been part of his life for decades.
The former Netherlands coach described Bartina as a deeply loved wife, mother and grandmother, saying the family was saying goodbye with sadness, pride and affection.
“With intense sadness, but also with great pride and love, we say goodbye to my beautiful wife, our dearest mother and grandmother,” Koeman said.
Messages of sympathy have since come from the football community, including Barcelona, where Koeman enjoyed important periods of his career as both a player and manager.
The Spanish club expressed its condolences to the Dutchman and his relatives following the announcement.
“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,” the club said.
The Netherlands national team also sent a message of support to Koeman and other members of the family as they mourn Bartina.
“We wish Ronald, their (grand)children, family, and other loved ones a great deal of strength and support in the face of this great loss,” the national team said.
Koeman, 63, and Bartina were married for decades and had three children together. She remained a familiar presence alongside the Dutch football figure throughout different stages of his playing and managerial career.
Koeman is regarded as one of the prominent names in Dutch football, having built a successful playing career before becoming a manager.
As a player, he represented clubs including Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona. His years with Barcelona became one of the defining periods of his career, and he later returned to the Spanish club as head coach.
He took charge of Barcelona in 2020 and remained in the position until 2021. His managerial career has also included spells with Everton, Southampton, Ajax and the Netherlands national team.
The announcement of Bartina’s death has drawn condolences and messages of support for Koeman and his family as they go through the period of mourning.
The family has requested privacy following her death.
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