Ronald Koeman’s wife Bartina has died aged 65 after a battle with cancer.
The former Netherlands and Barcelona boss made the heartbreaking announcement on Wednesday.
Bartina was previously diagnosed with breast cancer over a decade ago and beat the disease, but she revealed it had returned in 2024.
According to The Sun, Koeman said in a statement: “With intense sadness, but also with great pride and love, we say goodbye to my beautiful wife, our dearest mom and grandma.
“Bartina Koeman – Boddeveld. 30 January 1961 – 15 September 2026.”
Tributes flooded in for Bartina after the shock news as Koeman’s old club Barcelona paid their respects.
The club said: “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.”
And the official Netherlands team account on X wrote: “With sadness, we have learned of the passing of Bartina Koeman, the wife of our former national team coach Ronald Koeman.
“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.”
Koeman and Bartina had three children together – sons Tim and Ronald Jr and daughter Debbie.
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Bartina first announced news that her cancer had returned just before husband Koeman was set to take the Netherlands to Euro 2024.
But she still gave her blessing for him to travel for the tournament.
She said at the time: “My breast cancer is now back. I want to be open about that because I hope I might be able to help other women with a similar type of cancer.
“I first had it in 2010. Then I had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. After that, the cancer was gone.
“But in 2018, my neck was bothering me. I thought it was whiplash. It turned out I had metastasis in the spine.
“After more chemo, the cancer stayed away, but on a scan they saw activity again. Every three to four weeks I have to be in the Netherlands for treatment at the Amsterdam Cancer Hospital.
“But I am a strong woman and I can handle this. I don’t run around whining and complaining all day because I am very independent.
“I so hope that Ronald will be rewarded for his hard work and that he will go very far at the European Championship.
“I hope we become champions. Ronald loves his job. He is a professional nut.”
