Giovanni van Bronckhorst Officially Appointed Feyenoord Head Coach on Two-Year Deal for 2026

Feyenoord appoints Giovanni van Bronckhorst as head coach on a two-year contract with an optional extension following Robin van Persie's dismissal.

Coach appointment details Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been reinstated as the head coach of Feyenoord, securing a two-year agreement that includes a potential one-year extension clause. The 51-year-old replaces Robin van Persie, whose tenure lasted just 16 months before his removal by the Eredivisie side. Van Bronckhorst recently left his role as a first-team assistant under Arne Slot at Liverpool, departing the Premier League club earlier in the month following the Dutch manager's exit. His prior stint at Feyenoord spanned from 2015 to 2019, where he secured back-to-back KNVB Cups and claimed the Eredivisie championship in 2017. ## Previous managerial stints Before returning to Feyenoord, van Bronckhorst managed Besiktas in 2024, guiding the Turkish club to victory in the Turkish Super Cup. His time with Besiktas concluded after five months due to a string of disappointing results. Earlier in his career, he served as Liverpool's assistant coach under Arne Slot. The former Feyenoord player also had a second three-year spell at the Rotterdam-based club from 2007 to 2010, having come through their youth system at age seven. ## Player career highlights Van Bronckhorst's playing career included stints at Rangers, Arsenal, and Barcelona, where he won league titles with each. His deep connection to Feyenoord began in the youth ranks, where he spent five years as a player from 1993 to 1998. He expressed his lifelong bond with the club, stating, "When you've been part of the club since you were seven years old.. yes, Feyenoord is a big part of my life." ## Club context and transition Robin van Persie's brief spell as Feyenoord manager ended after 16 months, leading to his dismissal. The Eredivisie club moved swiftly to appoint van Bronckhorst, underscoring their confidence in his leadership. His return marks a significant chapter in Feyenoord's recent history, reflecting both his past success and the trust placed in his abilities by the club's hierarchy. The contract terms underline the club's long-term vision for the upcoming seasons.