Arjen Robben has already ended his career at FC Groningen, and now the 41-year-old is taking on a new role at his youth club – this time on the bench.
The Dutch first division club (currently eleventh in the table) presented the 41-year-old as part of a new coaching team for the various youth teams. Robben will be coaching the U14s.
“Strong impression” as a coach
“The fact that we were able to get Arjen Robben excited about becoming head coach of one of our youth academy teams makes us very proud, of course,” said Byron Bakker, head of football development at FC Groningen. “Arjen’s experience needs no further explanation, but he has also made a strong impression as a coach from the very beginning.
This is not Robben’s first role at FC Groningen since retiring from professional football in 2021. In recent years, the former Bayern Munich star has already taken on smaller roles at the first division club’s training ground and completed a coaching internship. Robben had previously worked as a coach, coaching his son Luka’s team at amateur club Be Quick 1887 in Groningen.
Robben played for FC Bayern from 2010 to 2019, winning numerous championships and trophies during that time and scoring the goal in extra time against Dortmund in 2013 that crowned his career with the Champions League title. The Dutchman previously played for Real Madrid (2007-2009), Chelsea FC (2004-2007), PSV Eindhoven (2002-2004), and his former club Groningen.
