Feyenoord Rotterdam has introduced Giovanni van Bronckhorst, a familiar face, as its new head coach. The 51-year-old succeeds Robin van Persie—and is expected to build on the club’s past successes.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Feyenoord Rotterdam—this is certainly not a new story: The former defender and national team player was born in the Dutch port city, came up through Feyenoord’s youth system, and also played professionally for the club. Between 2015 and 2019, he returned to his childhood club as head coach.
The next chapter in this relationship will now unfold in the upcoming season: On Wednesday, Feyenoord introduced van Bronckhorst as its new head coach. The 51-year-old has signed a two-year contract in Rotterdam, which includes an option to extend for another year.
Van Persie Had to Leave Despite a Second-Place Finish
Van Bronckhorst thus succeeds a former Oranje teammate: Robin van Persie had been Feyenoord’s coach last season but was fired in early June. Although the club finished in second place under the Dutchman, they were 19 points behind defending champions PSV Eindhoven. In light of the “trend in the team’s performances,” Feyenoord’s management, led by Technical Director Devy Rigaux, felt compelled to make a change on the coaching staff.
Van Bronckhorst is now expected to turn things around. The former defender has already proven during his first tenure that he can lead Feyenoord to success: In 2017, van Bronckhorst guided the club to its first league title in 18 years, and in 2016 and 2018 to two cup victories.
Most recently, van Bronckhorst was an assistant coach at Liverpool
“The return of Giovanni van Bronckhorst heralds a new chapter for Feyenoord,” Rigaux is quoted as saying in the club’s statement. “We want to further expand our sporting ambitions with a head coach who combines extensive international experience with a deep understanding of the club’s culture.”
Following his four-year tenure in Rotterdam, van Bronckhorst had relatively brief stints with Guangzhou City (2020), the Glasgow Rangers (2021–2022), and Besiktas (2024). Most recently, the Dutchman worked as an assistant coach for Liverpool FC under Arne Slot. Along with van Bronckhorst, Sipke Hulshoff will also join Feyenoord as an assistant coach—he, too, was most recently part of the Reds’ coaching staff.
