Former Netherlands and Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has announced the death of his wife Bartina from breast cancer at the age of 65.
The couple enjoyed a long and happy marriage spanning 41 years. They raised three children together and later welcomed four grandchildren into their family.
The 63 year old football legend shared the news with his supporters in a heartbreaking message posted to his Instagram account.
"With intense sadness, but also with great pride and love, we say goodbye to my beautiful wife, our dearest mom and grandma," Koeman wrote in his public tribute.
The emotional message was accompanied by a black and white photograph of the couple, showing them looking deeply into each other's eyes and clasping their hands together.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment
Bartina was diagnosed with breast cancer for a third time in 2023. The diagnosis coincided with the beginning of her husband's second spell in charge of the Dutch national team.
She had previously recovered from a bout with the disease in 2010. However, the illness subsequently returned in 2018.
As Bartina continued to fight the disease, Koeman revealed that metastases had been detected last year, and he confirmed that his wife was receiving ongoing medical treatment.
Away from the footballing world, Bartina enjoyed a successful professional life in her own right. She thrived in her career as an entrepreneur and launched her own line of cosmetics and skincare products.
When Koeman stepped down from his position as the national coach of the Netherlands, he made a point of publicly thanking his wife for her unwavering support during her illness.
"My wife Bartina supported and encouraged me every day, despite her own illness, to finish my work as national coach," Koeman said.
"That is a testament to incredible strength. I am more grateful to her for that than I will ever be able to put into words."
Tributes from the football world
The announcement of her death prompted an outpouring of support for Koeman, with tributes immediately flooding in across social media from figures throughout the sport.
Legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was among the first to offer his sympathies. He wrote: "My deepest condolences and wishing you all much strength together as a family."
A number of prominent Dutch football stars who played under Koeman also responded. International players Denzel Dumfries, Brian Brobbey, Ryan Gravenberch and Nathan Ake all replied to his message with a heart emoji.
Decorated playing and managerial career
Koeman established himself as a legend of the game during a highly decorated playing career. The defender turned out for major Dutch clubs Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord, as well as Spanish side Barcelona.
He married Bartina back in 1985, during the early years of his professional playing career in the Netherlands.
After hanging up his boots, Koeman transitioned into coaching and took on several high profile roles across European football, including a stint managing his former club Barcelona.
He also spent time in the English Premier League, where he served as the manager of both Southampton and Everton.
Koeman has not taken another job since he stepped down from his position with the Netherlands. His departure from the national team followed their elimination from the World Cup by Morocco in the round of 32.
