Former Barcelona Coach Ronald Koeman Announces Death of Wife, Bartina, at 65

Photo Credit: Ronald Koeman / Instagram (Original tribute photo shared by Koeman) | File photo: Photo by Koen van Weel
Former Barcelona Coach Ronald Koeman Announces Death of Wife, Bartina, at 65

Former Barcelona and Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has announced the death of his wife, Bartina Koeman.

Koeman shared the news in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on Wednesday, describing her as his “beautiful wife” and the family’s “dearest mother and grandmother”.

“With intense sadness, but also with great pride and love, we say goodbye to my beautiful wife, our dearest mother and grandmother,” Koeman said.

Bartina, 65, died after a battle with breast cancer. The couple had been married for 41 years since 1985, and have three children together.

Tributes have poured in. FC Barcelona 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”.

The Netherlands national team also offered its support, saying: “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, 63, is one of the most prominent figures in Dutch football. He enjoyed a distinguished playing career before moving into management. He managed Barcelona from 2020 to 2021 and also coached the Netherlands, Everton, Southampton, Ajax and several other clubs.

The family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss.
Source: Punch Newspapers