In Laren, a small town about 30 kilometres from Amsterdam, Dutch and European football gathered on Wednesday to bid farewell to Bartina Koeman, the wife of Ronald Koeman, who died on 15 September aged 65 after a long illness.
Koeman was joined by his children and grandchildren as relatives, long-standing friends and figures from across his playing and coaching life came together for an emotional funeral. Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta and vice-president Rafa Yuste travelled to the Netherlands in support of the former Barcelona defender and manager.
A farewell shared across football
- Bartina Koeman died on 15 September following a prolonged illness, at the age of 65.
- Her funeral took place on Wednesday in Laren, drawing members of Koeman’s family as well as friends from Dutch football and Barcelona.
- Several people connected to Barcelona’s celebrated Dream Team were involved in the tribute, alongside Koeman’s personal friends, including veteran journalist Lluís Canut and Danny Cruyff.
- Former team-mates and acquaintances from Koeman’s time with Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord, Groningen and the Netherlands national side also attended.
- Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay and Jordi Cruyff, now Ajax’s sporting director, were among those present, together with representatives of the Dutch football federation.
The breadth of attendance reflected Koeman’s place in the Dutch game, from his early club career through to his years as an international and later as a coach. Barcelona’s delegation also underlined the enduring bond with a figure whose goal in the 1992 European Cup final remains one of the defining moments in the club’s history.
National team plans adjusted
The Netherlands squad altered its schedule to allow players and staff to attend the ceremony. Xavi Hernández’s media appearance was moved forward to 11.00, while the final training session was postponed until 17.30.
Xavi offered condolences to Ronald Koeman and his family, saying he had contacted Koeman personally. Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk also spoke of Bartina’s death and of the relationship he had developed with the Koeman family.
Tribute to continue in Amsterdam
The remembrance will extend to Thursday’s international against Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Before kick-off in Amsterdam, the Netherlands team will observe a minute’s silence in Bartina Koeman’s memory.
