Barcelona is mourning alongside Ronald Koeman after the death of his wife, Bartina Koeman Boddeveld, aged 65.
The family of the former FC Barcelona player and coach confirmed her death following a long illness. Bartina had been receiving treatment for cancer, a struggle Koeman had spoken about publicly while in charge of the Netherlands ahead of the last World Cup.
A difficult period during the World Cup
Asked before the tournament whether his wife might join him in Qatar, Koeman explained that travelling would be complicated because her treatment took place every Wednesday and left her dealing with side effects for one or two days afterwards.
He said at the time that reaching the final might offer the best chance for doctors to allow her to make the journey. Bartina was ultimately unable to overcome the illness.
Barcelona sends condolences
FC Barcelona paid tribute to Bartina and offered its sympathy to one of the defining figures of the club’s modern history. The Catalan side expressed its deepest condolences and affection to Koeman and his family, adding that she should rest in peace.
Bartina Koeman Boddeveld is survived by her husband Ronald and their children, Tim, Debbie and Ronald. Her death has brought grief to the Koeman family, their friends and the wider Barcelona community.
