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The couple had been married since 1985 and raised three children together. One of their sons, Ronald Koeman Junior, currently plays as a goalkeeper for Eredivisie club Telstar.
A Private Battle Made Public
In recent months, Koeman had grown more open about his wife's illness and how deeply it had shaped their family life. Back in late July, he shared a photograph of the two of them, adding a simple note suggesting that everything else in life fades in importance compared to what truly matters.
Bartina's influence on her husband was also evident when Koeman stepped down as head coach of the Dutch national team. He made that decision following the Netherlands' exit from the FIFA World Cup last summer, after Oranje suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Morocco. At the time, Koeman credited his wife for standing by him and pushing him to see out his role despite everything the family was going through. He admitted that the experience had shifted his perspective entirely, saying football had shaped his whole life, but that no amount of success could compare to good health.
Tributes Pour In From Football World
The Dutch football federation shared its condolences publicly, offering strength and support to Koeman, his children, grandchildren, and the wider family during such a difficult time.
FC Barcelona, where Koeman built a celebrated career as a player and later as head coach, also passed along its sympathies. The club extended its condolences and affection to Koeman and his loved ones following Bartina's passing, wishing her peace.
Beyond official statements, numerous players and clubs left messages of support and sympathy on Koeman's original social media post, reflecting just how widely respected the family is across the football community.
