Ronald Koeman has resigned as head coach of the Netherlands after they crashed out of the World Cup following defeat by Morocco in the last 32.
Koeman, 63, announced on Instagram that he was stepping down hours after they were beaten by Morocco in a penalty shootout.
The former Barcelona and Everton boss said he made the decision immediately after the Dutch’s early exit from the tournament in North America. It brings to an end his second spell in charge of the national team, a role he also held from 2018 to 2020.
‘Last night I took the decision to end my stint as head coach of the Dutch National Team,’ Koeman wrote.
‘Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud and grateful. I have had the privilege to work at Vitesse, Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, AZ, Feyenoord, Southampton, Everton, FC Barcelona and of course two periods at Oranje. Clubs and people that shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.
‘That’s why it hurts that my period at Oranje ends like that. We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would write history. That didn’t work out. No one is more disappointed about that than me. As a head coach, you carry that responsibility. I have always felt that and I will always continue to feel that.’
Ronald Koeman has dramatically quit as manager of the Netherlands after their World Cup exit
Koeman also referenced his wife Bartina’s battle with breast cancer. She previously beat the disease in 2010 but was diagnosed again in 2024 and is undergoing chemotherapy.
‘Moreover, the past years have made me realise again that there are more important things than football,’ Koeman added.
‘Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes. My wife Bartina has supported and encouraged me every day to finish my work as a national coach, despite her own illness process. That is a testimony to incredible strength. I appreciate her more than I’ll ever be able to put into words.
‘I want to thank all the players I had the pleasure to work with. Your efforts, character and confidence have motivated me every day. Thanks also to my staff, the KNVB, all the employees behind the scenes and the clubs I’ve been allowed to work with.
‘But above all thanks to the supporters. For being supportive even in times when it was difficult. It was a great honor to be able to represent the Netherlands as a head coach.
‘Saying goodbye to mixed feelings. Of course I would have liked to end my time at Oranje with a world title. Unfortunately, that dream was left unfulfilled. But above all pride prevails. Proud of everything football has brought me, the people I’ve met and the fact that I’ve been able to make my biggest passion my profession.
‘Thank you for all those years of trust, criticism, support, disappointments, successes and so on.’
The Netherlands finished level with Morocco at 1-1 after extra-time in a tense last-32 clash in Monterrey before succumbing to the agony of defeat in a penalty shootout.
The loss has sparked a furious reaction in the country, with local media turning on stars including captain Virgil van Dijk and the head coach.
Van Dijk has been accused of ‘ruining Dutch football’ and told that his ‘time is up’, while Koeman has ‘failed terribly’ in his role.
Writing in De Telegraaf, journalist Valentijn Driessen said: ‘The way the Dutch national team presented itself to the whole world, defensively and without any initiative, is a great disgrace.
‘Koeman and his captain Van Dijk betrayed everything our national football stands for in Monterrey. By opting for an ultra-defensive style of play, Van Dijk did not have his defensive affairs in order during the World Cup group stage.
‘But no matter how many defenders you surround him with, Van Dijk has had his time.
‘Just like national coach Koeman, who has simply failed terribly.
‘You shouldn’t deviate from your idea when it comes to penalties, he said before the clash with Morocco, but a national coach who, after four years of work, starts juggling his lineup and tactics two days before the first knockout match is no longer up to the task.
‘Before Oranje sets foot on Dutch soil after this elimination, the KNVB (Dutch FA) must part ways with Koeman. Top-level football is ruthless, the national coach himself said.
‘He has failed in this second phase of his tenure as national manager, having not won a single match against a top 25 country in four years. He completely fell through the ice in Mexico.
‘By adding even more defenders to relieve his buddy Van Dijk, he helped them sink deep into the pit.’
He added: ‘It is time for a breath of fresh air and a fresh start for the Dutch national team. Without Koeman and Van Dijk.’
Koeman was first appointed Dutch head coach in 2018. He served for two years before leaving to become manager of Barcelona.
He then returned to his national side in 2023 following the retirement of Louis van Gaal after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Koeman guided the Netherlands to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, where they were beaten in the semi-finals by England.
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