Ronald Koeman has resigned as Netherlands head coach after their World Cup exit, following a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco. The 63-year-old announced his decision on social media platform X, expressing pride and gratitude for his career while acknowledging the disappointment of falling short of the world title.
Koeman's statement
In his statement, Koeman said: "Last night, I made the decision to conclude my tenure as head coach of the Dutch national team. When I look back on my career, I feel primarily pride and gratitude. I have had the privilege of working at Vitesse, Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, AZ, Feyenoord, Southampton, Everton, FC Barcelona, and of course, two spells with Oranje. Clubs and people who have shaped me and given me memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life."
He added: "That is precisely why it hurts that my time with Oranje ends this way. We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would make history. That did not happen. No one is more disappointed about that than I am. As head coach, you bear that responsibility. I have always felt it and will always continue to feel it."
Career highlights
Koeman, who previously managed the Netherlands from 2018 to 2020 before returning in 2023, led the team through a challenging World Cup campaign. His resignation comes after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Morocco, ending Dutch hopes of advancing further in the tournament.
Koeman concluded: "I am saying goodbye with mixed feelings. Of course, I would have preferred to conclude my time with Oranje with a world title. Unfortunately, that dream remained unfulfilled. But above all, pride prevails. Pride in everything football has brought me, in the people I have met, and in the fact that I have been able to turn my greatest passion into my profession."
The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has not yet announced a successor. Koeman's tenure included notable victories, but the World Cup exit marked a disappointing end to his second stint as national team coach.
