Ronald Koeman’s wife, Bartina Koeman, has passed away at the age of 65. The former national team manager announced the news on his Instagram account. Bartina had been suffering from chronic breast cancer. “With intense sadness, but also huge pride and love, we say goodbye to my beautiful wife, our most loved mother and grandmother,” Koeman wrote.

Koeman and his wife had been married since 1985 and had three children. Ronald Koeman Junior is currently the keeper for Eredivisie side Telstar.

The former Oranje manager spoke openly about his wife’s illness recently and the influence this had on their lives. In late July, Ronald Sr published a photo on Instagram of himself together with Bartina. “The rest is unimportant in life,” he wrote with a heart.

Koeman also praised his wife when he departed from his position as national team coach. He decided to quit the position after Oranje had been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup last summer. The national side were beaten by Morocco on penalties.

Koeman wrote in his statement confirming his departure that his wife had “supported and encouraged” him every day to finish his job as national team manager. “These last few years have made me realize that there are more important things than football. Football has been my life, but you cannot put a price on health.”

The Dutch football association KNVB expressed their condolences on X. “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bartina Koeman, the wife of our former national team manager Ronald Koeman. We wish Ronald, their (grand)children, family, and other loved ones a lot of strength and well wishes with this significant loss,” the association wrote.

FC Barcelona, where Koeman enjoyed success as a player and managed the first team, also responded to the news. “FC Barcelona and its supporters send their deepest condolences and affection to Ronald Koeman and his family for the passing of his wife, Bartina Koeman. May she rest in peace.”

Many players and clubs responded to the post on Instagram, expressing their condolences.