Ronald Koeman’s wife Bartina dies aged 65 after cancer battle

The Dutch football community is mourning the death of Bartina Koeman Boud, the wife of Barcelona legend and former Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman. She was 65.

The news was announced by the family of the former Barcelona player and manager, according to Foot Mercato. Bartina had been living with cancer for many years.

Koeman spoke about his wife’s illness and the demanding treatment she underwent on a regular basis, but always with great care. Before the most recent World Cup, while he was in charge of the Netherlands, he explained that she received treatment every Wednesday and then suffered side effects for several days afterwards.

Despite the difficulties, Koeman remained hopeful that Bartina could join him if the Netherlands progressed deep into the tournament.

“If we reach the final, perhaps the doctors will allow her to travel, and that would be wonderful,” he said.

The couple had been together for several decades and had three children: Tim, Debbie and Ronald.

Koeman left his role as Netherlands manager after the team’s early World Cup elimination in the last 32 against Morocco, with Xavi Hernandez taking over from him, according to the source.

Koeman spent six years as a player at Barcelona. He scored the goal that secured the club’s first European Cup, now known as the Champions League, in 1992.

He later returned to Barcelona as manager, taking charge for the 2020-21 season.