Dutch football mourns the death of Bartina Koeman Boddeveld, Ronald Koeman’s wife, at the age of 65. The Koeman family announced the sad news after Bartina spent several years battling cancer.
Ronald Koeman had spoken about his wife’s illness with great discretion, including the difficult treatments and side effects she endured throughout her fight.
Before the last World Cup, while managing the Netherlands national team, Koeman explained that Bartina received treatment every Wednesday and often suffered side effects for several days. The former Barcelona player and coach had hoped she could join him during the tournament if the Netherlands reached the final. “If we reach the final, perhaps the doctors will allow her to travel, and that would be wonderful,” he said at the time.
Ronald and Bartina Koeman shared their lives for decades and raised three children, Tim, Debbie and Ronald. Her death has brought a wave of sadness to Dutch football, with Koeman now facing the loss of his longtime wife and partner.
