Arsenal Players

General Information

Robin van Persie (born 6 August 1983) is a legendary Dutch striker turned coach, renowned for his pace, technique, and eye for goal. A former Arsenal icon and Premier League Golden Boot winner, he has transitioned into management and is now head coach at Feyenoord, completing a full circle back to his boyhood club.

Early Life and Youth Development
Born in Rotterdam, van Persie began his football journey in the youth systems of Excelsior and later Feyenoord. He made his senior debut for Feyenoord during the 2001–02 season and helped the club secure the UEFA Cup that year, earning recognition as Dutch Football Talent of the Year. His early success brought him into the spotlight as one of the Netherlands’ most promising young talents.

Arsenal Career (2004–2012)
In 2004, Arsène Wenger signed van Persie from Feyenoord to life-changing effect. Originally a winger, Arsène Wenger converted him into a central striker—igniting one of the most prolific periods of his career. Over eight seasons, he scored 96 Premier League goals in 194 league matches, becoming captain and a talisman for the Gunners. His 2011–12 season was especially memorable, tallying 30 league goals and finishing as the league’s top scorer. That same year, he controversially departed for Manchester United, leaving Arsenal fans with mixed emotions.

Manchester United and Beyond (2012–2019)
At United, van Persie made an instant impact, winning the Premier League in his first season while securing a second consecutive Golden Boot. He netted 26 Premier League goals in 38 games as United lifted the title. He later moved to Fenerbahçe in Turkey where injuries affected his output, before returning to Feyenoord in 2018. In his final season, he inspired the team to win the Dutch Cup in 2019, before retiring.

International Career
Robin van Persie is one of the Netherlands’ greatest-ever goalscorers. From 2005 to 2017, he earned 102 caps and scored 50 goals, becoming the joint all-time top scorer for the national team. His international highlights include a stunning flying header against Spain in the 2014 World Cup and participation in multiple European Championships and World Cups.

Playing Style and Legacy as a Player
Van Persie was known for his craftsmanship—excellent first touch, clinical finishing, and spatial awareness made him a nightmare for defenders. Whether cutting in from the left or finishing in the box, he combined technical brilliance with an innate goalscoring instinct. His leadership, professionalism, and football intelligence made him a respected figure at every club he represented.

Coaching Career
After retiring, van Persie began a coaching career at Feyenoord, working with youth teams from U16 through U19. In May 2024, he won his first senior managerial role at Heerenveen, helping the club avoid relegation in his debut season. In February 2025, he was appointed head coach of Feyenoord until 2027, leading the team in both domestic competition and the Champions League knockout stages. Reports confirm that he immediately gained the trust of players and fans alike, reinvigorating the squad with his presence and tactical clarity.

Legacy and Outlook
Robin van Persie’s legacy at Arsenal, United, and abroad is defined by his brilliance on the pitch—prolific goal return, moments of magic, and the highs of club and individual accolades. As a coach, he now applies that same passion and insight, driving his boyhood club with vision, attacking philosophy, and deep understanding of the game’s finer details. His return to Feyenoord is not just emotional but emblematic of a football life coming full circle—on the doorstep where it all began.