Ronald Koeman has resigned as manager of Netherlands following the national team's elimination from the World Cup at the Round of 32, knocked out on penalties by Morocco.

The match finished 1-1 after extra time, but Netherlands were unable to convert in the shoot-out, with Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville all failing to score from the spot.

Koeman's emotional farewell

Writing on Instagram, Koeman — who is 63 — reflected on a career that has spanned clubs and countries over several decades. "Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud," he wrote. "I have worked with clubs and people that shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime."

"We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would write history. That didn't work out. No-one is more disappointed about that than me," he added.

Koeman also spoke about a deeply personal reason for stepping away from the game, referencing his wife Bartina's ongoing battle with breast cancer. Having first overcome the illness in 2010, she was diagnosed again in 2024 and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

"Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes," Koeman said.

Second spell ends in heartbreak

This marks the end of Koeman's second stint as Netherlands manager. He first led the team between 2018 and 2020, departing to take charge of Barcelona before eventually returning to the national role.

He becomes the third manager to leave his post during this World Cup, following Tunisia's Sabri Lamouchi — dismissed after a 5-1 opening defeat to Sweden — and Scotland's Steve Clarke, who resigned after his side failed to advance from the group stage.

KNVB vows action against racist abuse

In the aftermath of the defeat, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced it would pursue criminal charges against individuals who subjected Netherlands players to racial abuse on social media. Kluivert, Timber, and Summerville — the three players who missed penalties — were targeted by discriminatory and hateful comments online.

The KNVB stated: "Once a report is filed, legal staff assess whether the statement constitutes a punishable offence. This can lead to a formal complaint being lodged with the Public Prosecution Service, which may then initiate a criminal investigation."