Robin van Persie facts for kids

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Robin van Persie

Van Persie with Fenerbahçe in 2016
Personal information
Full name	Robin van Persie
Date of birth	(1983-08-06) 6 August 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth	Rotterdam, Netherlands
Height	1.83 m
Playing position	Striker
Club information
Current club	Heerenveen (head coach)
Youth career
1988–1999	Excelsior
1999–2001	Feyenoord
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2001–2004	Feyenoord	61	(14)
2004–2012	Arsenal	194	(96)
2012–2015	Manchester United	86	(48)
2015–2018	Fenerbahçe	57	(25)
2018–2019	Feyenoord	37	(21)
Total		435	(204)
National team
2000	Netherlands U17	6	(0)
2001	Netherlands U19	6	(0)
2002–2005	Netherlands U21	12	(1)
2005–2017	Netherlands	102	(50)
Teams managed
2024–	Heerenveen
Honours Men's football Representing  Netherlands FIFA World Cup Runner-up 2010 South Africa Third 2014 Brazil
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Robin van Persie (born 6 August 1983) is a Dutch football coach and a former professional footballer. He is currently the head coach for Eredivisie club Heerenveen. Many people think he was one of the best strikers of his time. He was known for his great technique, ball control, and how well he saw the game. Van Persie is the player who has scored the most goals ever for the men's Netherlands national team.

He started his career as a winger. Van Persie played his first senior game for Feyenoord in the 2001–02 season. That season ended with his team winning the 2002 UEFA Cup final. He was also named the Dutch Football Talent of the Year. After five years with Feyenoord, he moved to the English club Arsenal in 2004. He was seen as a long-term replacement for his fellow Dutch player Dennis Bergkamp.

Arsenal's manager, Arsène Wenger, changed Van Persie into a striker. Robin became a key goalscorer for Arsenal. In 2011, he scored a club record of 35 goals. He was the team captain for the 2011–12 season. Then, in July 2012, he joined rivals Manchester United. In his first season there, he won the Premier League. He also won his second Premier League Golden Boot in a row.

After two seasons with some injuries, Van Persie moved to Fenerbahçe in Turkey in July 2015. He played regularly in his first season there. But injuries limited his playing time in the next two years. In January 2018, he returned to Feyenoord. By the end of that season, he helped his childhood team win the Dutch Cup. This was his first trophy since 2013.

Van Persie played for the Netherlands at different youth levels. He made his senior international debut in 2005. This was in a friendly match against Romania. A month later, he scored his first international goal. He played over 100 games and scored 50 goals for the Netherlands. From 2013 to 2015, he was the team's captain. He played for his country in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 FIFA World Cups. He also played in the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships. The team reached the final in 2010 and finished third in 2014.

Club Career Highlights

Starting at Feyenoord

Robin van Persie was born in Rotterdam. He joined the youth team of Excelsior when he was five. At 16, he moved to Feyenoord. An injury problem at Feyenoord meant he quickly joined the first team. He played his first game for the club at 17. This was one of 15 starts in the 2001–02 season. Van Persie started for Feyenoord in the final of the UEFA Cup. After this, he won the KNVB Best Young Talent award.

The next season, Van Persie signed a professional contract with Feyenoord. He scored five goals in a 6–1 KNVB Cup win in February 2003. However, he had some disagreements with his manager, Bert van Marwijk. This led to him being moved to the reserve team. He finished his first full season with eight goals in 28 games. Feyenoord tried to extend his contract, but he spent most of the 2003–04 season on the bench.

Moving to Arsenal

Joining the Gunners

On 17 May 2004, Van Persie signed a four-year deal with Arsenal. The fee was £2.75 million. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger wanted to change Van Persie from a left winger to a central forward. He had done this successfully with star player Thierry Henry. Wenger said Van Persie could play in different attacking roles.

Van Persie made his debut and won a trophy right away. He came on as a substitute in the 3–1 FA Community Shield win over Manchester United. He spent most of his early time on the bench. He scored his first goal for Arsenal on 27 October. This was in a 2–1 League Cup win against Manchester City.

He was sent off for the first time in an Arsenal shirt in February. This was during a 1–1 draw with Southampton. He was benched for a few games after that. He returned to the team when Henry was injured. He scored twice in an FA Cup semi-final win against Blackburn Rovers. He came on as a substitute in the final. Arsenal beat Manchester United in a penalty shootout. Van Persie scored one of the penalties. He finished his first season with ten goals in 41 games.

Becoming a Key Player

After the retirement of Dennis Bergkamp, Van Persie regularly partnered Thierry Henry in the Arsenal attack.

Van Persie started the 2005–06 season in great form. He won the Premier League Player of the Month award for November 2005. He scored eight goals in eight starts. He signed a new five-year contract until 2011. But two days later, he broke his toe during an FA Cup match. He played the next three games with a hole cut in his shoe to ease the pain. He was an unused substitute in Arsenal's first Champions League final. They lost 2–1 to Barcelona.

The 2006–07 season started with an amazing volley goal against Charlton Athletic. Wenger called it "the goal of a lifetime" and it was named BBC Sport's Goal of the Month. He was also named the 2006 Rotterdam Sportsman of the Year. But his season ended early in January. He fractured a bone in his right foot while celebrating a goal against Manchester United. Even with injuries, he was Arsenal's top scorer with 13 goals.

Leading the Attack

Van Persie playing for Arsenal in 2007

After Henry left for Barcelona in 2007, Van Persie became Arsenal's main striker. He scored seven goals in ten games. But then he was out for two months with a knee injury. He returned in December. He had another injury scare in January. He played less often for the rest of the season.

Van Persie and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba in 2008

In the 2008–09 season, Van Persie scored two goals against Newcastle United. On 29 October, he scored his fiftieth goal for Arsenal. This was in a 4–4 draw with Tottenham. He scored two goals against Chelsea in November. This helped Arsenal win 2–1. On 21 December 2008, he scored a spectacular goal against Liverpool. It was later named his second BBC Goal of the Month. He captained Arsenal for the first time on 3 January 2009. He scored two goals in a 3–1 FA Cup win.

In January 2009, Van Persie scored or assisted every Arsenal goal that month. He won the club's Player of the Month award. He scored a key penalty in the UEFA Champions League against Roma. He scored another penalty against Villarreal. He finished as Arsenal's top scorer for the second time. He had his best season for Arsenal with 11 Premier League goals and 11 assists. He scored 20 goals in all competitions. He was named the 2008–09 Arsenal.com Player of the Season.

New Contract and Injuries

Van Persie taking a penalty kick in 2009

Van Persie signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal in July 2009. He said his heart was with Arsenal. With Emmanuel Adebayor leaving, Van Persie became the main striker. He started the 2009–10 season with two assists. He scored his first goal of the season against Manchester City. He then scored against Olympiacos, Fulham, Blackburn, Birmingham, West Ham, and Tottenham. He was named Premier League Player of the Month for October. But on 14 November, he injured his ankle. He was out of action for five months. He returned on 14 April. He scored a header against Blackburn and a goal against Fulham.

Number 10 and Record Breaking

Van Persie with Arsenal in 2010

Before the 2010–11 season, Van Persie changed his shirt number to 10. This number was worn by Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp. He made his 200th appearance in August. But an ankle injury put him on the sidelines again. He returned in November.

On 1 January 2011, Van Persie scored his first goal of the season. He scored two more goals against West Ham. This made him the fourth Dutch player to reach 50 goals in England's top league. Van Persie scored his first career hat-trick against Wigan Athletic. He scored two goals against Newcastle United in a 4–4 draw. He scored ten goals between January and February. This set a new Premier League record for goals in the first two months of a year.

Van Persie with Cesc Fàbregas and Sergio Busquets in a Champions League match in 2011

He scored a goal from a difficult angle against Barcelona in the Champions League. Arsenal won that game 2–1. On 27 February 2011, Van Persie captained Arsenal in the League Cup final. He scored the first-half equalizer. It was his first goal at Wembley Stadium. He was injured during the game. He was out for three weeks. He recovered in time for the return leg against Barcelona. He was sent off in that game after shooting at goal after the whistle blew. He said he couldn't hear the whistle because of the loud crowd.

He became the first player to score in seven straight Premier League away games. He scored against Bolton in April. He extended this record to eight straight away games against Stoke City. In the last home game, he scored against Aston Villa. In the last game of the season, he scored in his ninth consecutive away match. This brought his league goal total to 18. He equaled the record held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry. He finished just two goals behind the top scorers, even though he was injured for half the season. He was voted the second best player of the season on Arsenal's website. He also won Goal of the Season for his strike against Barcelona.

Captain of Arsenal

Van Persie was named captain of Arsenal for the 2011–12 season.

Van Persie was made club captain after Cesc Fàbregas left for Barcelona. On 24 August, he scored his first goal of the 2011–12 season against Udinese in the Champions League. On 24 September 2011, he scored twice against Bolton Wanderers. This brought his total for Arsenal to 100 goals. He became the 17th Arsenal player to reach this milestone.

On 16 October 2011, he scored the fastest goal of the 2011–12 Premier League season. It was 28 seconds into a match against Sunderland. He then scored a late winning goal. He scored two goals against Stoke City as a substitute. On 29 October, he scored a hat-trick in Arsenal's 5–3 win against Chelsea. He was named Premier League Player of the Month for October 2011. He scored against West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City. He scored twice against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. This helped Arsenal qualify for the next round.

He scored against Wigan Athletic and Everton. His goal against Everton was a beautiful volley. His last goal of 2011 came against Queens Park Rangers. This brought his total for the year to 35 goals. This was one goal short of Alan Shearer's Premier League record.

The next year, Arsenal struggled. Van Persie scored two penalties against Aston Villa in the FA Cup. This helped Arsenal win 3–2 after being 2–0 down. This was his 120th goal for Arsenal, equaling Dennis Bergkamp's total. On 4 February, he scored another hat-trick. Arsenal beat Blackburn 7–1. He also assisted two goals.

Van Persie was very important in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal were 2–0 down at half-time. Van Persie equalized before half-time. Arsenal came back to win 5–2. A week later, he scored both goals in a 2–1 win at Liverpool. On 11 April 2012, he scored a penalty against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He became the second player, after Ian Wright, to score against 17 Premier League clubs in a 20-team league. He finished as the top goal-scorer in the Premier League with 30 goals. He became Arsenal's eighth all-time top scorer with 132 goals.

On 4 July 2012, Van Persie announced he would not sign a new contract with Arsenal.

Playing for Manchester United

Winning the Premier League

Van Persie prepares to take a penalty for Manchester United against former club Arsenal at the Emirates in 2013.

On 15 August 2012, Arsenal announced they agreed to transfer Van Persie to Manchester United. He joined for £22.5 million. He signed a four-year contract. Van Persie chose the number 20 shirt. He was told he would help Manchester United win their 20th league title.

He made his debut on 20 August. He came on as a substitute in a 1–0 loss to Everton. Five days later, he scored his first Manchester United goal. This was in a 3–2 home win over Fulham. On 2 September 2012, he scored his first hat-trick for United. This was in another 3–2 win over Southampton. His third goal was his 100th in the Premier League. Van Persie scored a late penalty on 23 September. This gave United a 2–1 win at Anfield against Liverpool. He scored two goals in a 2–1 win against CFR Cluj in Europe.

On 20 October, Van Persie scored United's second goal in a 4–2 win over Stoke City. In the next game against Chelsea, he scored his seventh league goal. This put United 2–0 up in a 3–2 win. On 3 November, he scored against his former club Arsenal. This meant he had scored against all 20 current Premier League clubs. On 9 December, Van Persie scored a last-minute winning goal. This was from a deflected free kick in a 3–2 win over Manchester City. This goal ended City's unbeaten Premier League record.

After scoring against Everton in February 2013, Van Persie went ten games without scoring. He ended this run with a penalty against Stoke on 14 April. On 22 April, he scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa. This confirmed Manchester United's 20th league title. His second goal was a volley from outside the box. Manchester United fans voted Van Persie as the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year.

Later Seasons at United

Van Persie scored both goals in Manchester United's 2–0 win against Wigan Athletic. This was in the Community Shield. This was David Moyes' first trophy as manager. He scored two more goals in the first Premier League match of the season against Swansea City. On 19 March 2014, Van Persie scored a hat-trick. This was in a 3–0 win over Greek side Olympiacos. This sent United to the Champions League quarter-finals.

He scored his first goal of the 2014–15 season in a 5–3 defeat to Leicester City. He scored again in the next game against West Ham United. On 26 October 2014, Van Persie scored a late equalizer against Chelsea. This earned a point for United. He celebrated by taking his shirt off and was booked. In January 2015, he suffered an ankle injury. He was later removed from penalty-taking duties.

Moving to Fenerbahçe

On 14 July 2015, Van Persie joined Turkish side Fenerbahçe. He signed a three-year deal. He was given the number 10 shirt. He and his former United teammate Nani debuted two weeks later. This was in a Champions League qualifying match. His league debut came on 14 August. Six days later, he scored his first goal for his new club. He headed the only goal against Atromitos in the Europa League play-offs. He scored his first domestic goal on 23 August.

Returning to Feyenoord

On 19 January 2018, Van Persie agreed to return to Feyenoord. He had cancelled his contract with Fenerbahçe. On 28 February, Van Persie scored his 300th career goal. This win put Feyenoord into the 2017–18 KNVB Cup final. He also scored in the final on 22 April. Feyenoord defeated AZ 3–0 to win their 13th trophy.

In October 2018, he announced he would retire from football at the end of the 2018–19 season. On 3 March 2019, he scored his first hat-trick in the Eredivisie. This was in a 4–0 win against Emmen.

On 12 May 2019, Van Persie played his last professional match. This was a 2–0 home defeat against ADO Den Haag. He was replaced in the 93rd minute.

International Career

Youth and Early Senior Career

Van Persie training with the Netherlands in 2006

Van Persie played for the Netherlands U-21 team. He played in qualifying matches for the 2004 and 2006 European Championships. He often played as a left winger. He earned his first caps for the Netherlands senior team in June 2005. First, in a 2–0 win over Romania. Then, four days later, he scored his first international goal in a 4–0 win against Finland.

World Cup and Euro Appearances

Despite not always starting for Arsenal, Van Persie was in the squad for the 2006 World Cup. He played in all four of the Netherlands' matches. He scored his only goal in the group stage against Ivory Coast. The team was knocked out in the Round of 16.

Van Persie scored four goals in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying. He played as a winger in the tournament. On 13 June, he scored as a substitute in a 4–1 win over France. He started the next match against Romania and scored another goal. He finished with two goals. The Netherlands won their group but were knocked out in the next round.

In the 2010 World Cup qualifying, the Netherlands won all their games. Van Persie was in the final squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He started their first match, a 2–0 win over Denmark. On 24 June, he scored the first goal against Cameroon in a 2–1 win. This made sure the Netherlands won their group. He was named man of the match. He started every game. The Netherlands reached the 2010 World Cup Final. They lost to Spain in extra time.

Van Persie attempting a shot against Denmark at UEFA Euro 2012

On 2 September 2011, Van Persie scored four goals. This was in a record-breaking 11–0 win over San Marino. He entered the Dutch national team's top 10 all-time goalscorers list. He scored six goals in total during qualifying.

On 13 June 2012, Van Persie scored the Dutch goal in a 2–1 loss to Germany at European Championship. He picked up the ball near the halfway line and scored from outside the penalty area.

Captain and All-Time Top Scorer

Van Persie was the top scorer in the European World Cup qualifiers with 11 goals. In June 2013, he was made captain of the Dutch national team. On 11 October 2013, he became the Netherlands' all-time top goalscorer. He scored a hat-trick in an 8–1 win over Hungary. This put him on 41 goals in 80 international games. He passed the record held by Patrick Kluivert.

In the team's first match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Van Persie captained the Netherlands to a 5–1 win over Spain. He scored two goals, including a famous flying header. This goal was nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award. He was named man of the match. On 18 June, he scored his third goal of the tournament. This was in a 3–2 win over Australia. This result qualified the Netherlands for the knockout stage.

In the quarter-final, Van Persie scored the Netherlands' first kick in a penalty shootout. They beat Costa Rica 4–3. He scored his fourth goal of the tournament from a penalty kick. This was in a 3–0 win against Brazil in the third-place play-off. Van Persie was the only player since 1966 in World Cup history to score with his left foot, right foot, and head, as well as from a free kick and a penalty kick.

On 28 August 2015, Arjen Robben replaced Van Persie as captain. On 10 October, Van Persie played his 100th appearance for the Netherlands. This was in a 2–1 win over Kazakhstan. He became the eighth Dutchman to reach 100 caps. Three days later, in their final group game, Van Persie came on as a substitute. He scored an own goal, which helped the Czech Republic win 3–2. This result meant the Dutch did not qualify for an international tournament for the first time since 2002.

Coaching Career

In May 2020, a year after retiring, Van Persie became an assistant coach at his former club Feyenoord. He helped train the club's strikers. In May 2021, Feyenoord announced that Van Persie would officially join the club. He would be a field coach and co-head coach of the under-16 team. For the 2023–24 season, Van Persie was promoted to co-head coach of the under-18 team. He also coached the under-19 team in the 2023–24 UEFA Youth League. His Feyenoord under-18 team won a tournament in 2023.

On 17 May 2024, Heerenveen announced that Van Persie would be their head coach. He signed a two-year contract. In his fourth game, Heerenveen lost 9–1 to AZ. This was a league record defeat.

Personal Life

Van Persie holding his toddler son, Shaqueel, in 2010

Van Persie was born in Rotterdam into an artistic family. His mother, José Ras, is a painter and jewellery designer. His father, Bob, is a sculptor. After his parents divorced, Van Persie was raised by his father. At school, Van Persie often had problems with his behavior.

After joining Arsenal, Van Persie lived in Hampstead, a suburb of north London. Van Persie is married to Bouchra (née Elbali). They have two children: a son named Shaqueel, born in 2006, and a daughter named Dina, born in 2009.

How He Played

Van Persie started his club career as a left winger. He had amazing ball control and could shoot the ball very well. Arsenal bought him to replace Dennis Bergkamp. Manager Arsène Wenger changed him from a winger to a central forward. He had done this successfully with Thierry Henry. At first, Van Persie mostly played as a supporting forward.

When Emmanuel Adebayor and Henry left, Van Persie became the main striker. He played very well as a pure striker. He won the Premier League Golden Boot twice in a row. Van Persie was also very good at set pieces. Many of his assists came from corners and free kicks. He was also known for scoring direct free kicks for his club and country. Sometimes, he played as a false-9. This meant he played as a central forward but could drop deeper to help the team.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Van Persie training with the Netherlands in 2014

Managerial Statistics

Honours and Awards

With the Netherlands, Van Persie reached the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Feyenoord

• KNVB Cup: 2017–18; runner-up: 2002–03
• Johan Cruyff Shield: 2018
• UEFA Cup: 2001–02

Arsenal

• FA Cup: 2004–05
• FA Community Shield: 2004
• Football League Cup runner-up: 2010–11
• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2005–06

Manchester United

• Premier League: 2012–13
• FA Community Shield: 2013

Fenerbahçe

• Turkish Cup runner-up: 2015–16

Netherlands

• FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2010; third place: 2014

Individual Awards

• Dutch Football Talent of the Year: 2001–02
• KNVB Best Young Talent Award: 2001–02
• Premier League Player of the Month: November 2005, October 2009, October 2011, December 2012, April 2013
• BBC Goal of the Month: September 2006, December 2008, December 2011, August 2012, April 2013
• Most assists in the Premier League: 2008–09 (shared)
• Premier League Golden Boot: 2011–12, 2012–13
• PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2011–12
• PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2012
• PFA Team of the Year: 2011–12 Premier League, 2012–13 Premier League
• FWA Footballer of the Year: 2011–12
• ESM Team of the Year: 2011–12
• Arsenal Player of the Season: 2008–09, 2011–12
• Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2012–13
• BBC Goal of the Season: 2012–13
• FIFA FIFPro World XI shortlist: 2011, 2012, 2013
• FIFA FIFPro World XI 2nd team: 2013
• Premier League 100 Club's Greatest Goal Award
• Manchester United Goal of the Season: 2012–13 (vs. Aston Villa, 22 April 2013)
• 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification top goalscorer (11 goals)
• FIFA Puskás Award (3rd place) 2014
• Sport in Beeld-Prijs (Dutch Sports Gala) - Moment of the Year: 2014
• Okan University "Footballer of the Year": 2016
• Eredivisie Player of the Month: August 2018
• Telegraaf Footballer of the Year Gala 2019: Oeuvreprijs (Lifetime Achievement)

Records He Holds

Arsenal Records

• Most goals in a 38-game league season: 30 goals (in the Premier League, 2011–12)
• Most goals in a calendar year (35), 2011–12
• Most goals scored at the Emirates Stadium: (64)

Manchester United Records

• Only player to score two 90th-minute winning goals in the Premier League (shared with two players) 2012/13
• The third-fewest matches needed for a player to reach 15 goals (21 matches, behind only Ruud van Nistelrooy (19 matches), Dwight Yorke (20 matches)

Feyenoord Records

• The oldest player in Eredivisie history with two goals in a Klassieker (35 years, 174 days).

Premier League Records

• Most Premier League goals scored from the turn of the year to the end of the season (18) 2010/11 (shared with Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo)
• Number of teams scored against in a season: 17, joint record:
  • 20-team league:
    • Ian Wright (Arsenal, 1996–97)
    • Robin van Persie (Arsenal, 2011–12)
    • Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, 2017–18)
• Most consecutive away league matches scored in: 9, Robin van Persie (for Arsenal, 1 January 2011 to 22 May 2011)
• Highest goal-scoring Dutch player in Premier League (144 goals)

International Records

• 2014 FIFA World Cup – Only player since 1966 to score with his left foot, right foot, and head, as well as scoring from a free kick and a penalty kick.
• Netherlands national football team all-time top scorer (50)

See also

In Spanish: Robin van Persie para niños

• List of men's association football players with 50 or more international goals
• List of footballers with 100 or more caps