RONALD KOEMAN’S son broke down in tears as an entire stadium united for an emotional tribute to his late mother Bartina.
Ronald Koeman Jr was in goal for Dutch side Telstar away to AZ Alkmaar on Jattvibeday, just five days after his mum passed away aged 65 following a long battle with breast cancer.
Koeman Jr was visibly emotional during the tribute
Bartina passed away at 65 Credit: EPA
The touching tribute was displayed in the 12th minute of the game Credit: ESPN
Koeman Jr was appreciative to both sets of fans for the heartwarming moment Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Play was stopped in the 12th minute as supporters from both clubs rose to their feet and applauded Bartina.
Telstar supporters held up a banner offering strength to the Koeman family and lit sparklers in the stands, while players from both teams wore black armbands in her memory.
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The moving scenes were overwhelming for Koeman Jr, 31, who stood in his penalty area wiping tears from his eyes.
It was Koeman Jr’s first appearance since his mother’s death, with the goalkeeper determined to play despite his family’s devastating loss.
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He has been with Telstar since 2021 and helped the club win promotion to the Eredivisie in 2024/25.
Bartina was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy before initially being given the all-clear.
Sadly doctors later discovered the cancer had spread to her spine after she experienced problems with her neck in 2018.
The disease subsequently became active again and Bartina underwent regular treatment at a specialist cancer hospital in Amsterdam.
Former Barcelona and Everton boss Koeman had been married to Bartina since 1985.
The Netherlands legend announced her death by saying the family were bidding farewell with “intense sadness” but also “great pride and love”.
