Former Dutch footballer Robin Van Persie is widely regarded as one of the most lethal marksmen in his prime. Born on August 6, 1983, Van Persie played as a striker and is best known for his time in the Premier League, where he played for Arsenal and Manchester United. He signed for Arsenal in 2004, joining from Dutch side Feyernoord.
Initially deployed as a left winger, manager Arsene Wenger believed he could convert Van Persie to a striker, as he had done with Thierry Henry. His first season at the club proved successful, with Arsenal winning the FA Cup on penalties against Manchester United. The Dutchman scored a penalty in the shootout, but it proved to be his only trophy with the North London club.
In following seasons, Van Persie established himself as an important player for the club, including a stunning volley in a 2-1 win away to Charlton which won Match Of The Day’s goal of the month award. Following the departure of Henry to Barcelona, Van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor were tasked with firing the Gunners to success.
After a season plagued by injury, Van Persie showed that he was Arsenal’s main attacking threat in the 2008/09 season, which included strikes against Liverpool and a double in a 2-1 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, helping them finish fourth. Further injuries followed which disrupted his progress, including one to his ankle which meant he missed five months of the 2009/10 season.
Van Persie scored 22 goals in 33 games in 2011, including an incredible strike against Barcelona at The Emirates, volleying in from a tight angle. He also scored 18 Premier League goals, despite missing half the season through injury, finishing only two goals off the golden boot. The Dutchman got his hands on the golden boot the following season, netting 30 times as Arsenal finished third.
Van Persie was running out of contract at the end of that season, and Manchester United were able to acquire his services for £22.5million in 2012. The signing proved to be inspired. A partnership with Wayne Rooney was formed, and helped United to win their 20th league title. This included strikes against Chelsea in a 3-2 away win, and a last minute winner in a 3-2 win in the Manchester derby at the Etihad. He also scored against Liverpool, and managed to net home and away against former club Arsenal. He also secured his second consecutive Premier League golden boot.
The 2013/14 season was less successful. Sir Alex Ferguson had retired and was replaced by David Moyes. United finished seventh and missed out on European football for the next season. On a personal note, Van Persie chipped in with 18 goals in all competitions, including a stunning hat-trick in a 3-2 win against Olympiacos at Old Trafford.
The next season saw his former Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal take charge, and helped them to return to the Champions League after a season-long absence. Van Persie departed the club in July 2015, having scored 58 goals in 105 appearances.
Van Persie joined Fenerbache in July 2015, and spent three years there. His most notable moment at the club came in October 2016 against United at Old Trafford in the Europa League. With the team trailing 4-0, Van Persie scored a late consolation, and was given a standing ovation by the Old Trafford faithful. He joined Feyenoord in 2018, returning to the club in which he started his career, helping to the Dutch cup in his first season back.
Van Persie retired in 2019 after a stellar career. He played 102 times for his country, scoring 50 times, which is the all-time goalscoring record for the Netherlands men’s national team, eight ahead of Klass-Jan Huntelaar in second. His most notable moment for the Oranje came in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, scoring a diving header from the edge of the box in a 5-1 win against then world champions Spain.
Van Persie joined the staff at Feyenoord in May 2021 as one of the U16 coaches. He also does work for BT Sport, interviewing Man United boss Erik ten Hag in March 2023, and chatting to Joe Cole in November 2022. He joined the channel as a pundit in July 2019 for the 2019/2020 season, and was thrilled in February 2023 on his return to Old Trafford as fans chanted his name. RVP appeared in a charity match at Ibrox against Rangers legends in March 2023, scoring two goals and assisting his former teammate Jack Wilshire.
Van Persie has been married to his wife Bouchra since 2004. Together, they have two children, Shaqueel and Dina. Shaqueel was born in November 2006, and is part of the Feyenoord youth system. He signed his first professional contract with the club when he was 15. In January 2023, Shaqueel earned his first call-up for the Netherlands’ Under-17 team. Daughter Dina was born in 2009 and is also keen on sports, enjoying horse riding and dressage. Van Persie turned down a job offer from ten Hag at United in 2022, saying he wanted “stability” for his children.