Why is Ronald Koeman important in FC Barcelona's history

Ronald Koeman made his professional debut in 1980 with FC Groningen. Between 1984 and 1989 he was a member of Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax and PSV Eindhoven. In 1989 he signed a contract with FC Barcelona, where he remained until 1995. Once his time as a Barça player was over, he returned to his country where he finished his professional career playing for Feyenoord Rotterdam. 

Also known as “Tintín”, Ronald Koeman is the current head coach of FC Barcelona, where he signed a two-year contract. Find the latest news about the team that gave him a coaching chance, and stay informed about the most recent details of the Spanish club.

In 1992 FC Barcelona, in which Koeman shone in his best period as a professional, was playing in its fifth participation in the European Cup (currently known as Champions League). After losing in 1961 against Benfica and in 1986 against Steaua Bucharest, Barcelona had a great pending account among its triumphs.

Everything about “Tintín” 

The Dutch defender was considered one of Barcelona's mainstays and is remembered from that time onwards for his accurate ball control and quick passing. 

During his six years as a player with FC Barcelona he scored 106 goals, an uncommon number for someone in his position. 

Koeman's winning goal for Barcelona in the 1992 European Cup marked soccer history: the beginning of the Champions League. Learn more about the Champions League, and stay up to date with the result of your favorite teams.

The team led by Johan Cruyff, with players like Koeman, Guardiola, Romário and Bakero, won four consecutive leagues between 1991 and 1994. 

But it was in 1992 that one of the club's most important events took place: Barcelona won the first European Cup at Wembley Stadium. 

After 111 minutes of an intense and exciting match against Sampdoria, Koeman kicked into the goal with all his power, avoiding the Italian Luca Pagliuca, and scored the winning goal. A goal that gave birth to modern Barcelona and marked the way forward.

His role as FC Barcelona’s coach

In a new post-Messi era with the loss of star players such as Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona lost some of its most important sponsors. Companies such as Rakuten and Beko, decided to end their commercial relationship with the club and Nike seems to follow the same path.

In terms of soccer, the team suffered a tough defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League debut. 

It will definitely be a very complicated season, but the club's authorities trust in Koeman and are betting on the younger players coming from the youth teams.