Early Years and Family Background: Robin van Persie was born in Rotterdam, a city known for its rich football culture. His father, Bob van Persie, is a sculptor, and his mother, José Ras van Persie, is an artist and jewelry designer. This artistic background influenced van Persie, fostering creativity that later translated into his playing style.
Early Career and Hardships: Van Persie joined the youth academy of SBV Excelsior at an early age. However, his fiery temperament and disciplinary issues led to his exit from Excelsior and subsequent move to Feyenoord’s youth system. Despite these challenges, his talent was undeniable. He quickly ascended through the ranks and made his professional debut for Feyenoord at just 17 years old.
Rise to Stardom: Van Persie’s performances at Feyenoord earned him the KNVB Best Young Talent award in 2002. His potential caught the eye of Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, leading to a transfer to the English club in 2004. Initially playing as a winger, van Persie gradually transitioned to a central forward role. His time at Arsenal was marked by moments of brilliance, but also frequent injuries.
Successes:
- FA Cup: 2004–05 with Arsenal
- Premier League Golden Boot: 2011–12, 2012–13
- PFA Players’ Player of the Year: 2011–12
- FWA Footballer of the Year: 2011–12
Van Persie’s peak at Arsenal came in the 2011–12 season when he scored 30 league goals, securing the Premier League Golden Boot and several individual accolades. In 2012, seeking silverware, he transferred to Manchester United. His impact was immediate, leading United to the Premier League title in his debut season (2012–13) and winning his second consecutive Golden Boot.
Later Career and Retirement: After three seasons with Manchester United, van Persie moved to Fenerbahçe in Turkey before returning to Feyenoord in 2018, where he ended his playing career in 2019.
Real Name: Robin van Persie
Date of Birth: August 6, 1983
Birth Place: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Residence: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch
Profession: Professional Footballer (Retired)
Partner: Bouchra van Persie
Religion: Agnostic
Father: Bob van Persie
Mother: José Ras van Persie
Horoscope: Leo
Age: 40 years (as of 2024)
Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
Weight: 73 kg (161 lbs)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Dark Brown