Feyenoord confirm former MLB star Robert Eenhoorn as new general manager

Feyenoord confirm former MLB star Robert Eenhoorn as new general manager
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Eenhoorn, aged 58, served as AZ's general manager from 2014 to 2024, before stepping away for a sabbatical. During his time in Alkmaar, he stabilised the club's finances and modernised its footballing philosophy, notably by recruiting MLB executive Billy Beane as a special advisor. Beane is famously the central figure in the film 'Moneyball'.

The Rotterdam native takes over from Dennis te Kloese, who departed Feyenoord to join Mexican giants CF Monterrey.

"It should come as no surprise that, being a Rotterdam native, I am extremely proud to join Feyenoord," Eenhoorn told the club's website.

"When I was first approached some time ago about potentially taking over from Dennis te Kloese, we had detailed conversations about my role, my vision for the club, and the club's own vision. Those talks were productive, and I came to feel that Feyenoord is now the right move for me."

In Rotterdam, Eenhoorn will collaborate closely with manager Robin van Persie as they prepare for the UEFA Champions League, having finished second in the Eredivisie.

Rigaux set to arrive from Club Brugge

Feyenoord are also expected to appoint Devy Rigaux, the sporting director of Club Brugge, as their technical director. Rigaux confirmed that he will join the Rotterdam side. "We have not signed anything yet, but I have given my word," he told Sporza. "I will finish off and hand over a few more matters. I will start at Feyenoord on 1 June at the earliest."

Concluding his first interview with the club, Eenhoorn, who spent three years in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the New York Yankees and California/Anaheim Angels, spoke about his aim to transform Feyenoord into a modern sports organisation.

"I look forward to getting started, especially because I feel that after several good years, the club is ready for a new chapter, or perhaps the next step. The key is to chart the right course together and set sail on it. The challenge lies in preserving Feyenoord's historic identity while also establishing all the conditions a modern elite sports organisation must meet," Eenhoorn concluded.