What Happened to Arjen Robben?
Dutch football legend Arjen Robben, renowned for his explosive dribbling and powerful left-footed shots, enjoyed a glittering career with top clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, securing numerous domestic and international titles. After initially retiring in 2019, he made a brief, injury-hampered comeback with his boyhood club FC Groningen in 2020 before retiring definitively in 2021. As of 2026, Robben is actively involved in coaching at FC Groningen's youth academy and has also embarked on a professional career in padel.
Quick Answer
Arjen Robben, the celebrated Dutch winger, retired from professional football for the second and final time in July 2021, following a brief return to his boyhood club FC Groningen. Since his definitive retirement, he has transitioned into coaching, serving as the head coach for FC Groningen's U19 team as of July 2026. Additionally, Robben has pursued a new athletic endeavor, turning professional in padel in August 2025 and competing in tournaments.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Bedum, Netherlands
Arjen Robben was born in Bedum, a town in the northeastern Netherlands.
Professional Debut with FC Groningen
Robben made his professional debut for his boyhood club FC Groningen, quickly showcasing his talent.
Transfers to PSV Eindhoven
After impressing at Groningen, Robben moved to PSV, where he won the Eredivisie title and was named the Netherlands' Young Player of the Year.
Joins Chelsea FC
Robben signed with English club Chelsea, where he won two consecutive Premier League titles despite battling injuries.
Moves to Real Madrid
He transferred to Spanish giants Real Madrid, winning the La Liga title in his debut season.
Transfers to Bayern Munich
Robben joined Bayern Munich, where he would spend a decade and achieve legendary status, forming the 'Robbery' partnership with Franck Ribéry.
Wins UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich
Robben scored the decisive goal in the 2013 Champions League final, securing the trophy for Bayern Munich.
Retires from International Football
After 96 caps and 37 goals, Robben announced his retirement from the Dutch national team following their unsuccessful 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.
First Retirement from Professional Football
Robben announced his retirement from professional football at age 35 after a trophy-laden career, citing the physical demands.
Announces Comeback to FC Groningen
In a surprising move, Robben came out of retirement to rejoin his boyhood club FC Groningen, aiming to help the team amidst COVID-19 challenges.
Second and Final Retirement from Professional Football
After a season marred by injuries at Groningen, Robben announced his definitive retirement from professional football at 37.
Completes First Rotterdam Marathon
Robben took on a new challenge, completing his first Rotterdam Marathon.
Starts Coaching Internship at FC Groningen (U18s)
Robben began a coaching internship at FC Groningen, working with the club's U18 team as he pursued his UEFA coaching license.
Turns Professional in Padel
Robben made his professional debut in padel, competing in the FIP Bronze Westerbork tournament and earning his first ranking points.
Appointed Head Coach of FC Groningen U19s
Robben advanced his coaching career, becoming the head coach for FC Groningen's U19 team for the 2026-2027 season.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Arjen Robben, born on January 23, 1984, in Bedum, Netherlands, carved out an illustrious career as one of football's most electrifying wingers. His professional journey began at FC Groningen in 2000, quickly earning him a move to PSV Eindhoven in 2002, where he won an Eredivisie title and was named the Netherlands' Young Player of the Year. His talent soon attracted European giants, leading to a transfer to Chelsea in 2004. Despite being frequently hampered by injuries, a recurring theme throughout his career, Robben played a pivotal role in Chelsea securing two consecutive Premier League titles.
In 2007, Robben moved to Real Madrid, winning La Liga in his first season. However, his tenure was short-lived, and in 2009, he joined Bayern Munich, a move that would define the peak of his career. Over a decade at Bayern, he became a club legend, forming a formidable partnership with Franck Ribéry, affectionately known as 'Robbery.' He won eight Bundesliga titles, five DFB-Pokals, and famously scored the winning goal in the 2013 UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. Robben also had a distinguished international career, earning 96 caps for the Netherlands, scoring 37 goals, and playing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, which the Netherlands lost to Spain. He retired from international football in October 2017.
Robben initially announced his retirement from professional football on July 4, 2019, at the age of 35, citing the toll injuries had taken on his body. However, in a surprising turn, he announced a comeback on June 27, 2020, signing with his boyhood club FC Groningen to help them recover from the financial setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic. His return was unfortunately plagued by further injuries, limiting him to just seven appearances, and he announced his second and final retirement on July 15, 2021, at age 37.
Since his final retirement from playing, Robben has remained active in sports. He completed his first Rotterdam Marathon in 2022 and improved his time in 2023. In August 2023, he began a coaching internship at FC Groningen, working with the U18s. By May 2025, he was coaching the U14 team, and as of July 1, 2026, Arjen Robben has been appointed as the head coach of FC Groningen's U19 team, continuing his development as a coach within the club's youth academy. In a further sporting venture, Robben also turned professional in padel in August 2025, competing in the FIP Bronze Westerbork tournament and earning his first ranking points. He has expressed a desire to popularize padel in the Netherlands, similar to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's impact in Sweden.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Arjen Robben made different choices?