Robin van Persie celebrates with clenched fists in a red and white Arsenal home football shirt, shouting with emotion as bright stadium lights shine through the rainy night behind him.

Robin van Persie

Flying Dutchman

Full Name:
Robin van Persie
Date of Birth:
Saturday 6 August 1983
Nickname:
Flying Dutchman
Nationality:

Robin van Persie Walkouts, Dutch Striker & Coach Legacy

Robin van Persie, known to fans as the Flying Dutchman, is a Dutch football coach and former striker whose career is celebrated for technical finesse and ruthless finishing. Born on 6 August 1983 in Rotterdam, he emerged as a teenage talent at Feyenoord, and his playing days and subsequent coaching trajectory make him a compelling figure for collectors and historians alike. Walkouts collectors frequently seek authenticated Van Persie memorabilia, from signed shirts to authenticated autographs, because his career blends club success with international distinction.

Van Persie broke through at Feyenoord and was part of the squad that won the 2002 UEFA Cup. He moved to England in May 2004, signing for Arsenal, where Arsène Wenger converted him from a winger into a central striker. At Arsenal he developed into a prolific goalscorer, becoming the club's talisman and later captain, with a standout campaign in the 2011-12 season when he finished as the Premier League's top scorer.

The next chapter took him to Manchester United in August 2012, where his goals helped secure the 2012-13 Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season. Subsequent spells included Fenerbahçe in Turkey and a return to Feyenoord, where he closed his playing career having lifted the 2017-18 KNVB Cup. Across those years he produced many iconic goals, from volleys and late winners to the celebrated flying header at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Internationally, Van Persie represented the Netherlands with distinction, recording over 100 caps and scoring 50 goals, becoming his country's joint all-time top scorer. He featured in multiple major tournaments, including the 2010 World Cup final and the third-place finish at the 2014 World Cup, where his memorable header against Spain earned global plaudits.

After retirement he moved into coaching, developing young talent at Feyenoord before taking his first senior head coach role. His appointment as head coach of Feyenoord continues a long association with the club that launched his career, adding a contemporary chapter to his legacy and enhancing the provenance of match-worn items and signed pieces from across eras.

For collectors, provenance matters as much as the name on the shirt. Van Persie items that can be traced to specific matches, seasons, or milestones - a signed shirt from the 2012-13 title run, a match-worn strip linked to his World Cup goals, or authenticated autographs verified by reputable stewards - hold particular appeal. Natural collector terms such as signed shirt, authentic autograph, memorabilia and authenticated provenance are central when describing any piece linked to his career.

Robin van Persie's legacy is twofold, a record of striking excellence on the pitch and a growing influence as a coach off it. For fans and collectors seeking authenticated Van Persie merchandise, the combination of clear provenance and iconic moments make each item meaningful. Walkouts remains a go-to reference for verified collectibles, and items associated with Van Persie continue to be prized both for their sporting story and their verified origin.

Clubs played for

Robin van Persie - FAQs for Signed Shirt Collectors

Arsenal 2011–12 home football shirt. Van Persie's Premier League Golden Boot season and club captaincy make it highly sought.

Netherlands v Spain, 2014 World Cup opener. Van Persie scored his famous flying header wearing the Netherlands 2014 World Cup football shirt.

Manchester United 2012–13 home football shirt. Van Persie's debut season produced the Premier League title and a Golden Boot.

Van Persie earned over 100 caps and scored 50 goals. Netherlands 2010 and 2014 World Cup football shirts are most collectible.

2002 UEFA Cup final with Feyenoord (Feyenoord 2001–02 football shirt), 2010 World Cup final (Netherlands 2010 shirt), 2013 title clincher (Manchester United 2012–13 shirt).

Arsenal 2011–12 home shirt for Golden Boot and captaincy, Manchester United 2012–13 title shirt, Netherlands 2014 World Cup shirt for the flying header.

Available Robin van Persie Shirts: