Former Arsenal player and Ajax chief Marc Overmars has announced he’s stepping away from his role at Royal Antwerp due to a serious health condition
10:32, 09 Sep 2026Updated 10:33, 09 Sep 2026
Marc Overmars will depart Royal Antwerp on health grounds
Marc Overmars has confirmed he will leave his role as sporting director of Royal Antwerp FC with immediate effect citing major health issues as he claimed he “must listen to his body”.
Overmars has worked with the Belgian side since 2022, but will step down after just over four years in the role as the 53-year-old penned a heartfelt farewell letter.
The former Arsenal star, who won the Premier League in 1998 before moving to Barcelona, has forged an impressive reputation off the pitch. He was key in assembling the Ajax side of 2019 that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League with Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt in their ranks.
But Overmars’ health will force him to leave the game, at least for now, as he opened up on his struggles and his decision in an open letter.
Get YOUR Mirror Football Newsletter
Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.
To get it, it’s a quick and easy one-two:
1. Head THIS WAY
2. Enter your email and hit Subscribe
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football’s Facebook page
It read: “Unfortunately, my message is not the one I wanted to bring you. All the years of accumulated fatigue and the immense stress sadly reached a climax this past weekend. You all know that my health is not optimal. However, I now feel very clearly that I can no longer handle this hectic, stressful professional life
“My energy is completely depleted today: if I don’t listen to my body now, my doctors predict that the chance of a bad outcome is very high. So I have to make a drastic decision and completely cease my professional activities for the time being.
Overmars confirmed he would make one last appearance, adding: “Before the match against Union next week, I want to thank you all in person one more time. After that, complete rest is definitely in order.”
The Dutchman has spent more than four years at the Belgian club
Whilst at Royal Antwerp he helped create a team that won the league and cup double in 2023. Overmars has played a part in identifying and nurturing top talent, which includes Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who was sold for a record fee last summer.
Willian Pacho, PSG’s Champions League-winning defender, was also on their books before his sale. Arthur Vermeeren and George Ilenikhena have moved to clubs in Europe for notable fees.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£51
£35
Sky
Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.
This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.