Meet Arjen Robben’s Parents: Hans Robben and Marjo Robben

Arjen Robben, the Dutch football legend celebrated for his blistering pace, dazzling dribbles, and trademark left-footed curl from the right wing, built his career on a foundation of discipline and unwavering family support.

Born on January 23, 1984, in Bedum, a small town in the northeastern Netherlands, Robben grew up in a Christian household where faith, education, and sport blended seamlessly.

His father, Hans Robben, a former amateur footballer and later his agent, played a central role in guiding his career, while his mother, Marjo Robben, dedicated her work to youth education as a public speaker. Although details about siblings remain scarce, many accounts describe Robben as the only son.

From an early age, his passion for football was undeniable. He mastered the Coerver Method, a training technique that honed his ball control and technical brilliance, setting the stage for his rise in the game.

His parents supported his journey by enrolling him in the best local soccer school while he attended a Technical Grammar School in Groningen, balancing academics with his growing commitment to football until the sport ultimately took center stage.

Robben is 41 years old and remains admired as one of the finest wingers of his generation. Beyond football, his personal life reflects loyalty and stability.

He married his high school sweetheart, Bernadien Eillert, on June 9, 2007, in Groningen, and their union has been his only marriage.

Together, they are raising three children: Luka Robben, born in 2008; Lynn Robben, born in 2010; and Kai Robben, born in 2012. He stands at 1.80 meters (5 ft 11 in).

At the core of Robben’s story are Hans and Marjo, whose influence went beyond parental guidance to instill resilience, humility, and determination.

Hans Robben

Hans Robben, born on September 9, 1957, has been the steadfast pillar in his son’s professional life, serving as both his father and long-time agent.

A former amateur defender who played for local club CVVB Bedum, Hans instilled in young Arjen a deep love for the game from an early age.

Recognizing his son’s prodigious talent, Hans enrolled him in the neighbourhood’s premier soccer school, where Arjen honed the skills that would later dazzle fans at clubs like PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.

Beyond the pitch, Hans‘ influence extended to the boardroom. He managed Arjen’s career meticulously, handling contract negotiations and transfer dealings with a keen eye for detail. This father-son partnership played a pivotal role in key moments, such as Arjen‘s high-profile move to Chelsea in 2004 and his triumphant return to FC Groningen in 2020.

Hans‘ background as a retired footballer gave him unique insight, allowing him to guide Arjen through the highs of eight Bundesliga titles and a Champions League triumph in 2013, as well as the lows of persistent injuries that plagued much of his career.

Arjen has often credited his father for instilling in him a grounded approach to fame. In interviews, he has spoken of Hans’s role in keeping him focused, ensuring that decisions were always family-oriented.

Even in retirement—Arjen hung up his boots for good in 2021 after a brief comeback—Hans remains a quiet force, symbolizing the enduring bond that helped forge one of football’s most electrifying wingers.

Marjo Robben

If Hans was the strategist behind Arjen‘s career, Marjo Robben was the emotional anchor and local inspiration who encouraged his holistic growth.

A well-known public speaker in the Groningen region, Marjo has built a reputation as a local celebrity through her engaging talks on youth education and personal development.

She is a frequent participant at events like the Eurosonic Noorderslag festival, where her charisma shines, motivating young audiences to pursue their dreams with the same fervour she instilled in her son.

Marjo‘s maiden name, Imminga, hints at her roots in the tight-knit Dutch community of Bedum, where the Robben family resided in a modest middle-class home. From Arjen‘s childhood, she balanced his rigorous training schedule with an emphasis on schooling; he attended a Technical Grammar School in Groningen before prioritizing football.

Marjo‘s advocacy for education likely influenced Arjen‘s own philanthropic efforts later in life, including charity matches with legends like Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane to support youth programs. Though less visible in the media than Hans, Marjo‘s presence has been felt at crucial moments.

Photos from Bayern Munich matches, such as the 2017 UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, capture her in the stands alongside Hans, cheering with Arjen‘s wife Bernadien Eillert and grandson Kai Robben.

Her role as a supportive mother extended to fostering Arjen‘s resilience, especially during health scares like his 2004 testicular cancer examination, which thankfully proved negative.

Marjo‘s public speaking prowess—described as captivating and community-focused—mirrors the poise Arjen displayed in high-stakes games, from scoring the winner in the 2010 World Cup against Slovakia to his iconic volley against Manchester United.