Former Ajax director Marc Overmars has resigned from his position as sporting director of Royal Antwerp because of health problems.
The 53-year-old announced his immediate departure in a letter to the Belgian club’s supporters on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Overmars said years of tiredness and stress reached a critical point during the previous weekend.
“My energy is now completely depleted,” he wrote.
Doctors reportedly warned him that continuing with his demanding professional life could lead to a serious outcome.
Overmars said he had no choice but to listen to his body and stop all professional activities for the time being.
The decision came while he was discussing a contract extension with Royal Antwerp.
He wanted to remain until the end of the current season and continue working at the club for several more years.
However, his health forced him to abandon those plans.
Overmars suffered a serious heart problem in December 2022, months after joining Royal Antwerp. He later revealed that part of his heart had suffered permanent damage.
The former Netherlands international continued working but had to manage his energy and responsibilities carefully.
He said the pressure of recent football seasons and stressful transfer periods had become too much for him.
Overmars joined Royal Antwerp in March 2022, shortly after resigning as Ajax’s director of football.
He left Ajax after admitting that he had sent inappropriate messages to female employees. He apologised for his conduct.
During his time in Belgium, Royal Antwerp won the league title, Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup.
Overmars thanked the club’s management, supporters and the city of Antwerp for their support.
He plans to attend the club’s home match against Union Saint-Gilloise to say goodbye to the supporters.
After that appearance, he will take a complete break and concentrate on his recovery.
Before moving into football management, Overmars played for Ajax, Arsenal and Barcelona. He also made 86 appearances for the Netherlands.
