Editing Feyenoord (section)

==History==
{{recentism|date=July 2020}}
{{Main|History of Feyenoord}}

===Foundation===
[[File:Logo RVV Feijenoord.svg|thumb|The first logo (1912)]]

The football club '''Wilhelmina''' was founded in the pub ''De Vereeniging'' on 19 July 1908<ref name="hist1">[http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Oprichting Wilhelmina] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203845/http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie |date=3 March 2016 }}, frgoals.nl</ref> and played in blue-sleeved red shirts and white shorts.<ref name="hist1"/> Between 1908, 1910, 1911, and 1912, the club underwent a series of changes of name and team colours, becoming '''Hillesluise Football Club''' in 1909,<ref name="hist2">[http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie HFC en Celeritas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203845/http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie |date=3 March 2016 }}, frgoals.nl</ref> and then '''RVV Celeritas'''. Upon earning promotion to the [[Royal Dutch Football Association|National football association]] in 1912, the club renamed to SC [[Feijenoord]] (after the city district in which the team was founded), and changed uniform once again, adopting the red and white shirts, black shorts and black socks that they still wear today.<ref name="hist3">[http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Tot Feijenoord en de eerste prijzen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203845/http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie |date=3 March 2016 }}, frgoals.nl</ref> In 1917, Feijenoord were promoted to the highest level of Dutch football and moved to the ground ''Kromme Zandweg''.<ref name="hist3"/>

===First successes===
After 16 years the formation of the club and a mere three years after they were promoted for the second time to the highest level of Dutch football, Feijenoord earned their first honours by capturing the national league championship in 1924.<ref name="hist3"/> The team enjoyed a string of successes in the latter half of the decade, taking divisional titles in 1926, 1927, 1928 and 1929, and winning their second national championship in 1928.<ref name="hist3"/>

Feijenoord won their first [[KNVB Cup|Dutch Cup]] in 1930 by scoring the only goal in a [[Local derby|derby]] final against [[Excelsior Rotterdam|Excelsior]].<ref name="cupfinals">[https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/nedcuphist.html Netherlands Cup Finals], rsssf.org</ref> They continued to dominate their division with three consecutive titles, but were winless in subsequent championship finals. Five years after their first cup win, Feijenoord took the prize for a second time in 1935, by beating HVV Helmond.<ref name="cupfinals"/>

Feijenoord started to attract more fans to their stadium at Kromme Zandweg, and in 1933, they decided to build a new facility. The club moved to the [[Feijenoord Stadion]] (nicknamed "De Kuip" or "the Tub") in 1937, playing the first match there on 27 March against [[K.F.C. Germinal Beerschot|Beerschot]].<ref name="hist4">[http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Feijenoord werkt aan prijzenkast] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203845/http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie |date=3 March 2016 }}, frgoals.nl</ref> During this period Feijenoord won three consecutive division titles from 1936 to 1938, with their third and fourth national championships coming in 1936 and 1938.<ref name="hist5">[http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Landstitel in Sparta Stadion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203845/http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie |date=3 March 2016 }}, frgoals.nl</ref>

During [[World War II]], Feijenoord played their matches at [[Sparta Rotterdam]]'s [[Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel|Kasteel]], as the [[Nazism|Nazis]] had occupied De Kuip.<ref name="hist5"/> When Het Kasteel was unavailable due to clashes with Sparta fixtures, Feijenoord played at their former ground, the Kromme Zandweg.<ref name="hist5"/>

Feijenoord again won a division title with a national championship in 1940, their fifth Dutch title. During the German occupation of the Netherlands, play continued in Dutch football leagues, though the 1945 championship was cancelled as the war came to its conclusion.<ref name="chmp">[https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/nedchamp.html Dutch Championships], rsssf.org</ref> During this period, Feijenoord's only trophy was a divisional championship in 1943. After the war, Feijenoord did not perform as well as they had in previous decades, not seriously challenging in their division and so missing the national playoff rounds.

On 30 June 1954, the chairmen of the three biggest Rotterdam teams organised a meeting in [[Utrecht (city)|Utrecht]], which was attended by several chairmen of other clubs and a delegation of the [[Royal Dutch Football Association|KNVB]] to discuss the start of professional football in the Netherlands.<ref name="hist6">[http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie De nieuwe start] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203845/http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie |date=3 March 2016 }}, frgoals.nl</ref> The professional era commenced with the first [[Eredivisie]] season in 1954/1955.<ref name="varkenoord"/> Feijenoord were one of the clubs participating in the inaugural Eredivisie and have never been relegated.<ref name="hist6"/> One of the most memorable matches in these first years of professional football was the clash between Feijenoord and the [[Volewijckers]] at 2 April 1956, which Feijenoord won 11–4, with nine goals by [[Henk Schouten]]. Feijenoord would grow an intense rivalry with [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]]. Matches between the two clubs quickly were dubbed as ''de Klassieker'' ("The Classic"). The first memorable ''[[Klassieker]]'' from a Feijenoord point of view took place at 11 November 1956, when [[Daan den Bleijker]] scored four times to give Feijenoord a 7–3 win over their archrivals.<ref name="therival">[http://www.feyenoord.com/pages/story/s2/the+club+-+history+-+the+rival.aspx The rival] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070323023450/http://www.feyenoord.com/pages/story/s2/the+club+-+history+-+the+rival.aspx |date=23 March 2007}}, feyenoord.nl</ref>

===Golden era===
Feijenoord claimed their first professional Eredivisie Championship and their sixth Dutch Championship in 1961.<ref name="hist7">[http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Landstitels en de dubbel(s)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203845/http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie |date=3 March 2016 }}, frgoals.nl</ref> On the road to the title Ajax was beaten 9–5 in De Kuip, four of Feijenoord's goals were scored by Henk Schouten.<ref name="therival" /> The following season, they played their first [[UEFA Champions League|European Cup]] match facing [[IFK Göteborg]]. The Swedes were beaten 0–3 in Gothenburg and 8–2 in Rotterdam.<ref>[http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/802.html IFK Göteborg – Feyenoord 0 – 3] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003555/http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/802.html |date=27 September 2007 }}, voetbalstats.nl</ref><ref>[http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/803.html Feyenoord – IFK Göteborg 8 – 2] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003843/http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/803.html |date=27 September 2007 }}, voetbalstats.nl</ref> Feijenoord were eliminated by [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in the following round.<ref name="feyeuro">[http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html Feyenoord in Europa] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218021527/http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html |date=18 February 2007 }}, voetbalstats.nl</ref> In 1962, Feijenoord successfully defended their Dutch Championship title and reached the final of the [[Intertoto Cup 1961–62]].<ref name="hist7"/> where Feijenoord faced arch-rival Ajax in the final and subsequently lost 4–2.<ref>[https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/int61.html Intertoto Cup 1961/62], rsssf.org</ref>

On 12 December 1962, Feijenoord played a decisive match versus [[Vasas SC]] in the second round of the [[1962–63 European Cup]]. The first two legs, in Rotterdam and [[Budapest]], both ended in a 1–0 home victory, forcing a replay on a neutral ground to take place.<ref name="Lisbon">[http://www.feyenoord.com/domains/default/pages/content.asp?content=12770000000113_2_10000000001651&contentcode=feyenoord_historiedaden Passage to Lisbon] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130122192315/http://www.feyenoord.com/domains/default/pages/content.asp?content=12770000000113_2_10000000001651&contentcode=feyenoord_historiedaden |date=22 January 2013 }}, feyenoord.com</ref> The match was played in [[Antwerp]], where 30,000 Feijenoord fans travelled by bus to see their team play.<ref name="Lisbon" /> Also this time, the final score was 1–0; [[Rinus Bennaars]] scored the only goal and was immediately nicknamed "The Hero of Deurne", reflecting the neighbourhood in Antwerp where the match was played.<ref name="Lisbon" /> The events in Antwerp resulted in an enduring friendly relationship between the fans of Feijenoord and [[Royal Antwerp FC|Royal Antwerp]].<ref name="Lisbon" />

In 1963, hundreds of thousands of people stood ashore by the [[Nieuwe Maas]] and the [[Nieuwe Waterweg]] to wave two ships, de ''Groote Beer'' and the ''Waterman'' goodbye. The ships transported thousands of Feijenoord fans to [[Lisbon]] where the club faced [[S.L. Benfica|Benfica]] on 8 May 1963 in the European Cup semi-finals.<ref name="Lisbon" /> The first leg, held in Rotterdam a month earlier, finished 0–0.<ref>[http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/814.html 10-04-1963 Halve finale EC1 Feyenoord-Benfica 0–0] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929084110/http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/814.html |date=29 September 2007 }}, voetbalstats.nl</ref> Despite Feijenoord eventually losing the match 3–1, this turned out to be the start of the most successful period in the club's history.<ref>[http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/815.html 08-05-1963 Halve finale return EC1 Benfica-Feyenoord 3–1] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003917/http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/815.html |date=27 September 2007 }}, voetbalstats.nl</ref> Feijenoord won the double for the first time in their history in 1965, and managed to win another double a few years later in 1969.<ref name="hist7"/> The 1965 title secured Feijenoord a spot in the [[1965–66 European Cup]], where they faced multiple cup champion [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]] on 8 September 1965. During the match, [[Hans Kraay Sr.|Hans Kraay]] had to leave the pitch injured after 31&nbsp;minutes, without being substituted. He returned at the start of the second half and scored the goal which resulted in a 2–1 win. During the match, fans' favourite [[Coen Moulijn]] was attacked by a Spanish defender. Moulijn then proceeded to chase the defender down the pitch, leading other players, and even fans who entered the pitch, to do the same. The referee could do nothing but to suspend the match at 2–1 in Feijenoord's favour. Two weeks later, Real Madrid comfortably beat Feijenoord 5–0 and eventually won the European Cup that season.<ref>[http://www.feyenoordgeschiedenis.net/wedstrijden/1965-Feyenoord-Real-Madrid.htm De avond waarop Puskas in De Kuip speelde] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519200418/http://www.feyenoordgeschiedenis.net/wedstrijden/1965-Feyenoord-Real-Madrid.htm |date=19 May 2007 }}, feyenoordgeschiedenis.net</ref>

As the 1969 Dutch champions, Feijenoord participated in the [[1969–70 European Cup]]. After winning against [[Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur]] 16–2 on aggregate in the first round, the club faced [[A.C. Milan|Milan]].<ref name="feyeuro"/> Feijenoord lost the first leg 1–0 in Italy but overcame the loss in their own stadium with a 2–0 win, securing a place in the quarter-finals, where they faced [[Frankfurter FC Viktoria|ASK Vorwärts Berlin]].<ref name="feyeuro"/>

The tie followed the same pattern as the previous round: Feijenoord losing the first match 1–0 away, then winning 2–0 at home.<ref name="feyeuro"/> In the semi-finals, Feijenoord beat [[Legia Warszawa]] 2–0 on aggregate, earning Feijenoord their first European final.<ref name="feyeuro"/> Feijenoord faced [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] in the final, held in the [[San Siro]] stadium in [[Milan]]. Goals by [[Tommy Gemmell]] and [[Rinus Israël]] resulted in a 1–1 draw after 90&nbsp;minutes. Three minutes before the end of extra time, [[Ove Kindvall]] scored Feijenoord's winning goal, leading Feijenoord to be the first Dutch team to claim a major European trophy.<ref>[http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/828.html 1970 European Cup Final] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070830220557/http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/828.html |date=30 August 2007 }}, voetbalstats.nl</ref>

As reigning European champions, Feijenoord faced [[Estudiantes La Plata]] in the [[Intercontinental Cup (1960–2004)|Intercontinental Cup]].<ref>[http://www.netvasco.com.br/mauroprais/futbr/toyotacup.html Toyota Intercontinental Cup], netvasco.com.br</ref> The first match in [[Buenos Aires]]' [[Estadio Alberto J. Armando|La Bombonera]] finished in a 2–2 draw. Back in Rotterdam, Feijenoord managed a 1–0 victory (winning goal by [[Joop van Daele]]) to win the world club crown, the first Dutch team to do so.<ref>[http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Vervolg van succesvolle jaren] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203845/http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie |date=3 March 2016 }}, frgoals.nl</ref> Estudiantes player [[Oscar Malbernat]] got frustrated and grabbed Van Daele's glasses and trampled on them. "You are not allowed to play with glasses... at least not in South America" was his excuse.<ref name="memparty">[http://www.feyenoord.com/pages/story/s2/the+club+-+history+-+party+in+rotterdam.aspx Party in Rotterdam] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070126131114/http://www.feyenoord.com/pages/story/s2/the%2Bclub%2B-%2Bhistory%2B-%2Bparty%2Bin%2Brotterdam.aspx |date=26 January 2007 }}, feyenoord.nl</ref> As the cup holders, Feijenoord participated in the [[1970–71 European Cup]] despite relinquishing the Dutch title, which was won by Ajax. Feijenoord were eliminated in the first round, following a surprise defeat by the Romanian team [[FC UTA Arad|UTA Arad]].<ref name="feyeuro"/> In 1971, Feijenoord won their 10th Dutch Championship.<ref name="door">[http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Feyenoord gaat door] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203845/http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie |date=3 March 2016 }}, frgoals.nl</ref>

In 1974, the club changed their name from ''Feijenoord'' to '''Feyenoord''', as people from outside the Netherlands did not know how to pronounce [[IJ (digraph)|Dutch ''ij'']].<ref name="Wist u dat"/> Under their new name, they played in the [[1973–74 UEFA Cup]], reaching the final, following a 4–3 aggregate win over [[VfB Stuttgart]] in the semi-finals.<ref name="feyeuro"/> The opponent in the final was Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs took a 2–1 lead in the first leg at [[White Hart Lane]], but [[Theo de Jong]] equalised after 85&nbsp;minutes and the match ended in a 2–2 draw.<ref>[http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/851.html Tottenham Hotspur-Feyenoord 1974] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003654/http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/851.html |date=27 September 2007 }}, voetbalstats.nl</ref> Feyenoord then won their match in Rotterdam 2–0, thanks to goals by [[Wim Rijsbergen]] and [[Peter Ressel]], and also became the first Dutch team to win the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]].<ref>[http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/852.html Feyenoord-Tottenham Hotspur 1974] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003603/http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/852.html |date=27 September 2007 }}, voetbalstats.nl</ref> As a result, Spurs fans started to riot,<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/footballviolence/article/0,,333905,00.html England told: more rioting and you're out], guardian.co.uk</ref> introducing Dutch football to the spectre of [[hooliganism]] in the process. The remainder of the decade saw Feyenoord win only one more honour: the Dutch Championship in 1974.<ref name="chmp"/>

===Falling out of contention===
In 1978, the club divided their professional and amateur sides to form two separate teams, Feyenoord Rotterdam for professionals and [[SC Feyenoord]] for amateurs.<ref name="split">[http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Splitsing en weer prijzen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203845/http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie |date=3 March 2016 }}, frgoals.nl</ref>

Feyenoord won their fifth Dutch Cup in 1980 by beating Ajax 3–1 in the final.<ref name="split"/>
In 1984, Feyenoord had another bright season, winning the double for the third time in their history.<ref name="split"/> Key players in the squad from this period included [[Johan Cruyff]], [[Ruud Gullit]] and [[Peter Houtman]] (who later became the Feyenoord stadium announcer).<ref name="johan">[http://www.cruijff.com/eng/player/feyenoord_eng/ Playing for Feyenoord] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210160658/http://www.cruijff.com/eng/player/feyenoord_eng/ |date=10 February 2007 }}, cruijff.com</ref> Cruyff reacted to Ajax's decision not to offer him a new contract at the start of the season and signed for archrivals Feyenoord instead.<ref name="johan"/> Cruyff's move to Rotterdam was criticised and increased Ajax's motivation to beat Feyenoord. In the Olympic Stadium of Amsterdam Feyenoord suffered one of their most heavy defeats ever: 8–2.<ref>[http://www.footballderbies.com//results/match_details.php?id=9&match_id=421 1983 Ajax-Feyenoord 8–2], footballderbies.com</ref> However, Feyenoord later defeated Ajax in Rotterdam 4–1 and Ajax were subsequently beaten a second time in the Dutch Cup.<ref>[https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/ajaxfeyenoord.html Ajax vs. Feyenoord since 1922], rsssf.org</ref> Feyenoord proceeded to win a league and cup double by beating [[Fortuna Sittard]] in the cup final.<ref>[http://www.foot.dk/Holpokal.asp KNVB-beker finales], foot.dk</ref>

After the successful season, Feyenoord experienced a lean period and were unable to finish the season in a higher position than third.<ref>[http://www.foot.dk/Holklubres.asp?id=33 Feyenoord Final League Standings] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051003215948/http://www.foot.dk/Holklubres.asp?id=33 |date=3 October 2005 }}, foot.dk</ref> In the 1989–90 season, the club struggled to remain in the Eredivisie, but eventually managed to avoid relegation.<ref>[http://www.foot.dk/Holstilling.asp?SeasonID=92 Eredivisie 1989/90] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070728111846/http://www.foot.dk/Holstilling.asp?SeasonID=92 |date=28 July 2007 }}, foot.dk</ref> The club had financial problems, and as a result, the staff was not able to recover and their main sponsor, HCS went bankrupt.<ref>[http://home.student.uva.nl/joost.vanbloois/historie/historie.html De zwarte bladzij]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, uva.nl</ref>

===Back to winning silverware===
When [[Wim Jansen]] was appointed as the interim manager to replace [[Günder Bengtsson]] and [[Pim Verbeek]] after a 6–0 defeat against PSV, the outlook began to improve for the club.<ref>[http://home.wanadoo.nl/ronald.zwiers/Clubs/F/Feyenoord/Feyenoord.htm Feyenoord manager history] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204064331/http://home.wanadoo.nl/ronald.zwiers/Clubs/F/Feyenoord/Feyenoord.htm |date=4 February 2007 }}, ronaldzwiers</ref> PSV, the strongest Dutch club of the period, were knocked out of the KNVB Cup by a [[Henk Fräser]] goal in [[Eindhoven]]. Feyenoord progressed to the 1991 final, where they beat [[FC Den Bosch|BVV Den Bosch]] 1–0 to win the competition.<ref>[http://www.ronaldzwiers.0catch.com/Competities/Amstel%20Cup/1991/1991.htm Amstel Cup 1990–1991] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216132736/http://www.ronaldzwiers.0catch.com/Competities/Amstel%20Cup/1991/1991.htm |date=16 February 2007 }}, ronaldzwiers</ref> As the cup holders, they faced champions PSV again, this time in the 1991 [[Johan Cruijff-schaal|Dutch Supercup]], the first Supercup held since 1949. PSV were beaten 1–0 by a [[Marian Damaschin]] goal to add another honour to the club's achievements.<ref name="rsssf.com">[https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/nedsupcuphist.html Netherlands list of Super Cup finals], rsssf.org</ref> They went on to win another Dutch Cup in 1992, beating [[Roda JC Kerkrade|Roda JC]] 3–0 in the final.<ref>[http://www.ronaldzwiers.0catch.com/Competities/Amstel%20Cup/1992/1992.htm Amstel Cup 1991–1992] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216132716/http://www.ronaldzwiers.0catch.com/Competities/Amstel%20Cup/1992/1992.htm |date=16 February 2007 }}, ronzwiers</ref> The same year, Feyenoord reached the semi-finals in the [[1991–92 European Cup Winners' Cup]], beating Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals, before being eliminated by [[AS Monaco FC|Monaco]] on away goals, after two draws.<ref name="feyeuro"/>

In 1993, Feyenoord secured another Dutch Championship by beating [[FC Groningen|Groningen]] 5–0 in the last league match of the season.<ref name="1993ch">[http://www.qontour.nl/HTML/QHistory/qmatches_neth_fcgf310593.html 1993 Groningen-Feyenoord 0–5] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218165124/http://www.qontour.nl/HTML/QHistory/qmatches_neth_fcgf310593.html |date=18 February 2007 }}, qontour.nl</ref> The match was played at the [[Oosterpark Stadion]] in [[Groningen]], so 40.000 Feyenoord fans watched the game on giant screens in De Kuip.<ref name="1993ch"/> The title was followed by another two Dutch Cups in 1994 (beating [[NEC Nijmegen|NEC]] 2–1) and 1995 (beating [[FC Volendam|Volendam]] 2–1).<ref name="cupfinals"/> During the [[1994–95 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]], Feyenoord reached the quarter-finals after beating [[SV Werder Bremen|Werder Bremen]] in the second round. They eventually lost to [[Real Zaragoza]].<ref name="feyeuro"/> In the quarter-finals in the [[KNVB Cup|1995 KNVB Cup]], Feyenoord visited Ajax, which would win the [[1994–95 UEFA Champions League]] later that season. Ajax was leading 1–0 when [[Ruud Heus]] equalised with a penalty just before full-time. In extra time, Feyenoord became the only team to defeat Ajax the same season they won the Eredivisie and the Champions League unbeaten. The goal scored by [[Mike Obiku]] was the decider as the new [[golden goal]] rule became in use.<ref>[http://www.feyenoord.com/pages/newsdetail/S1/10010000003287-2-10010000000003.aspx Ajax-Feyenoord, Mike Obiku scoort in sudden death] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927220953/http://www.feyenoord.com/pages/newsdetail/S1/10010000003287-2-10010000000003.aspx |date=27 September 2007 }}, feyenoord.nl</ref><ref>[http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/The-Curious-World-of-Ajax-123430.html The curious world of Ajax] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081228035827/http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/The-Curious-World-of-Ajax-123430.html |date=28 December 2008 }}, funtrivia.com</ref> During the [[1995–96 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]], [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] and [[Borussia Mönchengladbach]] were beaten. A total of 14,000 Feyenoord fans travelled to Germany to support the team against Mönchengladbach.<ref>[http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/935.html Borussia Mönchengladbach-Feyenoord] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003808/http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/935.html |date=27 September 2007 }}, voetbalstats.nl</ref><ref>[http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/story/s2/de+club+-+historie+-+het+legion.aspx Over de Grote Beer, havenarbeiders op de tribune en veertienduizend fans in Düsseldorf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706155843/http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/story/s2/de+club+-+historie+-+het+legion.aspx |date=6 July 2007 }}, feyenoord.nl</ref> Feyenoord were eliminated in the semi-finals by a [[Carsten Jancker]]-inspired [[SK Rapid Wien|Rapid Wien]].<ref name="feyeuro"/><ref>[http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/938.html Rapid Wien-Feyenoord 3–0] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929084006/http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/938.html |date=29 September 2007 }}, voetbalstats.nl</ref>

[[File:Feyenoord logo 1997-2008.svg|thumb|Logo used from 1997 until 2008]]
Feyenoord made their UEFA Champions League debut in [[1997–98 UEFA Champions League|1997–98]], finishing third in their group behind [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and [[Juventus FC|Juventus]]. However, Juventus was beaten 2–0 in Rotterdam, with both Feyenoord goals scored by [[Julio Ricardo Cruz|Julio Cruz]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070717193823/http://www.zanziball.it/en/26/91c.html Champions League 1997/98 Standings and results], zanziball.it</ref> In 1998, the [[FIOD-ECD]] (Fiscal Information and Investigation Service/Economic Investigation Service) visited Feyenoord because of suspected fraud,<ref name="fraud">[http://www.feyenoord.nl/domains/feyenoord/pages/article_v2.asp?content=12790000011664_2_12770000000008 Laatste woord Jorien van den Herik in Hoger Beroep "FIOD-Affaire"]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, feyenoord.nl</ref> mainly based on the signings of [[Aurelio Vidmar]], [[Christian Gyan]] and [[Patrick Allotey]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928030937/http://www.precision-football.com/scripts/news.asp?action=show&ID=1466&lang=en&sitetypID=2&sessionID= Feye fraud], precision-football.com</ref> This became an ongoing scandal in following years, with club chairman [[Jorien van den Herik]] the main suspect.<ref name="fraud"/> On 25 April 1999, Feyenoord secured their 14th Dutch Championship. 250,000 fans celebrated with the team in the center of Rotterdam. However, later in the evening, heavy rioting started.<ref>[http://www.sovs.nl/index.php?newsId=13&mode=NIEUWS&action=archive&yy=&mm= Harde maatregelen voorkomen rellen niet.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930073930/http://www.sovs.nl/index.php?newsId=13&mode=NIEUWS&action=archive&yy=&mm= |date=30 September 2007 }}, sovs.nl</ref> Prior to the start of the 1999–2000 season, Ajax were beaten in their own stadium when Feyenoord won their second Dutch Super Cup title after a free-kick goal by [[Patrick Paauwe]] secured a 3–2 win.<ref name="rsssf.com"/>

===Another European prize===
During the 1999–2000 season, Feyenoord participated in the [[1999–2000 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] for the second time. This time, the club managed to finish second in their group, behind [[Rosenborg BK]] and ahead of [[Borussia Dortmund]].<ref name="zanzi">[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927035235/http://www.zanziball.it/en/26/a50.html Champions League 1999/2000 Standings and results], zanziball.it</ref> Feyenoord reached the second group stage and secured wins against [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]] (home) and [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]] (away). [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] won both clashes and, as a result, Feyenoord had to win their last group match away to Marseille to reach the knockout stages. The final result was 0–0, and Feyenoord were eliminated.<ref name="zanzi"/>

Feyenoord again participated in the Champions League in [[2001–02 UEFA Champions League|2001–02]], finishing third in a group containing [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]], [[AC Sparta Prague|Sparta Prague]] and [[FC Spartak Moscow|Spartak Moscow]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070718055613/http://www.zanziball.it/en/26/1033.html Champions League 2001/02 Standings and results], zanziball.it</ref> This meant Feyenoord continued their European season in the [[2001–02 UEFA Cup]] instead of the second Champions League group stage.<ref name="uefa2002">[https://web.archive.org/web/20051211123524/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UEFACup/history/Season=2001/intro.html Van Hooijdonk fires Feyenoord up], uefa.com</ref> The disappointment of failing to reach the second group stage eventually resulted in optimism and celebration. By defeating [[SC Freiburg]] and [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]], Feyenoord faced fellow Dutch club PSV in the quarter-finals.<ref name="uefa2002"/> Both matches ended in 1–1 draws, and the clash went into extra time and a penalty shoot-out.<ref>[http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/1390.html UEFA Cup 2002 – Feyenoord-PSV] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070827010344/http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/1390.html |date=27 August 2007 }}, voetbalstats.nl</ref> [[Pierre van Hooijdonk]], who had a superb season by scoring many free-kicks goals, secured Feyenoord's win by scoring a 90th-minute equalizer before finishing PSV off by scoring the last goal in the penalty shoot-out.<ref>[http://home.planet.nl/~rapo/psv/europacup/uefacup.html PSV in de UEFA Cup], planet.nl</ref> A 1–0 win in [[Milan]] against [[Inter Milan|Internazionale]] and a 2–2 return match in Rotterdam then earned Feyenoord a spot in [[2002 UEFA Cup Final|the final]], against Borussia Dortmund.<ref>[http://www.the-english-football-archive.com/non_domestic_competitions/results/uefa_cup/2002.htm UEFA Cup Results/Fixtures 2002] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061120051648/http://www.the-english-football-archive.com/non_domestic_competitions/results/uefa_cup/2002.htm |date=20 November 2006 }}, the-English-football-archive.com</ref> Coincidentally, the final was held at De Kuip, and as a result, most spectators inside the stadium were Feyenoord fans. Feyenoord took a 2–0 lead thanks to another free-kick goal and a penalty by Van Hooijdonk.<ref name="uefa2002"/> Early in the second half, [[Márcio Amoroso]] scored a goal to make it 2–1. [[Jon Dahl Tomasson]] then made it 3–1.<ref name="uefa2002"/> Dortmund only managed to score one more goal and the cup was won by [[Bert van Marwijk]]'s Feyenoord.<ref name="uefa2002"/> It is still the last time a Dutch team won a European Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.voetbalnieuws.nl/nieuws/29160/feyenoord-in-europa-zo-verliep-het-europese-successeizoen-in-2001-2002.html|title='Feyenoord in Europa: zo verliep het Europese successeizoen in 2001/2002'|publisher=voetbalnieuws.nl|language=nl|date=18 April 2023|access-date=1 May 2024}}</ref>

A huge party erupted in and outside De Kuip not only because of the title, but also because the final was held several days after Rotterdam's political figure [[Pim Fortuyn]] was murdered.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/uefa_cup/1972447.stm Low-key plans for Uefa final], bbc.co.uk</ref> Many fans were still full of emotion, before and after the match. As a result of Fortuyn's murder, the cup was not officially celebrated in the city centre.<ref>[http://xsi.cheeseheadz.net/feyenoord/ Feyenoord UEFA Cup Finale 2002] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060814071329/http://xsi.cheeseheadz.net/feyenoord/ |date=14 August 2006 }}, cheeseheadz.net</ref>

===Inconsistent domestic results===
The 2002 UEFA Cup win was the start of a long dry spell for Feyenoord. In the [[2002–03 Eredivisie|2002–03 season]], the club finish third in the Eredivisie, as well as reach [[2003 KNVB Cup Final|the final]] of the [[2002–03 KNVB Cup|KNVB Cup]], which was lost 1–4 to [[FC Utrecht|Utrecht]]. However, in the following years, Feyenoord disappointed in both the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup.

In between, in 2002 Feyenoord and chairman Jorien van den Herik were both found [[Acquittal|not guilty]]. Following the [[prosecutor]]'s appeal, and despite three years of investigations, the trial verdict was upheld. Nonetheless, the prosecution stated it would not yet abandon its case.<ref>[https://int.soccerway.com/news/2002/november/29/feyenoord-cleared-of-fraud Feyenoord cleared of fraud], soccerway.com</ref>

The [[2005–06 Eredivisie|2005–06 season]] ended in disappointment for Feyenoord. The team pursued the Dutch championship for most of the season, but eventually lost out to champions PSV.<ref>[http://www.foot.dk/Holstilling.asp?SeasonID=108 Eredivisie 2005/06] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070728111940/http://www.foot.dk/Holstilling.asp?SeasonID=108 |date=28 July 2007 }}, foot.dk</ref> The newly created Dutch play-offs then proved to be gloomy for Feyenoord. Ajax, which finished several points behind in the regular league, were Feyenoord's opponent in the play-offs. Ajax outclassed them and Feyenoord lost out on a Champions League place.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20061025155240/http://www.ajax-usa.com/matches/m05-06/feyenoord-s-play-off-nightmare-comes-true-at-arena-3-0.html Feyenoord's play-off nightmare came true at ArenA: 3–0]}}, ajax-usa.com</ref>
[[File:Feyenoord 100Years Balloon.jpg|Feyenoord 100&nbsp;Years Balloon|thumb|right|150px]]

In the [[2006–07 Eredivisie|2006–07 season]], the nightmare grew even bigger. The supporters saw their two star players leave to Chelsea ([[Salomon Kalou]]) and Liverpool ([[Dirk Kuyt]]). At the same time, it became clear Feyenoord were in an appalling financial state despite earlier comments made by chairman Jorien van den Herik, who claimed that the club was financially healthy. Supporters' unrest grew into anger when Feyenoord bought [[Angelos Charisteas]], a back-up striker of arch-rivals Ajax, with a poor track record, as a replacement for Dirk Kuyt. After continuous protests, Van den Herik resigned and the club began managerial reforms. However, the worst was not over. Feyenoord were banned from European competition following hooliganism prior to and during a match against [[AS Nancy|Nancy]],<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071017181227/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UEFACup/FixturesResults/Round%3D2365/match%3D85046/Report%3DRP.html Feyenoord sink as Nancy roar], uefa.com</ref> despite an appeal by the club.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/6241919.stm Court upholds Spurs' Uefa Cup bye], BBC</ref> The season ended in bitter disappointment with a seventh-place finish, causing Feyenoord to miss European football for the first time in 16&nbsp;years. While desperate supporters started preparing for a Dark Age, the club surprised friend and foe in the 2007 summer transfer window. A brilliant performance of young Dutch left back [[Royston Drenthe]] at the [[2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship]] had investors flocking to the new investment schemes Feyenoord had established. The club appointed former manager Bert van Marwijk and was able to make a number of high-profile signings, including [[Giovanni van Bronckhorst]] and [[Roy Makaay]]. Despite the efforts, Feyenoord underperformed once again in the [[2007–08 Eredivisie|Eredivisie]], finishing in a disappointing sixth place. The pain was relieved by claiming the first prize in six years: 100&nbsp;years after the foundation of the club, Feyenoord managed to win the [[2007–08 KNVB Cup|KNVB Cup]] after defeating Roda JC 2–0. As Van Marwijk accepted a job as manager of the national team, Feyenoord appointed [[Gertjan Verbeek]] as their manager for the 2008–09 season.

===Financial problems===
[[File:Feyenoord logo 100 years.svg|thumb|Logo for the club's 100th birthday]]
In the [[2008–09 Eredivisie|2008–09 season]], Feyenoord celebrated their 100th birthday and organised many events throughout the year. The old "golden logo" returned as Feyenoord's official logo, which had earlier been presented at the 2007 New Year's brunch.<ref>[http://www.feyenoordleven.nl/feyenoord100jaar.html Feyenoord 100 jaar] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927225155/http://www.feyenoordleven.nl/feyenoord100jaar.html |date=27 September 2007}}, feyenoordleven.nl</ref> During the summer, a historical tournament was held between Feyenoord and the three opponents they met in the European Cup finals – Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic – named the [[Feyenoord Jubilee Tournament]].<ref name="feyenoord100">[http://www.ad.nl/sport/article1004946.ece Borussia, Spurs en Celtic naar Kuip], ad.nl</ref>

Midway through the season, manager Verbeek was sacked due to disappointing league results. His assistant, Leon Vlemmings, took over as manager. The results in this period improved slightly, resulting in securing a spot in the playoffs for the final Dutch Europa League slot.

For the [[2009–10 Feyenoord season|2009–10 season]], Feyenoord appointed former assistant manager and Feyenoord footballer [[Mario Been]] to take over from Vlemmings. Been, after achieving minor European successes with NEC, was considered the ideal candidate for the job. Former manager Leo Beenhakker, at the time manager of the [[Poland national football team|Poland national team]], took over as technical director. Partly because of this position, Beenhakker was able to attract more investors to the club, leading to some unexpected signings, including [[Sekou Cissé]], [[Dani Fernández (footballer, born 1983)|Dani Fernández]] and [[Stefan Babović]].

On 24 October 2010, Feyenoord lost heavily to PSV 10–0. In mid-January 2011, Beenhakker resigned after multiple clashes with the Feyenoord directors.<ref>[http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/5619/Feyenoord/article/detail/1892970/2011/01/17/Leo-Beenhakker-stapt-zelf-op-bij-Feyenoord.dhtml Beenhakker stapt op], AD.nl</ref> His replacement was former Feyenoord player [[Martin van Geel]], who at the time was working as technical director for fellow Eredivisie club Roda JC.<ref>[http://www.nieuwslog.nl/2011/02/24/martin-van-geel-nieuwe-technisch-directeur-feyenoord/ van Geel nieuwe technisch directeur] {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20120906032607/http://www.nieuwslog.nl/2011/02/24/martin-van-geel-nieuwe-technisch-directeur-feyenoord/ |date=6 September 2012}}, nieuwslog.nl</ref>

In July 2011, a majority of players in the squad voted to oust Been as club manager; 13 of 18 players voted they had lost all confidence in Been's ability to successfully manage the club.<ref>[http://feyenoordreport.nl/2011/07/14/dit-zijn-de-feyenoorders-die-mario-been-hebben-weggestemd/ Feyenoorders die hebben gestemd] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425231521/http://feyenoordreport.nl/2011/07/14/dit-zijn-de-feyenoorders-die-mario-been-hebben-weggestemd/ |date=25 April 2012}}, feyenoordreport.nl</ref> Been's subsequent sacking became global news, if only because reports of Been's firing quickly became a trending topic on Twitter, leaving people around the world to wonder who exactly Been was.<ref>[http://nos.nl/artikel/255919-vertrek-mario-been-wereldnieuws.html Vertrekt Been wereldnieuws], NOS.nl</ref>

After Louis van Gaal turned down an offer to manage Feyenoord, the club approached former Barcelona defender [[Ronald Koeman]], who had played for Feyenoord during the late 1990s. With his eventual hiring as manager, Koeman became the first to ever serve as both player and head coach at all teams of the so-called "[[Big Three (Netherlands)|traditional big three]]" of Dutch football: Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord. Moreover, he played and managed these teams in the same order.<ref>[http://www.nu.nl/sport/2570054/ronald-koeman-nieuwe-trainer-feyenoord.html Koemand nieuwe trainer Feyenoord], nu.nl</ref>

===Ronald Koeman era: revival with youth players===
At the beginning of the [[2011–12 Feyenoord season|2011–12 season]], Feyenoord lost valuable players [[Leroy Fer]], [[Georginio Wijnaldum]] and [[André Bahia]] to [[FC Twente|Twente]], PSV and [[Samsunspor]] respectively. In return, the club restocked with players such as [[Jordy Clasie]], [[Miquel Nelom]], [[Guyon Fernandez]] and [[Kaj Ramsteijn]], who came mostly from their own youth academy. Two other players were loaned, [[John Guidetti]] from [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] and [[Otman Bakkal]] from PSV. Feyenoord started the season well and played the first match of the Eredivisie against the other Rotterdam club in the league, Excelsior. Feyenoord ended the season by placing second in the Eredivisie, resulting in the third qualifying round for Champions League football.<ref>{{cite web |date=2012-05-06 |title=Feyenoord tweede na logische zege op SC Heerenveen |url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/feyenoord-tweede-na-logische-zege-op-sc-heerenveen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715071655/http://www.vi.nl/nieuws/220566/Feyenoord-tweede-na-logische-zege-op-SC-Heerenveen.htm |archive-date=15 July 2012 |access-date=6 May 2012 |website=[[Voetbal International]] |language=nl}}</ref>

On 16 December 2011, it was revealed that Feyenoord had been placed in the more favorable second category (Categorie 2), meaning Feyenoord were no longer in debt, according to the KNVB. They achieved the reclassification following the transfer of several significant players and a large capital injection made by the organisation VVF (Friends of Feyenoord, Vrienden Van Feyenoord). However, to remain in the second category, Feyenoord needed to obtain the same number of points earned, rounding up to at least 65&nbsp;points.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/5619/Feyenoord/article/detail/3079368/2011/12/16/Feyenoord-heeft-voldoende-punten-voor-Categorie-2.dhtml |title=Feyenoord heeft voldoende punten voor Categorie 2 – Home – AD |language=nl |publisher=Ad.nl |date=16 December 2011 |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> On 13 April 2012, Feyenoord was officially out of what has been described as the "financial dangerzone" and was officially placed in the second category. According to club chairman Eric Gudde, the placing in the more favourable category came earlier than anticipated; he also congratulated the fans and promised to maintain the same policy until Feyenoord was completely healthy again, saying the club will never fall back into the first category.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2698/Sport/article/detail/3240389/2012/04/13/Feyenoord-uit-financiele-gevarenzone.dhtml |title=Feyenoord uit financiële gevarenzone – Sport – Voor nieuws, achtergronden en columns |website=De Volkskrant}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nusport.nl/eredivisie/2786767/feyenoord-promoveert-categorie-ii.html |title=Feyenoord promoveert naar categorie II – NU – Het laatste nieuws het eerst op NU.nl |website=www.nusport.nl |access-date=14 April 2012 |archive-date=14 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414185058/http://www.nusport.nl/eredivisie/2786767/feyenoord-promoveert-categorie-ii.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Despite no longer having to request permission from the KNVB to invest in new players, Feyenoord kept continuing the policy for the 2012–13 season, only contracting players who were either out of contract or available for a low transfer fee. [[John Goossens]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fr12.nl/nieuws/17095-john-goossens-wordt-feyenoorder.html |title=John Goossens wordt Feyenoorder &#124; Feyenoord nieuws |publisher=FR12.nl |access-date=24 January 2013 |archive-date=29 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729022830/http://www.fr12.nl/nieuws/17095-john-goossens-wordt-feyenoorder.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Ruud Vormer]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/5619/Feyenoord/article/detail/3074509/2011/12/13/Vormer-tekent-voor-drie-jaar-bij-Feyenoord.dhtml |title=Vormer tekent voor drie jaar bij Feyenoord – Home – AD |language=nl |publisher=Ad.nl |date=13 December 2011 |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> and [[Daryl Janmaat]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nos.nl/artikel/336256-janmaat-in-zomer-naar-feyenoord.html |title=Janmaat in zomer naar Feyenoord – NOS Sport |date=February 2012 |publisher=Nos.nl |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> were out of contract and signed a deal with Feyenoord over their respective prior clubs. [[Mitchell te Vrede]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S1/10010000040037-999-10010000000003.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801121228/http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S1/10010000040037-999-10010000000003.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 August 2012 |title=Feyenoord neemt Mitchell te Vrede over van Excelsior |publisher=Feyenoord.nl |access-date=24 January 2013 }}</ref> played for the affiliated football club [[Excelsior Rotterdam|Excelsior]], as well as for the highest-ranked academy team [[Feyenoord Academy (Varkenoord)|Jong Feyenoord/Excelsior]] and was promoted to the main senior team. [[Harmeet Singh (footballer)|Harmeet Singh]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20120705_singh_contract.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222151328/http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20120705_singh_contract.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2013 |title=Feyenoord versterkt zich met Harmeet Singh |publisher=Feyenoord.nl |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> and [[Lex Immers]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20120605_immers.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222125551/http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20120605_immers.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2013 |title=Lex Immers wordt Feyenoorder |publisher=Feyenoord.nl |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> were the only two players whom Feyenoord paid a transfer fee for. Singh, a Norwegian midfielder and one of two non-Eredivisie players joining Feyenoord, was purchased from [[Vålerenga Fotball|Vålerenga]], while Immers joined from [[ADO Den Haag]]. The other non-Eredivisie player joining Feyenoord was [[Omar Elabdellaoui]], who was brought in on loan from Manchester City.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fr12.nl/nieuws/18892-omar-elabdellaoui-meldt-zich-op-21-juli-bij-feyenoord.html |title=Omar Elabdellaoui meldt zich op 21 juli bij Feyenoord &#124; Feyenoord nieuws |publisher=FR12.nl |date=3 July 2012 |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref>

On 2 July 2012, [[Karim El Ahmadi]] completed his transfer from Feyenoord to English [[Premier League]] club [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of €2.6&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/7858933/Villa-clinch-El-Ahmadi-deal |title=Villa clinch El Ahmadi deal &#124; Latest Football Transfer News |publisher=Sky Sports |date=2 July 2012 |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> On 15 July, Aston Villa supports uploaded a picture on Twitter which showed [[Ron Vlaar]], Feyenoord captain since 2010–11, visiting [[Villa Park]] – Aston Villa's home ground – in [[Birmingham]]. Shortly after, Martin van Geel confirmed Vlaar sought to leave Feyenoord.<ref>{{cite web |first=Graeme|last=Bailey|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/7903736/Villa-in-Vlaar-talks |title=Villa in Vlaar talks |publisher=Sky Sports |date=16 July 2012 |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="nu.nl">{{cite web |url=http://www.nu.nl/sport/2864492/transfer-vlaar-aston-villa-lijkt-af-ketsen.html |title=Transfer Vlaar naar Aston Villa lijkt af te ketsen &#124; nu.nl/sport &#124; Het laatste nieuws het eerst op |date=22 July 2012 |publisher=Nu.nl |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> After the incident, Villa did not contact Vlaar, prompting Ronald Koeman to issue Villa a deadline of 23 July to negotiate Vlaar's transfer. On 23 July, Vlaar told the public that he would not leave Feyenoord, and said that he felt he was kept "dangling" by Villa.<ref name="nu.nl"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7926460/Vlaar-Villa-move-off-for-now |title=Vlaar – Villa move off for now &#124; Football News |publisher=Sky Sports |date=22 July 2012 |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2698/Sport/article/detail/3290095/2012/07/22/Vlaar-Ik-wil-niet-meer-aan-het-lijntje-worden-gehouden.dhtml |title=Vlaar: Ik wil niet meer aan het lijntje worden gehouden – Home |language=nl |publisher=Volkskrant.nl |date=22 July 2012 |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> However, four days later, Vlaar told the public he would eventually be joining Villa, as he had agreed personal terms and would sign for Villa subject to him passing a medical. On 1 August, Vlaar officially joined Aston Villa, signing a three-year contract. Feyenoord supporters received the news generally mixed, with some congratulating and wishing the best of luck and others feeling betrayed by Vlaar for misleading them.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nusport.nl/eredivisie/2868908/vlaar-alsnog-aston-villa.html |title=vlaar alsnog naar aston villa &#124; nusport.nl/eredivisie &#124; Voor het laatste nieuws van elke sport |publisher=Nusport.nl |access-date=24 January 2013 |archive-date=29 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729001802/http://www.nusport.nl/eredivisie/2868908/vlaar-alsnog-aston-villa.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Stefan de Vrij]] became the new Feyenoord captain, with Jordy Clasie, who because of his good play and tenacity soon became one of the most popular players among the supporters, becoming vice-captain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/5619/Feyenoord/article/detail/3293746/2012/07/30/Trotse-De-Vrij-nieuwe-captain-van-Feyenoord.dhtml |title=Trotse De Vrij nieuwe captain van Feyenoord – Home – AD |language=nl |publisher=Ad.nl |date=30 July 2012 |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref>

On 7 August, Feyenoord was eliminated by [[FC Dynamo Kyiv|Dynamo Kyiv]] in [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League qualifying phase and play-off round|the third qualifying round]] of the [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] following losses in both legs. Feyenoord was therefore demoted to [[2012–13 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round|the play-off round]] of the [[2012–13 UEFA Europa League|UEFA Europa League]]. Koeman said that Feyenoord was the better side over the two legs but had missed a scoring striker, referring to John Guidetti, who had rejoined Manchester City following the end of his loan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nos.nl/artikel/404145-dinamo-schakelt-feyenoord-uit.html |title=Feyenoord redt het niet tegen Kiev – NOS Sport |date=7 August 2012 |publisher=Nos.nl |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> On 10 August 2012, Dutch international and [[Málaga CF|Málaga]] defender [[Joris Mathijsen]] joined Feyenoord on a three-year contract. Málaga had made clear to Mathijsen that he needed to find a new club to generate income for the financially suffering Málaga after Sheikh Al Thani left. Stefan de Vrij remained captain, despite Mathijsen being more experienced at both international and club level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vi.nl/nieuws/225474/Medisch-goedgekeurde-Mathijsen-tekent-bij-Feyenoord.htm |title=Voetbal International – Medisch goedgekeurde Mathijsen tekent bij Feyenoord |publisher=Vi.nl |access-date=24 January 2013 |archive-date=20 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121220024433/http://www.vi.nl/nieuws/225474/Medisch-goedgekeurde-Mathijsen-tekent-bij-Feyenoord.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

After drawing the first leg of the Europa League qualifier at home 2–2 against [[AC Sparta Prague|Sparta Prague]], Feyenoord was eliminated following a 2–0 loss in the second leg, meaning Feyenoord would not be playing European football in 2012–13.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportdome.nl/Nieuws/51962-Voorronde-EL--geen-Europees-voetbal-voor-Feyenoord.html |title=Voetbal – Voorronde EL: geen Europees voetbal voor Feyenoord |publisher=Sportdome.nl |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> Following these events, Feyenoord loaned [[Parma Calcio 1913|Parma]] and former AZ striker [[Graziano Pellè]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.voetbal4u.com/2012/08/31/koeman-graziano-pelle-is-net-wat-we-nodig-hebben/ |title=Koeman: 'Graziano Pelle is net wat we nodig hebben' |publisher=Voetbal4u.com |date=31 August 2012 |access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> and exchanged [[Jerson Cabral]] for Twente striker [[Wesley Verhoek]] in a straight player swap.<ref>{{cite web |author=Tijd |url=http://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/item/feyenoord-en-twente-akkoord-over-ruil-cabral-verhoek |title='Feyenoord en Twente akkoord over ruil Cabral-Verhoek' &#124; VoetbalPrimeur |language=nl |publisher=Voetbalprimeur.nl |date=31 August 2012 |access-date=24 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023120335/http://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/item/feyenoord-en-twente-akkoord-over-ruil-cabral-verhoek |archive-date=23 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Feyenoord ended the season in third, behind champions [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]] and second-placed [[PSV Eindhoven|PSV]]. Pellè surprised many after scoring 27 goals in 29 matches, prompting Feyenoord to sign him permanently from Parma on a contract lasting until summer 2017.

In the [[2013–14 Eredivisie|2013–14 season]], Feyenoord recorded the worst start in its history, losing its first three matches to [[PEC Zwolle]], Twente and Ajax respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.voetbalzone.nl/doc.asp?uid=194575 |title=Feyenoord beleeft slechtste seizoenstart ooit: 'Het is niet dramatisch' |language=nl |publisher=Voetbalzone.nl |date=18 August 2013}}</ref> Feyenoord would recover, but its performances were unstable throughout the season. However, because the Eredivisie's other top teams also played inconsistently, Feyenoord remained in the title race, although it eventually finished second, four points behind Ajax.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.v-bal.nl/nieuws/259008/feyenoord-wint-ruim-van-cambuur-en-eindigt-tweede.html |title='Feyenoord wint ruim van Cambuur en eindigt tweede' |language=nl |publisher=V-bal.nl |date=27 April 2014 |access-date=31 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903054900/http://www.v-bal.nl/nieuws/259008/feyenoord-wint-ruim-van-cambuur-en-eindigt-tweede.html |archive-date=3 September 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the [[2013–14 UEFA Europa League|UEFA Europa League]], Feyenoord was eliminated in the third qualifying round by [[FC Kuban Krasnodar|Kuban Krasnodar]], making it Feyenoord's fifth consecutive season without European football.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elfvoetbal.nl/nieuws/291693_feyenoord-verliest-ook-thuis-van-krasnodar|title='Feyenoord verliest ook thuis van Krasnodar' |language=nl |publisher=Elfvoetbal.nl |date=29 August 2013}}</ref>

On 1 February 2014, Ronald Koeman announced he would be resigning at the end of the season. On 3 March 2014, [[Fred Rutten]] was named the new manager for the 2014–15 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nu.nl/sport/3716249/rutten-volgt-koeman-bij-feyenoord.html|title='Rutten volgt Koeman op bij Feyenoord'|language=nl |publisher=nu.nl|date=3 March 2014}}</ref>

During the summer of the 2014–15 season, Feyenoord lost four of its best players: Daryl Janmaat to [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]], Stefan de Vrij to Lazio, [[Bruno Martins Indi]] to [[FC Porto|Porto]] and Graziano Pellè to [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]], with Southampton having just appointed Koeman as its new manager. To replace them, as well as other departed players, Feyenoord signed [[Warner Hahn]] from [[FC Dordrecht|Dordrecht]], [[Luke Wilkshire]] from [[FC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]], [[Khalid Boulahrouz]] from [[Brøndby IF|Brøndby]], [[Bilal Başaçıkoğlu]] from [[SC Heerenveen|Heerenveen]], [[Colin Kazim-Richards]] from [[Bursaspor]], [[Jens Toornstra]] from Utrecht, [[Kenneth Vermeer]] from Ajax and Karim El Ahmadi from Aston Villa, returning to the club after two years in England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voetbal.com/teams/feyenoord/2015/6/|title='Feyenoord transfers 2014/2015'|date=9 March 2020 |language=nl |publisher=voetbal.com}}</ref>

With new players as well as a new head coach, Feyenoord began the [[2014–15 Eredivisie|2014–15 Eredivisie season]] with just five points after four matches. However, the club was successful in reaching [[2014–15 UEFA Europa League group stage|the Europa League group stage]] for the first time in six years. After losing to [[Beşiktaş J.K.|Besiktas]] 5–2 aggregate in the third [[2014–15 UEFA Champions League qualifying phase and play-off round|qualifying round]] of the Champions League,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/sport/06-08-2014/feyenoord-verliest-ook-istanbul|title='Feyenoord verliest ook in Istanbul'|language=nl|publisher=rijnmond.nl|date=6 August 2014|access-date=4 September 2014|archive-date=11 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811125211/http://www.rijnmond.nl/sport/06-08-2014/feyenoord-verliest-ook-istanbul|url-status=dead}}</ref> they defeated [[FC Zorya Luhansk|Zorya Luhansk]] in the final qualifying round of the [[2014–15 UEFA Europa League|Europa League play-off]], 5–4 aggregate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rijnmond.nl/sport/28-08-2014/feyenoord-worstelt-zich-naar-groepsfase-europa-league|title='Feyenoord worstelt zich naar groepsfase Europa League'|language=nl|publisher=rijnmond.nl|date=28 August 2014|access-date=4 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831074132/http://www.rijnmond.nl/sport/28-08-2014/feyenoord-worstelt-zich-naar-groepsfase-europa-league|archive-date=31 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Feyenoord won with 2–1 against [[Standard Liège]] in their first home match in Group G of the Europa League. It was the first victory for Feyenoord in the Europa League group stage in eight years. Feyenoord also beat [[HNK Rijeka|Rijeka]] (2–0) and defending champions [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]] (2–0), results sufficient for Feyenoord's progress to the knockout round for the first time in ten years. In the knockout round, Feyenoord lost to [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] 3–2 on aggregate. After this loss, Feyenoord did not recover. Despite nearly securing a spot in [[2015–16 UEFA Europa League|next season's Europa League qualification rounds]], they failed to win any of their last five matches, ending the year in the fourth spot, behind AZ. In the play-offs to earn a spot for Europa League, they were eliminated by Heerenveen. After manager Fred Rutten opted not to extend his contract, on 23 March 2015 Feyenoord announced former Dutch international and Feyenoord player Giovanni van Bronckhorst would become its new manager. That summer the club contracted several new key players, [[Eric Botteghin]] from [[FC Groningen]], [[Jan-Arie van der Heijden]] from [[SBV Vitesse|Vitesse]], and [[Eljero Elia]] from [[SV Werder Bremen]]. It also welcomed back club legend [[Dirk Kuyt]] from [[Fenerbahçe S.K. (football)|Fenerbahçe]] on a one-year contract.

Feyenoord started the season well and was in title contention until the winter break. However, Feyenoord hit a low point by losing seven matches a row.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/harde-cijfers-feyenoord-eredivisiestand-over-2016~a448f1c6/|title='Harde cijfers Feyenoord: eredivisiestand over 2016'|language=nl|publisher=ad.nl|date=15 February 2016|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> In the Eredivisie the team came third, a distance behind Ajax and the champions PSV. However, Feyenoord also booked a success. After eight years without any prizes, Feyenoord won its 12th KNVB Cup on 24 April 2016. That next summer Feyenoord managed to do some good business in the transfer market. The contracts of starting players like Dirk Kuyt and Eljero Elia were extended. Furthermore, it acquired [[Nicolai Jørgensen]] from [[F.C. Copenhagen]] for €3,500,000 and [[Brad Jones (footballer)|Brad Jones]] was contracted on a free transfer from NEC as a replacement for injured first-choice goalkeeper [[Kenneth Vermeer]].

=== End of 18 year title drought ===
The 2016–17 season started perfectly, as the first nine league matches were won, and Feyenoord beat Manchester United F.C. 1–0 in the Europa League.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/146349/feyenoord-stunt-en-verslaat-manchester-united|title='Feyenoord stunt en verslaat Manchester United'|language=nl|publisher=rijnmond.nl|date=15 September 2016|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> This match, and all of Feyenoord's European home games were played in only a half-full stadium. These measures were taken to avoid new penalties from the UEFA. In that same week reigning Dutch champions PSV were beaten, 0–1. The first loss of points was against Ajax on 23 October 2016. The final score was 1–1 after goals of [[Kasper Dolberg]] and Dirk Kuyt.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2139254-feyenoord-en-ajax-in-balans-na-boeiende-klassieker|title='Feyenoord en Ajax spelen gelijk in boeiende Klassieker'|language=nl|publisher = nos.nl|date=23 October 2016|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> A week later another draw followed against [[SC Heerenveen]]. On 6 November, a weakened team lost for the first time that season; relegation candidate [[Go Ahead Eagles]] won 1–0. In the European campaign Feyenoord struggled, and after losses to Manchester United (4–0) and Fenerbahçe (0–1) the European adventure ended.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/sport/voetbal/artikel/295571/feyenoord-uitgeschakeld-europa-league|title='Feyenoord uitgeschakeld in Europa League'|language=nl|publisher=RTL|date=8 December 2016|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> In the Eredivisie the team booked big victories, such as a 6–1 defeat against Sparta and 0–4 against AZ. With a 5-point lead to second place Ajax, Feyenoord ended the year at the top of the league table.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/winterkampioen-feyenoord-sluit-2016-overtuigend-af~aa52aaf0/|title='Winterkampioen Feyenoord sluit 2016 overtuigend af'|language=nl|publisher=AD|date=17 December 2016|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref>

The second half of the season, Feyenoord started strong, winning the first seven league games of 2017. However, in Arnhem, Vitesse proved to be too strong in the KNVB Cup (2–0). Feyenoord beat PSV at home (2–1), due to an own goal from PSV-goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet, which was indicated by [[Goal-line technology]]. On 5 March, Sparta was the first team to beat Feyenoord in the new year, by a goal in the first minute of the game, scored by [[Mathias Pogba]]. Feyenoord recovered quickly and another big win followed when they beat AZ, 5–2, and a week later SC Heerenveen were beat, 2–1. When Feyenoord lost to Ajax, and drew against PEC Zwolle, their lead was decreased to one point.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/titelstrijd-nadert-kookpunt-door-misstap-feyenoord-bij-pec-|title=Titelstrijd nadert kookpunt door misstap Feyenoord bij PEC'|language=nl|publisher=Voetbal International|date=9 April 2017|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> After two more victories from Feyenoord and a loss for number two Ajax against PSV, the gap was four points with two games to go. One week before the end of the competition, Feyenoord could become champions away at Excelsior, just 4 kilometers from their home stadium, De Kuip, and also in Rotterdam. However, the team had a complete off-day and lost, 3–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2171918-feyenoord-in-vertwijfeling-na-dramatisch-verlies|title='Feyenoord in vertwijfeling na dramatisch verlies'|language=nl|publisher=nos.nl|date=7 May 2017|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> One week later, in the final game of the season, the team still became champions by beating Heracles by 3–1. All three goals were made by the team captain, Dirk Kuyt, who would later announce his retirement, making it a 'fairytale' last match on his account. The championship was Feyenoord's 15th and the first in 18 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2173111-hattrick-kuijt-brengt-feyenoord-na-18-jaar-weer-de-landstitel|title='Hattrick Kuijt brengt Feyenoord na 18 jaar weer landstitel|language=nl|publisher=nos.nl|date=14 May 2017|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> Feyenoord was the second team in the history of the Dutch league to stay at the top of the table the entire season.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.fr12.nl/nieuws/42511-feyenoord-van-begin-tot-eind-aan-kop-in-eredivisie.html|title='Feyenoord van begin tot eind aan kop in Eredivise|language=nl|publisher=FR12.nl|date=14 May 2023|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> Because of the championship, Feyenoord was to compete for the [[Johan Cruyff Shield]] against cup winner Vitesse in the Kuip on 5 August 2017. After a 1–1 tie Feyenoord beat Vitesse by penalties.

As the Dutch champions, Feyenoord qualified directly for the [[2017–18 UEFA Champions League]] [[2017–18 UEFA Champions League#Group stage|group stage]]. The team was drawn with [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]], [[FC Shakhtar Donetsk|Shakhtar Donetsk]] and [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]], and eventually lost its first 5 matches. However, their last home match – against Napoli – ended in victory, winning 2–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/europees-voetbal/feyenoord-sluit-af-met-welverdiende-zege-op-napoli~a5f7a48d4/|title='Feyenoord sluit af met welverdiende zege op Napoli'|language=nl|publisher=ad.nl|date=6 December 2017|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> That same season, Feyenoord was not able to win the Dutch championship again, but won the Dutch Cup after beating [[AZ Alkmaar|AZ]] 3–0 in the [[2018 KNVB Cup Final|final]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2228562-feyenoord-verslaat-teleurstellend-az-in-100ste-bekerfinale|title='Feyenoord verslaat teleurstellend AZ in 100e bekerfinale|publisher=nos.nl|language=nl|date=22 April 2018|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> The 2018–19 season started with disappointment. Feyenoord qualified for the third qualifying round of the [[2018–19 UEFA Europa League|UEFA Europa League]] by virtue of winning the Dutch Cup. However, Feyenoord was immediately eliminated by [[AS Trenčín]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/buitenlands-voetbal/feyenoord-uitgeschakeld-door-trencin-na-frustrerende-avond~ae690934/|title='Feyenoord uitgeschakeld door Trencin na frustrerende avond|language=nl|publisher=ad.nl|date=16 August 2018|access-date=29 October 2018}}</ref> During the 2018-19 Eredivisie season, Feyenoord was not able to maintain the pace of Ajax and PSV and finished in third place. However, Feyenoord beat both title contenters at home. It was the first loss of PSV after opening with a 13-game winning streak.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/175706/feyenoord-verslaat-koploper-psv-door-sterke-eerste-helft-2-1|title='Feyenoord verslaat koploper PSV door sterke eerste helft|language=nl|publisher=rijnmond.nl|date=2 December 2018|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> Also, Feyenoord won against Ajax in historic fashion with 6–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2269335-feyenoord-declasseert-wanhopig-ajax-6-2-in-krankzinnige-klassieker|title='Feyenoord declasseert wanhopig ajax 6-2 in krankzinnige klassieker|language=nl|publisher=nos.nl|date=27 January 2019|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> Ajax got revenge by beating Feyenoord in De Kuip in the semi-final of the Dutch Cup. After the season, head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst left the club, while star player [[Robin van Persie]] retired. [[Jaap Stam]] was appointed as the new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/jaap-stam-wordt-de-nieuwe-trainer-van-feyenoord~a6cdffd0/|title='Jaap Stam wordt de nieuwe trainer van Feyenoord|language=nl|publisher=ad.nl|date=6 March 2019|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref>

=== New struggles ===
The 2019–20 season started with mixed results. Feyenoord reached the group stage of the [[2019–20 UEFA Europa League|Europa League]] by comfortably beating [[FC Dinamo Tbilisi|Dinamo Tbilisi]] and [[Hapoel Be'er Sheva F.C.|Hapoel Be'er Sheva]]. However, in the eredivisie Feyenoord won only 3 of the first 10 matches and found themselves back on 10th place before heading into the Amsterdam for an away game against title holders and league leaders Ajax. After the first half, Ajax lead the game 4–0, which was also the final result. Jaap Stam resigned after the game, after which [[Dick Advocaat]] replaced him as headcoach of Feyenoord.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2308241-advocaat-met-de-wolf-en-pot-naar-feyenoord|title='Advocaat met De Wolf en Pot naar Feyenoord'|language=nl|publisher=nos.nl|date=30 October 2019|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> With Advocaat as the new head coach, Feyenoord improved, staying undefeated and climbed the table from the 12th to 3rd place and was only six points behind league leaders Ajax and AZ. Furthermore, Feyenoord qualified for the final of the Dutch Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2325984-feyenoord-roept-in-halve-finale-reuzendoder-nac-hardhandig-halt-toe|title='Feyenoord roept in halve finale reuzendoder NAC halt toe|language=nl|publisher=nos.nl|date=5 March 2020|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> However, the [[2019–20 Eredivisie|Eredivisie]] was suspended and eventually abandoned due to the outbreak of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands|COVID-19 pandemic]]. The ranking when the league was suspended became the final ranking, meaning Feyenoord ended the season in third place, qualifying for the group stage of the [[2020-21 UEFA Europa League|2020-21 Europa League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/sport/voetbal/artikel/5102066/eredivisie-eindstand-knvb-ajax-rkc-ado-coronavirus|title='KNVB wijst geen kampioen aan: Ajax naar Champions League, geen promotie-degradatie'|language=nl|publisher=rtlnieuws.nl|date=24 June 2020|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> The cup final was not played.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2337725-definitief-geen-bekerfinale-fc-utrecht-legt-zich-er-morrend-bij-neer|title='Definitief geen bekerfinale|language=nl|publisher=nos.nl|date=18 June 2020|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref>

Feyenoord had a decent start of the [[2020–21_Eredivisie|2020-21 Eredivisie season]], losing only once after 16 matches. However, Feyenoord was eliminated during the group stage of the Europa League.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/ook-feyenoord-uitgeschakeld-na-armoedig-optreden-in-oostenrijk|title='Ook Feyenoord uitgeschakeld na armoedig optreden in Oostenrijk|language=nl|publisher=vi.nl|date=10 December 2020|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> In the league, Feyenoord found themselves on second place, three points behind league leaders Ajax before playing them in a direct confrontation for the top spot. Ajax won the match 1–0. Feyenoord had a disappointing second half of the season, winning only 6 matches. In the meanwhile, Feyenoord lost 4–3 against SC Heerenveen in the quarter finals of the KNVB cup, despite a 1–3 lead in the second half.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2369151-feyenoord-uitgeschakeld-in-knvb-beker-na-zeven-krankzinnige-minuten-in-heerenveen|title='Feyenoord uitgeschakeld in KNVB-beker na zeven krankzinnige minuten in Heerenveen'|language=nl|publisher=nos.nl|date=17 February 2021|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> Feyenoord finished in fifth place, and had to participate in the play-off tournament to secure a spot in the [[UEFA Europa Conference League]]. Feyenoord succeeded, by first beating Sparta and then FC Utrecht, both with 2-0 victories.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/nederland/artikel/5232626/feyenoord-utrecht-europa-league-winnaar|title=Feyenoord verslaat FC Utrecht en plaatst zich voor voorronde Conference League|language=nl|publisher=RTL|date=23 May 2021|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> During the season, it was announced that AZ coach [[Arne Slot]] would succeed Dick Advocaat as the head coach of Feyenoord.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/officieel-arne-slot-wordt-de-nieuwe-trainer-van-feyenoord-trots-dat-ik-deze-stap-kan-maken~ade83fe3/|title='Arne Slot wordt de nieuwe trainer van Feyenoord'|language=nl|publisher=ad.nl|date=15 December 2020|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref>

=== Arne Slot era: back in title contention and European final ===
For the 2021–22 season, Feyenoord participated in the [[2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League|inaugural edition]] of the [[UEFA Europa Conference League]]. Feyenoord narrowly defeated [[FC Drita]] 3–2 in the second qualifying round. But Feyenoord improved, beating [[FC Luzern]] 3-0 twice in the third qualifying round and [[IF Elfsborg]] 6–3 on aggregate. Feyenoord topped a group with Maccabi Haifa, Union Berlin and Slavia Prague and qualified for the round of 16. Feyenoord defeated Partizan Belgrado 5–2 away and 3–1 at home. In the quarter finals, Feyenoord again played Slavia Prague. After a 3–3 at home, Feyenoord managed to win 1–3 in Prague. In the semi finals, Feyenoord faced [[Olympique de Marseille|Olympique Marseille]]. The first game in the Kuip was won 3 to 2. In Marseille, Feyenoord managed to hold on to a 0–0 draw. The team managed to reach the [[2022 UEFA Europa Conference League Final|final]] but lost 1–0 to Italian club [[A.S. Roma|Roma]]. In the Eredivisie, Feyenoord improved on the total of the previous season, finishing in third place with 71 points. In the Dutch Cup, Feyenoord was eliminated in the second round after extra time by FC Twente.

After the success in the Conference League, Feyenoord lost a lot of players, including 9 players who played in the Conference League Final. With a new squad, Feyenoord managed to stay in title contention in the 2022-23 Eredivisie Season. Only one match was lost in the first half of the season, 4–3 against PSV. During the [[2022 FIFA World Cup|world cup break]], Feyenoord topped the table, 3 points clear of runners up PSV and Ajax. After the world cup break, the form improved. While a few games against other title contenters were drawn, Feyenoord was able to keep hold of the first spot. Feyenoord started a 13-game winning streak, among others booking crucial, late victories against AZ at home and away against Ajax. The win against Ajax was the first win of Feyenoord in an away match against Ajax since 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/feyenoord-deelt-ajax-in-klassieker-enorme-dreun-uit-in-titelstrijd|title='Feyenoord deelt Ajax in Klassieker enorme dreun uit in titelstrijd'|language=nl|publisher=vi.nl|date=19 March 2023|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> Feyenoord pulled away of the other title contenters and improved to a 8-point lead over numbers 2 PSV. The team secured the title 2 games before the end of the season by winning 3–0 against Go Ahead Eagles. It was the 16th championship win in the history of the club and the first since 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2475118-feyenoord-verslaat-go-ahead-en-is-na-zes-jaar-weer-kampioen-van-nederland|title='Feyenoord verslaat Go Ahead en is na zes jaar weer kampioen van Nederland'|language=nl|publisher=nos.nl|date=14 May 2023|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> Feyenoord was lauded by many experts as the deserved champion, due to their energetic and attacking playing style.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/1076137/koeman-lyrisch-over-feyenoord-worden-verdiend-en-mooi-kampioen.html|title=Koeman lyrisch over Feyenoord: 'Worden verdiend en mooi kampioen'|publisher=voetbalprimeur.nl|date=23 April 2023}}</ref> In the [[2022–23 UEFA Europa League|Europa League]], Feyenoord was drawn in a group with FC Midtjylland, Sturm Graz, and S.S. Lazio. All teams ended with 8 points, but Feyenoord finished the group stage in first place by virtue of a superior goal difference.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2450952-feyenoord-knokt-zich-langs-lazio-en-overwintert-als-groepswinnaar-in-de-europa-league|title='Feyenoord knokt zich langs Lazio en overwintert als groepswinnaar in de Europa League'|language=nl|publisher=nos.nl|date=3 November 2022|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> In the round of 16, Feyenoord defeated Shaktar Donetsk 8–2 on aggregate and was drawn to play against AS Roma again in the quarter finals. The first match at home ended with a 1–0 victory. The return match went to extra time and resulted in a 4–1 victory for AS Roma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2472222-feyenoord-strandt-bij-roma-in-zicht-van-de-haven-geen-halve-finale-europa-league|title='Feyenoord strandt bij Roma in zicht van de haven: geen halve finale Europa League'|language=nl|publisher=nos.nl|date=20 April 2023|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> In the Dutch Cup, Feyenoord was defeated in the semi-finals at home by Ajax, 1–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/sport/voetbal/artikel/5376331/feyenoord-ajax-knvb-beker-halve-finale|title='Ajax wipt Feyenoord uit bekertoernooi na tumultueus duel'|language=nl|publisher=rtl|date=6 April 2023|access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref> Due to the successes and playing style of Feyenoord, there was some serious interest from clubs in Arne Slot, most notably from Tottenham Hotspur. However, after a few weeks of rumours Arne Slot extended his contract, citing he wasn't finished yet at Feyenoord.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/arne-slot-verlengt-contract-en-blijft-tot-2026-bij-feyenoord-er-is-volgend-jaar-geen-clausule~ae415568/|title=Arne Slot verlengt contract en blijft tot 2026 bij Feyenoord: 'Er is volgend jaar géén clausule'|language=nl|publisher=ad.nl|date=26 May 2023|access-date=26 April 2024}}</ref>

Feyenoord started the [[2023-24 Eredivisie]] season slowly. The Johan Cruijff Schaal was lost against PSV 0–1, while the first two league games were drawn. Feyenoord then booked 7 straight victories, including 0–4 against Ajax in Amsterdam. This streak was ended by a loss in Enschede against FC Twente. Feyenoord also lost again at home against PSV 1–2. Despite these setbacks, Feyenoord had more points after 16 matches compared to the previous season. However, as PSV started the season perfectly, winning all their 16 matches, Feyenoord found themselves on second place, 10 points behind their rivals at the winter break. In the [[2023–24 UEFA Champions League]], Feyenoord was drawn in group with Atletico Madrid, Celtic and again S.S. Lazio. Feyenoord won the home games against Celtic and S.S. Lazio. Despite showing good form and impressing foreign media with their play,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fr12.nl/uefa-champions-league/spaanse-media-lovend-over-feyenoord-en-het-legioen|title='Spaanse media lovend over Feyenoord en het Legioen'|language=nl|publisher=fr12.nl|date=4 October 2023|access-date=2 February 2024}}</ref> Feyenoord failed to pick up a single point in the away matches and at home against Atletico. Feyenoord ended the group stage on third place and qualified for the preliminary round of the [[2023–24 UEFA Europa League]]. Feyenoord was drawn against Roma again. Both matches ended in a 1–1 draw, after which Feyenoord was defeated in a penalty shootout. It was the third year in a row that Feyenoord's European season was ended by AS Roma.

After the winter break, Feyenoord won at 1–0 home against PSV in the third round of the KNVB-cup. It was the first defeat of PSV against a Dutch opponent in almost a year. Feyenoord played AZ at home in the quarter finals and won 2–0. In the semi-finals, Feyenoord played at home again, this time against Keuken Kampioen Divisie team FC Groningen. Feyenoord won the match 2-1 and advanced to the finals against NEC Nijmegen. In the league, Feyenoord stayed in second place, among others drawing against PSV, 2-2. It was the only time PSV didn't win a home game in the Eredivisie. On April 7, Feyenoord defeated Ajax at home 6–0. It was the biggest defeat of Ajax in a competitive game since the inception of the Eredivisie and the first time Ajax failed to score in both league games against Feyenoord.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vi.nl/pro/onwerkelijk-en-historisch-zo-gaan-ajax-en-feyenoord-de-boeken-in|title='Onwerkelijk en historisch: zo gaan Ajax en Feyenoord de boeken in'|language=nl|publisher=VI.nl|date=7 April 2024|access-date=8 April 2024}}</ref> In the KNVB Cup Final against NEC Nijmegen, Feyenoord won 1–0. It was the 14th cup victory of Feyenoord and the first since 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/live-finale-knvb-beker-feyenoord-nec~adea8c8d/|title='Tiental Feyenoord knokt zich naar zege op NEC en wint tumultueuze finale KNVB-beker'|language=nl|publisher=ad.nl|date=21 April 2024|access-date=22 April 2024}}</ref> Feyenoord clinched second place and qualification for the group stage of the [[2024–25 UEFA Champions League]] four games before the end of the season by winning 1–3 at Go Ahead Eagles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2518204-feyenoord-stelt-titelfeest-psv-uit-met-zege-bij-go-ahead-en-is-zeker-van-tweede-plaats|title='Feyenoord stelt titelfeest PSV uit met zege bij Go Ahead en is zeker van tweede plaats'|language=nl|publisher=nos.nl|date=25 April 2024|access-date=26 April 2024}}</ref> After this game, Liverpool and Feyenoord reached an agreement that Arne Slot would transfer to Liverpool, succeeding Jurgen Klopp as head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/27/sport/arne-slot-liverpool-spt-intl/index.html|title='Liverpool and Feyenoord agree on compensation deal for Arne Slot to become new Reds manager'|publisher=cnn|date=27 April 2024|access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref> Feyenoord outscored PSV in the second half of the season with 5 points, however it was not enough the erase the deficit. Feyenoord remained unbeaten in all competitive matches after the winter break and ended the season with 84 points, one point shy of their highest total in 1973. Coincidentally, in both seasons Feyenoord finished in second place.

[[Brian Priske]], coach of Sparta Prague and born in Denmark, was appointed as the successor of Arne Slot. He is the first foreign head coach at Feyenoord since 1991, when Gunder Bengtsson from Sweden was head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/officieel-priske-is-de-nieuwe-trainer-van-feyenoord|title='Officieel: Priske is de nieuwe trainer van Feyenoord'|language=nl|publisher=vi.nl|date=12 June 2024|access-date=5 July 2024}}</ref> Priske started his tenure by winning the Johan Cruijff Schaal against champions PSV. After a spectacular game that ended in 4-4, Feyenoord won after a penalty shoot-out. With a new coach and new players, Feyenoord only won two of the first six league games, drawing the others. Then, Feyenoord won six out of the next seven games, only losing against Ajax. In the Champions-League, Feyenoord mixed disappointing home loses against Bayer Leverkussen and Red Bull Salzburg with sensational results in aways matches. Feyenoord won 2-3 against Girona and 1-3 against Benfica, and drew 3-3 after being 3-0 down against Manchester City. In the Eredivisie, Feyenoord kept booking mixed results. By the winter break, Feyenoord was in 4th place, 10 points behind league leaders PSV. Feyenoord continued to show poor form after the winter break, losing at home against FC Utrecht and drawing away against Willem II. Right before the home game against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, persistent rumors appeared that Priske would be fired after the game, even with a win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.voetbalzone.nl/nieuws/brian-priske-reageert-live-op-tv-op-aanstaande-ontslag-voor-feyenoord-bayern-muenchen/bltf51ce7999c75f19d|title='Brian Priske reageert live op tv op 'aanstaande ontslag' voor Feyenoord - Bayern München'|language=nl|publisher=voetbalzone.nl|date=22 January 2025|access-date=24 April 2025}}</ref> However, after Feyenoord won the game 3-0, Feyenoord maintained Priske.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.volkskrant.nl/sport/feyenoord-gaat-door-met-priske-ondanks-hardnekkige-verhalen-over-ontslag~b6732443/|title='Feyenoord gaat door met Priske, ondanks hardnekkige verhalen over ontslag'|language=nl|publisher=volkskrant.nl|date=23 January 2025|access-date=24 April 2025}}</ref> After another series of disappointing results, Priske was eventually fired. The lack of chemistry between (part of) the coaching staff and the players, the disappointing results in the league, the lack of development in play and the poor physical condition of the players - which resulted in a lot of injuries - were all reasons for this decision. Youth Academy coach Pascal Bosschaart would temporarily take over as head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/voetbal/doek-valt-alsnog-voor-brian-priske-feyenoord-ontslaat-coach-pascal-bosschaart-tijdelijk-aan-het-roer~a2c86cbc/|title='Doek valt alsnog voor Brian Priske: Feyenoord ontslaat coach, Pascal Bosschaart tijdelijk aan het roer'|language=nl|publisher=ad.nl|date=10 February 2025|access-date=24 April 2025}}</ref> With Pascal Bosschaart, Feyenoord was able to eliminate AC Milan in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League, by winning 1-0 at home and drawing 1-1 in Milaan. This set-up a leg in the round of 16 with Internazionale. Feyenoord announced that Robin van Persie, former player and current head coach of SC Heerenveen would take over as the permanent head coach.