Marc Overmars leaves Antwerp role over health concerns

Marc Overmars has left his position as Royal Antwerp’s sporting director with immediate effect and for an open-ended period, placing his professional career on hold because of serious health concerns. The Dutchman said he no longer had the strength to continue in a demanding and stressful role after several difficult years.

Overmars, 53, suffered a heart attack in December 2022. He said the accumulated exhaustion and pressure had reached a critical point, while his doctors warned that continuing at the same pace could carry a high risk of a fatal outcome. He has therefore decided to take a complete break from football work.

The former Ajax, Barcelona and Arsenal player had been Antwerp’s sporting director since March 2022 and had recently been discussing a contract extension. He thanked the club’s leadership, employees and supporters, describing Antwerp as a second home for his family. Overmars also said he was comforted by the stability the club has regained.

He plans to attend Antwerp’s match against Union to say farewell to the supporters before beginning his rest. Although he is stepping away from his duties, he intends to return to the Bosuil as a fan in the future.