Quinten Timber has been dropped from his role as Feyenoord captain for the 2025-26 season, with new signing Sem Steijn the new replacement, Afrosport reports.
The twin brother of Arsenal full-back Jurrien Timber was named Feyenoord captain last year after the departure of Lutsharel Geertruida.
Head coach Robin Van Persie has however shaked things up with the captaincy, ahead of the new season, with Anis Hadj Moussa now the new vice-captain and Givairo Read as the third option.
Reacting to the development after Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Timber said: “It wasn’t my decision, no. Am I disappointed? It’s great to wear the armband, and I did so with pride last year. It would have been nice if that were still the case. I am grateful to wear the Feyenoord logo. That’s how I feel: grateful.
“Whatever choice the trainer makes, I always give one hundred percent for the team. Am I holding back? No, but I don’t always share everything on camera anyway.
“I am confident that Sem will do well. He is a fantastic young man, and he has the support of the team.”
Meanwhile, Van Persie, explaining the decision behind his move, cited Timber not renewing his Feyenoord contract with a year left as a factor.
“You look for several things in a captain. That includes a degree of commitment to the club, someone who safeguards the team culture,” the former Dutch forward said.
“Quinten still has one year left on his contract, which also plays a role. If Timber had already extended his contract, that would have influenced this decision, yes.”
“Our decision has nothing to do with dissatisfaction with Quinten. He is one of the leaders of our team. You should view it as a large group of leaders, in which we have now chosen Sem Steijn, Anis Hadj Moussa, and Givairo Read as our first captains.
“This has nothing to do with dissatisfaction with other players.”
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Feyenoord finished third in the Eredivisie last season behind PSV Eindhoven and Ajax.
The will begin the new campaign to home against NAC Breda on Saturday before travelling to Istanbul for the return leg of the Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahce.
