diff --git a/package/kernel/linux/modules/netdevices.mk b/package/kernel/linux/modules/netdevices.mk
index 98d8e306b7..a2892aed0c 100644
--- a/package/kernel/linux/modules/netdevices.mk
+++ b/package/kernel/linux/modules/netdevices.mk
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@ $(eval $(call KernelPackage,8139cp))
 define KernelPackage/r8169
   SUBMENU:=$(NETWORK_DEVICES_MENU)
   TITLE:=RealTek RTL-8169 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Adapter kernel support
-  DEPENDS:=@PCI_SUPPORT +kmod-mii
+  DEPENDS:=@PCI_SUPPORT +kmod-mii +r8169-firmware
   KCONFIG:=CONFIG_R8169 \
     CONFIG_R8169_NAPI=y \
     CONFIG_R8169_VLAN=n