Jamie Redknapp Celebrates Two Years of Sobriety After 50th Birthday Hangover
Former Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp has publicly disclosed that he has maintained sobriety for two years, a decision sparked by a particularly severe hangover following his 50th birthday celebrations. The 52-year-old footballer explained that the experience of being unable to recall any details from his birthday night out, where he got 'hammered', served as a pivotal moment in his choice to quit drinking.
A Turning Point at Fifty
Redknapp shared his journey on The Romesh Ranganathan Show, noting that while he never considered himself to have a problematic relationship with alcohol, he consistently suffered from debilitating hangovers. 'I've always suffered terrible hangovers, so that tells you alcohol doesn't agree with me,' he remarked. The birthday event, held on 25th June, began innocently with a father-son golf tournament and a couple of beers but escalated as the day progressed.
He described the sequence of events: 'Beautiful weather, great summers' day, having a few more drinks and I'd just forgotten to eat. So then I'm having a few more tequilas.' The evening culminated at a Mexican restaurant named Los Mochis, which was hired out for the occasion, before moving to a club where he found himself 'in a mess.' The following morning, waking up feeling 'horrendous,' and walking home with his sons, solidified his resolution. 'I thought that's it, I'm gonna stop drinking. That feeling of not memorising anything that happened was just horrendous for me.'
Health and Family Motivations
Beyond the immediate aftermath, Redknapp emphasized his desire to lead a healthier lifestyle, particularly for his youngest son, Raphael, whom he welcomed with his second wife, Frida Andersson, in 2021 when he was 49. 'I want to take up every morning when I see Rafa I don't want to feel like 'oh I feel rubbish today', I want to get up earlier than him and be as healthy as possible,' he stated. This paternal commitment added a deeper layer to his decision, aligning with his goal to be fully present for his children.
Redknapp also has two older sons, Charley, 21, and Beau, 17, from his previous marriage to Louise Redknapp. He acknowledged that informing Charley about the pregnancy with Raphael was challenging, as it 'went down like a lead balloon.' However, he understood his son's perspective, given the family dynamics following his split from Louise in 2017 after 19 years of marriage.
Sobriety Journey and Reflections
Initially intending to take a short break, Redknapp's abstinence extended from one month to six months and ultimately to two years. 'And I don't necessarily feel that much better for it, but I just feel pleased that I've done it,' he reflected. He also mentioned that while some of his friends have struggled with substance abuse, his own decision was more about personal health and well-being rather than overcoming addiction.
The interview, originally released in October, regained attention recently after a fan shared a clip on social media, resonating with others on their own sobriety paths. Redknapp's candid discussion highlights a growing trend of individuals reevaluating their alcohol consumption for health and familial reasons.
Family Dynamics and Moving Forward
In related family news, Louise Redknapp has been in a relationship with businessman Drew Michael since 2023, describing him as 'great' and 'super-kind.' She expressed contentment in her current situation, noting that her sons get along well with Drew, which simplifies family life. When questioned about marriage prospects, she remained non-committal, focusing instead on enjoying the present moment.
Jamie Redknapp's sobriety milestone underscores a broader narrative of personal growth and prioritization of health, serving as an inspiration to many facing similar lifestyle choices. His story is a testament to the positive impacts that can arise from mindful decisions regarding alcohol and family commitments.
