In an unexpected sporting crossover, former Tottenham Hotspur and Netherlands football star Rafael van der Vaart is joining forces with darts legend Raymond van Barneveld in a determined bid to help restore his fellow Dutchman to his former glories. The ex-footballer is becoming an informal helper and mentor to Barney, hoping to rekindle the extraordinary talent that once made him a global number one and five-time world champion.
A Surprising Partnership Forms
Some darts fans had urged Van Barneveld to consider retirement following his recent first-round World Championship defeat to world number 111 Stefan Bellmont. However, the determined champion has refused to give up on his career. Van der Vaart, who reached the 2010 World Cup final with the Netherlands before transitioning to professional darts after his football career, believes he can provide crucial support to the struggling icon.
"I can't promise anything, but I'm going to do my best," Van der Vaart declared via Dutch broadcaster NOS. "It hurts me watching him struggle. I'm a real fan of his. Raymond put darts on the map in the Netherlands. Raymond, like me, is a natural talent. And then you get lazy."
The Mental Game Challenge
Van der Vaart identifies the psychological aspect as the key area where he can assist. "It's mental. I'm convinced Raymond would knock anyone off the board when he's relaxed. Maybe he needs to drink four bacos before a match again, like he used to," he suggested, referencing Van Barneveld's past pre-match rituals.
The former footballer elaborated on their contrasting approaches: "He's often at odds with himself and overthinks things. I'm someone who doesn't think, just ask Estavana [Estavana Polman, Van der Vaart's handball star girlfriend]." Van der Vaart even joked about the potential impact of their partnership: "If Raymond van Barneveld and Rafael van der Vaart arrived at a tournament... then I think other people would also think: what the hell is going on here? Haha!"
Van Barneveld's Emotional Response
Van Barneveld, who won four BDO World Championships before claiming the 2007 PDC World Championship title, has expressed overwhelming gratitude for the unexpected collaboration. The darts legend has previously admitted to needing a "kick in the backside" to regain his competitive edge.
"Heartwarming. Absolutely fantastic. I never expected this, of course. I was truly speechless," he said of Van der Vaart's offer. "It's so sweet. It's really great that he wants to work for me. We played a demonstration game together and have kept in touch since then."
The five-time world champion acknowledged the solitary nature of his sport while welcoming the potential support: "It's still an individual sport; you're often on your own. Hopefully, Rafael's help will provide some relief, but I can't say yet exactly what it will look like. We'll have coffee soon, and then we'll get things concrete."
Mutual Admiration Society
Van Barneveld revealed the depth of their mutual respect: "He also said he'd love to come along a few times. He's a fan, and I've always been a fan of his. He played in a World Cup final, right? The fact that he cares about another athlete really steals my heart."
Realistic Expectations and Practical Support
Despite his enthusiasm, Van der Vaart has played down suggestions that he might become a highly skilled technical coach. He humorously referenced his own recent darts performance: "I even threw a dart with my son yesterday. I got 3-0 on the balls with an average of 26." The former footballer made his competitive darts debut in 2019, reaching the second round of the BDO-ranked Denmark Open.
Van der Vaart offered a candid assessment of his coaching credentials: "If anyone doesn't go to the gym, it's me. But I told him I'll do my best with my network." He revealed that practical assistance with sponsorship opportunities would form part of his contribution, alongside the psychological support aimed at helping Barney "relax" more during competition.
A Career of Comebacks
Van Barneveld's career has been marked by several retirement announcements followed by dramatic returns. In March 2019, after a 7-1 defeat by Michael van Gerwen in the Darts Premier League, he announced immediate retirement only to reverse his decision the following day. That December, he retired again after losing to former postman Daniel Young in the first round of the World Championship, claiming he would never forgive himself, yet he later reversed that call too.
The darts legend regained his professional tour card fourteen months later in February 2021. More recently, in May last year, despite still "loving" the sport, he announced plans to "slow down" and revealed that it was "all becoming a bit too much." Van Barneveld admitted candidly: "Often it's over in the first round. At some point, you have to be honest with yourself - I have amazing sponsors, great people supporting me, but I'm also 58."
Looking Forward
Currently ranked world number 36, Van Barneveld intends to continue competing on the PDC tour. His first assignments this year will likely be in Hildesheim for the opening two Players Championship events from February 9-10. However, he will skip the lucrative Winmau World Masters due to previously arranged exhibition events in Twente.
This unique partnership between two of the Netherlands' most recognisable sporting figures represents a fascinating development in the world of professional darts. While Van der Vaart makes no guarantees about the outcome, his commitment to helping Van Barneveld rediscover his relaxed, natural game could provide the psychological boost needed for another remarkable chapter in the darts legend's storied career.
