Daryl Janmaat reveals struggle with cocaine addiction
Daryl Janmaat, the former Newcastle United and Watford full-back, has opened up about his struggle with cocaine addiction in a new interview, reports BritPanorama.
The 36-year-old, who earned 34 caps for the Netherlands, disclosed that his dependency on the drug played a significant role in the collapse of his marriage. “I cannot and do not want to mention all the details, but my cocaine addiction has caused a lot of misery,” Janmaat told AD.
Janmaat’s time in English football saw him feature 77 times for Newcastle across two seasons from 2014 to 2016, followed by four years at Watford. His international career peaked when he helped the Dutch reach the 2014 World Cup semi-finals, ultimately losing to Argentina on penalties.
After retiring in 2022 while at ADO Den Haag, the club where he began his professional journey, Janmaat faced devastating circumstances. An injection in his knee led to an infection that effectively ended his career. “I wanted to do so much, but a knee injury threw a spanner in the works. My career was over, I couldn’t handle that,” he explained.
Transitioning to a technical director role at ADO Den Haag proved challenging. “I was supposed to get help from everyone and everything, but I was left to fend for myself,” Janmaat remarked, highlighting a loss of structure that he had relied on for years as a player. His addiction developed gradually, altering his relationships with those closest to him.
“That was difficult, the cocaine addiction gradually crept in. You start lying to the people you love. That’s terrible; I hurt a lot of people,” Janmaat reflected. Acknowledging the impact of his substance abuse on his marriage, he noted, “I am still officially married, but we are no longer together.” Despite their struggles, he mentioned that relations with his estranged wife have improved, stating, “A lot has been damaged, although we are getting on well again.”
In 2023, Janmaat was reportedly found under the influence of drugs in Scheveningen, prompting his entry into a rehabilitation facility in South Africa. He has spoken out ahead of his appearance in a documentary titled ‘Real Men Don’t Cry’, which explores how elite sport affects mental health. Janmaat has acknowledged that a return to football is unlikely but is now focusing on a new chapter, having established his own gym business.
Such stories of struggle and resilience remind us of the deeply human challenges athletes face, often behind the public persona. In a world where success is frequently idealized, Janmaat’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the personal battles that can accompany high-profile careers. The complexity of sport adds rich layers to the narrative, one where vulnerability can reside alongside elite performance.
