Former Premier League footballer Rafael van der Vaart made a surprising career pivot after hanging up his boots, stepping into the world of professional darts. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid midfielder, renowned for his creative play on the pitch, tested his skills on the oche in a competitive tournament just a year after retiring from football.
A New Challenge After Football
Van der Vaart concluded an illustrious 18-year football career in 2018 while playing for Danish side Esbjerg. A key figure for the Netherlands, he earned 109 international caps, scoring 25 goals, and was part of the squad that reached the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa. In the Premier League, he made a significant impact during his two-year spell at Spurs, featuring in 63 matches and netting 24 goals between 2010 and 2012.
His fascination with darts was no secret during his playing days. The Dutchman was often seen as a keen fan, undoubtedly inspired by his compatriots and darts legends Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld. A photograph from 2011 even captured him watching Vincent van der Voort at the PDC World Championships while he was a Tottenham player.
Dream Start and Swift Exit in Denmark
In May 2019, van der Vaart made his professional debut at the BDO Denmark Open in Esbjerg – the same city where he ended his football career. The tournament, which has been won by greats like Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson, provided the stage for his new venture. His brother, Fernando, also competed in the event.
The former midfield maestro enjoyed a dream start, securing a 4-2 victory over local player Thomas Anderson. However, his progress was halted in the next round. He suffered a comprehensive 4-0 defeat to seasoned Danish player Mogens 'Turbo' Christensen, a former semi-finalist in the event and an international representative. Van der Vaart's performance that day yielded a three-dart average of just 54.
Celebrity Beginnings and Life After Football
Prior to his official competitive debut, van der Vaart had already dipped his toes into darts through celebrity events. In early 2019, he teamed up with world number one Michael van Gerwen at the Celebrity Darts Championship, where the pair reached the final.
His weekend in Esbjerg proved challenging, as he also faced a 4-0 loss to former WDF World Cup runner-up Per Laursen at the Denmark Masters. Following his retirement from football, van der Vaart remained in Esbjerg, where his partner, Dutch international handball star Estavana Polman, played for the local team.
Van der Vaart's brief foray into professional darts highlights a fascinating post-retirement path for a footballer who remained in the public eye by embracing a completely different sport, one he had long admired from the sidelines.
