Daryl Janmaat Reveals Cocaine Addiction That Shattered His Marriage in The Netherlands

Former Dutch international and Premier League defender Daryl Janmaat has candidly revealed that he battled a cocaine addiction following the end of his football career—a struggle that also played a role in the breakdown of his marriage.

Janmaat, 36, is best known for his time in England with Newcastle United, where he made 77 appearances between 2014 and 2016, and Watford, where he spent four seasons.

The right-back also earned 34 caps for the Netherlands and was part of the squad that reached the 2014 World Cup semi-finals, ultimately losing to Argentina on penalties.

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Career Highs and Early Challenges

Janmaat’s professional journey began at ADO Den Haag, the Dutch club where he later finished his playing career in 2022. He also had spells with Heerenveen and Feyenoord. Despite his success on the field, retirement from football proved to be a difficult adjustment.

A severe knee injury, worsened by a botched injection that led to infection, prematurely ended his playing days. Reflecting on this period, Janmaat told Dutch newspaper AD that losing his athletic career was devastating.

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Struggles with Addiction

“The cocaine addiction gradually crept in,” Janmaat admitted. “You start lying to the people you love. That’s terrible, I hurt a lot of people.”

He explained that the shift from being a professional athlete to taking up a technical director role at ADO Den Haag left him without the structured routine that had anchored his life for years, making him more vulnerable to substance abuse.

Janmaat emphasized that the addiction was specific to cocaine and not alcohol or other substances. “It can happen to anyone, I think. I never thought I could become addicted,” he said.

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Personal Impact and Family Life

The former defender acknowledged the strain his addiction placed on his personal life. Although still legally married to his wife Yoshi, the couple is no longer together, and he admitted the addiction contributed to the relationship’s difficulties. “A lot has been damaged, although we are getting on well again,” he said.

Janmaat also reflected on his role as a father. “I have three children who also hear and read things,” he shared.

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Public Discussion and Advocacy

Janmaat’s revelations coincide with the upcoming release of a documentary titled Real Men Don’t Cry, which explores the mental health challenges faced by elite athletes.

Former Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar is among the other ex-professionals featured.

At present, Janmaat has indicated he is unlikely to return to football in a professional capacity and has instead opened his own gym, shifting focus to personal training and wellness.

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Impact and Consequences

Janmaat’s story highlights the mental health struggles many athletes face when transitioning out of professional sport.

His openness may encourage other former players to seek help and shed light on the risks of substance abuse linked to career-ending injuries and loss of routine.

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What’s Next?

With the documentary set to air, Janmaat hopes to contribute to a broader conversation about the pressures of elite sport.

Meanwhile, he continues to rebuild his life through his gym and by repairing relationships with his family.

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Summary

Daryl Janmaat, former Newcastle and Watford full-back, has revealed his battle with cocaine addiction following retirement, the impact on his marriage, and the challenges of adjusting to life beyond professional football.

His story will be featured in a mental health-focused documentary, underlining the struggles retired athletes can face.

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Bulleted Takeaways

• Janmaat battled cocaine addiction after retiring from football.
• Career-ending knee injury triggered emotional and mental health challenges.
• Addiction contributed to the breakdown of his marriage, though he remains legally married.
• Janmaat’s experience will feature in the documentary Real Men Don’t Cry.
• He has no current plans to return to football professionally and has opened a personal gym.
• Highlights broader issues of mental health and substance abuse among retired athletes.