Former Newcastle and Watford defender Daryl Janmaat has revealed he has been battling a cocaine addiction that contributed to the breakdown of his marriage.
The 36-year-old, who earned 34 caps for the Netherlands and featured in the country’s run to the 2014 World Cup semi-finals, admitted retirement proved difficult to handle.
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Janmaat made 77 appearances for Newcastle between 2014 and 2016 before a four-year spell at Watford. He ended his career in 2022 with ADO Den Haag.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper AD, Janmaat explained that a serious knee injury ultimately forced his retirement and left him struggling mentally.
Complications following an injection led to infection, effectively ending his playing days.
Retirement Struggles and Personal Toll
Janmaat said the sudden loss of structure after football played a major role in his downward spiral.
Transitioning into a technical director role at ADO Den Haag failed to provide stability, and he admitted he felt unsupported during that period.
“The cocaine addiction gradually crept in,” he explained, acknowledging the damage caused to loved ones, reports Daily Mail.
Janmaat confirmed his marriage to wife Yoshi has ended, though the pair remain on good terms. He stressed that addiction “can happen to anyone” and admitted he never believed he would face such a struggle.
The former defender shared his story ahead of appearing in the documentary Real Men Don’t Cry, which explores mental health challenges faced by former players.
Janmaat has since opened his own gym and says a return to professional football in an official capacity appears unlikely at this stage.
