Daryl Janmat, who played for English clubs Newcastle United and Watford, has opened up about his cocaine addiction after the end of his playing career, describing it as a “very dark period” of his life.
talking to the local newspaper Advertisement Ahead of the premiere of the documentary ‘Real Men Don’t Cry’ – in which former Dutch players discuss the impact of specific sports on mental health – the 36-year-old admitted his problems began when he was forced to retire due to a serious knee problem.
The former Netherlands international earned 34 caps and represented clubs including ADO Den Haag, Feyenoord, Newcastle United and Watford during his career.
“I was very, very low. Really very low,” Public opinion said. “I have three children who listen and read things. I can’t and don’t want to tell all the details, but my cocaine addiction caused a lot of grief.”
End of career started going downwards
Janmat reported that his struggle began when a knee injury effectively ended his professional career. After an injection went awry and a joint became infected, he had to accept retirement earlier than planned.
“I still wanted it so much, but the knee injury ruined everything,” He said. “My career was over. I couldn’t deal with it.”
Moving into a technical manager role at ADO Den Hague didn’t help. Instead, he found himself without the structure that had defined his life as a player.
“As a player everything is clear. You go from training to training, match to match. When all that disappeared and as a technical manager I didn’t feel in the right place, it went wrong. And properly wrong.”
He admitted that the addiction gradually increased. “You start lying to people you love. It’s horrible. I’ve hurt a lot of people.”
Life after football and a warning to others
Janmat insisted that pressure was never an issue during his playing days. He referenced major occasions, including the World Cup semi-finals and Premier League matches with Newcastle United and Watford, and said he could handle the stress on the pitch.
“The problems started only after I stopped,” he explained.
In 2023, reports emerged in the Netherlands that he was found to be under the influence of drugs. Shortly after, he entered a rehabilitation clinic in South Africa.
Now, he says he has rebuilt his life. Janmat runs his own gym in Scheveningen and recently appeared in a legends match for Feyenoord against Celtic.
“It was cocaine, nothing else. No alcohol,” He said. “It can happen to anyone. I never thought I could get addicted.”
Janmat also revealed that although he is officially still married, he and his wife are no longer together. “A lot of damage was done,” He accepted, adding that they now have a better relationship.
He hopes speaking publicly will serve as a warning.
“Cocaine destroys a lot. Addiction is a real battle. It breaks a lot. I’ve gone in a different direction now – good direction. Luckily.”
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