Royston Drenthe Retires from Football
By Irati Prat | Updated on 11/18/2023 – 17:26 CET
In a career spanning 18 years and filled with both triumphs and setbacks, Royston Drenthe has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The Dutch footballer, who notably played for Real Madrid, made the announcement on his Instagram account.
Drenthe, now 36 years old, leaves behind a remarkable journey that took him across various countries including the Netherlands, Spain, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, England, and Turkey.
It was in 2007 that Drenthe rose to prominence after signing with Real Madrid. Although he played 46 games for the first team, he eventually departed from the club. Initially hailed as the successor to Roberto Carlos, Drenthe openly admits that he was unprepared for the realities of being a professional footballer at the age of 20. Reflecting on his time at Real Madrid, he once said, “I wasn’t ready to be a professional. I thought it was God, but I liked the party.”
Following his stint at Real Madrid, Drenthe embarked on a journey that took him to countries such as Russia and the United Arab Emirates. He also had loan spells at Hercules and Everton before facing a period of almost two years without a club in 2016.
After a hiatus, Drenthe made a comeback by joining Sparta Rotterdam in the Dutch Second Division, a club with a rich history. He later played for Racing de Murcia and Real Murcia before ultimately retiring at Kozakken Boys, a Dutch third-tier team, where he made five appearances this year.
2 Responses
What a wild ride it has been! Royston Drenthe’s career has been full of ups and downs, but it’s sad to see it come to an end. Wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.
Royston Drenthe’s retirement marks the end of a truly unpredictable journey. From his breakthrough at Feyenoord to showcasing his talent at Real Madrid, his career has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Farewell to a player who always kept us on the edge of our seats.