"Maybe he should drink four rum and Cokes again before the match, like in the old days" – Rafael van der Vaart extends a helping hand to Raymond van Barneveld

Raymond van Barneveld is getting help from an unexpected quarter. Former top footballer Rafael van der Vaart will support the five-time world champion in an effort to revive his darts career.

The 58-year-old Dutchman wants to fully focus on his sport one last time over the coming years, after top performances have been absent for quite some time. “I’ve got a few good years left in me and I want to get everything out of them,” said Van Barneveld.

Raymond van Barneveld’s early exit at the last World Darts Championship hit the darts legend hard, but also Rafael van der Vaart. The former Netherlands international has watched with dismay in recent years as ‘Barney’ struggled with form, confidence, and mental pressure. That prompted Van der Vaart to step in. “I can’t promise anything,” says Van der Vaart (42) matter-of-factly, “but I’m going to do my best. It genuinely hurts me to see how Raymond has been stumbling in recent years. I’m a true fan of his.”

For Van Barneveld the help is more than welcome. The five-time world champion admits he can no longer carry everything on his own. “Super sweet. Really amazing that he wants to commit himself to me,” Barney responds gratefully. “I’m looking for someone who gives me a kick up the backside every now and then.”

According to Van Barneveld, that kick can be both literal and figurative. He is looking for someone to keep him sharp, provide structure, and get him out of his own head. “It remains an individual sport. You often stand there alone. I’ve tried everything already, but I’m open to anything.”

There isn’t a concrete plan yet, but the first step has been taken. “We’re going to grab a coffee soon and then things will become more concrete,” said Van Barneveld. “Hopefully Rafael’s help will provide relief, but I don’t dare say yet exactly what it will look like.”

Anyone who thinks Van der Vaart will take Van Barneveld to the gym every day is mistaken. Van der Vaart admits that himself with a broad smile. “If there’s anyone who doesn’t go to the gym, it’s me,” he jokes. “But I told Raymond I’ll do my best using my network.”

That help will mainly be on the mental and organizational front. Van der Vaart wants to contribute ideas on guidance, relaxation, and peripheral matters. Securing new sponsors is also on the agenda. “That can bring calm as well. Less stress away from the oche.”

According to Van der Vaart, he and Van Barneveld have more in common than you might think at first glance. “Raymond put darts on the map in the Netherlands,” he says. “And Raymond is, like me, a born talent. And then you get lazy.”

He immediately nuances that. “I don’t think laziness is the biggest problem. Raymond carries the whole world with him. Everything is heavy, everything is important. But we’re talking about darts.”

Van der Vaart sees that mental pressure as the key to improvement. “It’s mental. I’m convinced Raymond blows everyone off the board when he’s relaxed.”

The former footballer doesn’t shy away from striking remarks. “Maybe he should drink four rum and Cokes again before the match, like in the old days,” Van der Vaart says with a wink. “Back then he was relaxed, carefree. That feeling needs to return.”

Van der Vaart sees himself as Van Barneveld’s opposite, and that could be exactly what makes the collaboration work. “He’s often tied up in knots and overthinks everything. I’m someone who doesn’t think,” he says with a laugh. “Just ask Estavana (Polman, his wife).”

Where Van Barneveld is known as a perfectionist and a worrier, Van der Vaart stands for perspective and relaxation. “You shouldn’t take it all so seriously,” he emphasizes. “Enjoy it. Darts is wonderful, but it’s not life or death.”

Van Barneveld recognizes that portrayal. “I’m indeed someone who takes everything with me onto the stage,” he says honestly. “Maybe Rafael can help me let things go.”

The bond between Van der Vaart and Van Barneveld is not new. The pair have known each other since 2013, when they won a pairs tournament together at football club HSV. “Our relationship has always been good,” Van Barneveld says. “We’ve always kept in touch.”

Van der Vaart also enjoys throwing darts himself, although a professional career was never seriously on the table. In 2019 he took part in the Danish Open and the Danish Masters, then BDO tournaments. “But that’s where it ended,” he laughs. “I threw with my son yesterday. Took a 3-0 beating with an average of 26.”

It is notable that Van Barneveld recently decided to skip the Winmau World Masters, the first major of the year. Not due to form, but for financial reasons. Instead, the Hague native is opting for two lucrative exhibitions at FC Twente.

“I simply expect to earn more from that,” Van Barneveld explained earlier. The choice underscores how important calm, balance, and financial security have become at this stage of his career.

For Van Barneveld, this new partnership feels like the possible start of a final chapter. “I know I’ve still got it,” he says defiantly. “But I can’t do it alone anymore.”