Former Premier League defender Daryl Janmaat has publicly revealed his battle with cocaine addiction, which he says contributed to the breakdown of his marriage after retiring from professional football.

Janmaat, who played for Newcastle United and Watford during his time in England's top flight, made the disclosure this week as part of his efforts to address his substance abuse issues. The Dutch defender's admission highlights ongoing concerns about mental health and addiction challenges faced by professional athletes after their careers end.

The 35-year-old defender had a notable career in European football, making over 100 appearances in the Premier League between 2014 and 2020. He represented the Netherlands national team on multiple occasions and played for several clubs across different leagues during his professional career.

Janmaat's revelation adds to a growing list of former professional athletes who have spoken publicly about addiction struggles following retirement. The transition from professional sports to civilian life has been identified by sports psychologists as a particularly vulnerable period for athletes, who often struggle with identity changes and the loss of structured routines that defined their careers.

The former defender's decision to speak openly about his addiction battle comes as sports organizations increasingly focus on providing mental health and substance abuse support for current and former players.