GettyRyan Babel
NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 18:04
Ryan Babel has announced his retirement as a footballer via a message on social media. “If it wasn’t already clear, hereby: thank you football.”
The 37-year-old Amsterdammer had been without a club for a year, since his departure from Turkish Eyüpspor at the end of September last year.
Three spells at Ajax, six prizes
Babel broke through at Ajax in 2004 and made his debut for the Dutch national team in 2005 with a goal against Romania. In 2007, the attacker moved from Ajax to Liverpool for more than 17 million euros.
After three and a half years with varying success at Liverpool, Babel left for Hoffenheim, again Ajax, Kasimpasa, Al-Ain, Deportivo La Coruña, Besiktas, Fulham, Galatasaray, again Ajax (on loan) and finally Eyüpspor.
During his three spells at Ajax, Babel became Dutch champion twice (2003/2004, 2012/2013), won the KNVB Cup twice (2005/2006, 2006/2007) and won the Johan Cruijff Shield twice ( 2005, 2006).
With Besiktas he became champion of Turkey in the 2016/2017 season and with Galatasaray he won the Turkish Super Cup in 2019. In 2007 he became European champion in his own country with the Dutch Juniors.
Long career with the Dutch team, with a long break
Babel was a regular in the selection of the Dutch national team from 2005 to 2011 and was in the group for the 2006 World Cup and the 2010 World Cup. In 2006 he played his only match at a final tournament against Argentina.
AFPRyan Babel after a goal against France in 2018
After a six-year absence, Babel made his return to the Dutch team in 2017 and from 2018 onwards he became a regular in the Dutch team for several years during Ronald Koeman’s first period as national coach.
His last international match was on March 30, 2021 against Gibraltar (0-7), more than sixteen years after his debut against Romania. Babel played a total of 69 international matches, scoring ten times.
Centipede
The versatile Babel also developed in other areas during his football career. He made a rap album about his life, scored a top 10 hit, rented out apartments in Amsterdam and invested in crypto coins.
Yet he was always able to breathe new life into his career. Now, after a time of doubt, it is really over.
Watch below the conversation with Ryan Babel in March this year about his doubts about quitting football:
End of professional career for clubless Babel? ‘I’m still figuring it out’
Ryan Babel: A Farewell to Football and a Journey Through the Beautiful Game
By: Your Friendly Neighborhood Comic
So, it seems our dear friend Ryan Babel has decided to hang up his boots and say goodbye to football—via social media, naturally! Nothing says ‘thank you for the memories, football’ quite like a pixelated farewell on Instagram, does it? But let’s tip our hats to the man: at 37, and after spending a year without a club, it’s probably high time he trades the pitch for something less… sweaty.
From Ajax to Glory: The Cirque du Babel
Ryan Babel started his career at Ajax back in 2004, bursting onto the scene like a firecracker in a library. He made his debut for the Dutch national team in 2005—but not before scoring an absolute pearler against Romania. And speaking of firecrackers, his transfer to Liverpool for over €17 million in 2007 was probably one of the most anticipated moves… until everyone realized he was less like fireworks and more like a damp squib.
After three and a half years at Liverpool filled with ‘varying success’—which is the polite way of saying ‘hit or miss’—he darted off to Hoffenheim. Seriously, it’s like a world tour of football clubs: back to Ajax, then a Turkish delight with Kasimpasa, a sunny stint in Al-Ain, Deportivo La Coruña, and a smattering of others before landing at Eyüpspor.
And let’s not forget Babel’s trophy cabinet, which is flashier than your Auntie’s jewelry collection. With Ajax alone, he racked up two Dutch league titles, two KNVB Cups, and a couple of Johan Cruijff Shields. Throw in some Turkish championships and a European title with the Dutch Juniors, and you start to realize Babel wasn’t just kicking around a ball—he was collecting trophies like Pokémon cards!
International Adventures: From the World Stage to Retires’ Lounge
Babel wore the national colors of the Netherlands with pride, donning the orange jersey regularly between 2005 and 2011. He graced the pitches in two World Cups. However, his claim to fame on the international stage? A single appearance in a tournament match—against Argentina. Talk about a fairytale ending! But fear not, after a six-year hiatus, he was back, becoming a staple in the Dutch national side again, thanks to Ronald Koeman’s initiative. His last hurrah with the national team was in March 2021 against Gibraltar. And let’s be honest, after 69 caps and ten goals, it’s safe to say he had more than his fair share of shin pads and team meals.
The Multi-Talented Ryan: More Than Just a Footballer
Now, while some players settle down into coaching or punditry, Ryan Babel apparently decided to conquer the world—one rap album at a time! Yes, you heard that right. He released a rap album, scoring a top 10 hit and effectively making him the only footballer ever to mix hip-hop with knock-knees. Add into the mix some property investments in Amsterdam and a leap into the crypto world, and it sounds like Babel is ready for his own reality show. It’s just a shame he never managed to invest in good decision-making.
As We Say Goodbye…
In a world where footballers often struggle to remain relevant post-retirement, Babel’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Even as he grappled with the uncertainty of quitting—having that classic athlete existential crisis—he’s now stepped into the sunset. And believe me, folks, if his career has taught us anything, it’s that once the boots come off, it’s all about knowing when to pass the ball…and when to just hang out with your best mates, enjoying a pint.
So, here’s to Ryan Babel: a player who gave us unforgettable memories, a few eyebrow-raising moments, and a cheeky reminder that sometimes it’s good to take the plunge and say goodbye before your body reminds you who’s boss!
Catch you at the next amateur league match, Ryan! Cheers!
Ryan Babel has officially announced his retirement from professional football through a heartfelt message shared on social media, stating, “If it wasn’t already clear, hereby: thank you football.” This marks the end of an era for the 37-year-old Amsterdam native.
The talented attacker, who has not played for a club since parting ways with Turkish side Eyüpspor in September of last year, has spent a year as a free agent. His absence from the pitch has left many fans and pundits speculating about his next steps.
Three spells at Ajax, six prizes
Babel first rose to prominence at Ajax in 2004, where he made his professional debut. Just a year later, he scored his first goal for the Dutch national team against Romania, launching what would become a noteworthy international career. In 2007, Babel transitioned to Liverpool for a notable transfer fee exceeding 17 million euros, reflecting his potential.
Throughout his career, Babel showcased his skills across various clubs, including Hoffenheim, a return to Ajax, Kasimpasa, Al-Ain, Deportivo La Coruña, Besiktas, Fulham, Galatasaray, and finally, a second loan spell at Ajax before joining Eyüpspor. With Ajax, he secured multiple accolades, including two Dutch championships, two KNVB Cups, and two Johan Cruijff Shields.
In addition to his domestic success, Babel achieved significant milestones abroad. He celebrated a Turkish league title with Besiktas in the 2016/2017 season, followed by winning the Turkish Super Cup with Galatasaray in 2019. His youth career was marked by a European Championship title with the Netherlands U21 team in 2007.
Long career with the Dutch team, with a long break
From 2005 to 2011, Babel was a dependable member of the Dutch national team, participating in both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. His solitary appearance at a major tournament came in 2006 against Argentina, where he made a memorable impact.
After a six-year hiatus from international duty, Babel made a triumphant return to the Dutch squad in 2017. Under the guidance of coach Ronald Koeman, he became a regular fixture, contributing his experience to the team. His final international match was on March 30, 2021, against Gibraltar, allowing him to conclude his international career on a high note. Over the years, Babel earned 69 caps for the national team, netting ten goals along the way.
Centipede
Babel’s versatility extended beyond the football pitch, as he explored various creative and entrepreneurial ventures throughout his career. He released a rap album that reflected his life experiences and even scored a hit single that landed in the top 10. Alongside his music career, Babel dabbled in the property market by renting out apartments in Amsterdam and ventured into cryptocurrency investments.
Despite facing uncertainties about his career path, Babel always found ways to revitalize his journey. Now, after a period of introspection and doubt, he has decisively closed the chapter on his professional football career.
Watch below the conversation with Ryan Babel in March this year about his doubts about quitting football:
Rkish Super Cup with Galatasaray in 2019. Babel also enjoyed success with the Dutch Juniors, culminating in becoming European champion in 2007 on home soil.
A Dutch National Team Journey
Babel’s international career was marked by a notable presence in the Dutch national team from 2005 to 2011. He participated in two World Cups (2006 and 2010) and earned a single match appearance at a final tournament, which came against Argentina. After a significant gap from the national setup, Babel made a return to international football in 2017 and became a regular during Ronald Koeman’s tenure as coach. His final appearance came in March 2021 against Gibraltar, totaling 69 caps and ten goals over 16 years since his debut.
Beyond the Pitch
Off the field, Babel has shown a diverse array of interests. He ventured into the music industry with a rap album, capturing a spot in the top 10. Aside from music, Babel explored real estate investments and delved into the world of cryptocurrency, showcasing that he was more than just a footballer—but also a multi-talented individual. Though his career had its ups and downs, he constantly sought new avenues, proving he wasn’t afraid of reinvention.
Final Thoughts
Ryan Babel’s retirement concludes a vibrant chapter filled with ups, downs, and a plethora of experiences both on and off the pitch. As he steps into a new phase of life away from competitive football, fans will hopefully see him continue to thrive in his various endeavors, leaving an indelible mark on both football and pop culture.
Cheers to Ryan Babel: a footballer who lived many lives within his career! May his next journey be just as adventurous and fulfilling.
