Sascha Janne/PDC Europe

'I think I belong in the top four' - Raymond van Barneveld adds himself to GOAT debate

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 9:49 AM ET

Raymond van Barneveld was in action at the World Seniors Darts Champion of Champions last weekend. There, the 58-year-old Dutchman was asked some pressing questions.

Van Barneveld already has a long career behind him, but who would he like to play against again? "I never played Josh Rock," he said. As for who has the best and worst hairstyle, Van Barneveld doesn't have to think long either. "Not me, Cameron Menzies probably. The worst Callan Rydz. Peter Wright is the best dressed."

That ADO Den Haag is 'Barney's favorite soccer team is common knowledge. "They're from the Hague my local town." But who is his favorite soccer player of all time? "Johan Cruyff," Van Barneveld says without hesitation. As a favorite TV series, he chooses Sons of Anarchy. "Lord of the Rings, the whole trilogy and The Hobbit, absolutely love it. It took me ages to finish it all, the first year it came out, the second year the second. Then they waited years for The Hobbit. So I'm pretty jealous people who never see them can see them in a couple of days now."

World Championship final

Van Barneveld became world champion in 2007 immediately after his move to the PDC by defeating Phil Taylor in a legendary final. "If there is one match from my whole career that I would like to play again, it would be that one," he said.

"We had a second one in 2009 but I don't want to talk about that (lost 7-1)."

Best of all time

Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Eric Bristow are most often mentioned when it comes to who is now the best darter of all time. But what does Van Barneveld think about that? "Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are big names right now. Sometimes I think it's too soon for them. It's just probably me, I think Littler too soon. Humphries if he wins more World titles but Michael (van Gerwen) won three, Taylor 16. Bristow won five and I won five so I think I belong in the top four."