Raymond van Barneveld announces intention to wind down pro career: 'I’m not sure how much longer I can keep going'

Raymond van Barneveld has been one of the most recognisable names in international darts for decades. But at 58, the Dutch legend is beginning to accept that the end of his long and storied career may be drawing near. The five-time world champion has started to reflect publicly on the need to reduce his demanding schedule.

Last Friday, Van Barneveld battled to a narrow 6-5 win over close friend Jerry Hendriks at the Autotron in Rosmalen. In front of a passionate crowd, it was a crucial victory in his pursuit of qualification for the World Matchplay. Speaking after the match, he opened up about what lies ahead.

“Of course, you want to make the Matchplay,” he told Sportnieuws.nl. “But starting next year, I really need to slow things down. It’s all becoming a bit too much.”

Van Barneveld is now seriously considering skipping certain events from 2025 onwards.

Despite an illustrious career spanning four decades, Van Barneveld still finds joy in the sport. However, he admits it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the physical demands.

“I’ve been doing this for forty years now, and I still love it. When you’re up there warming up and hear the crowd — it gives you an incredible feeling of pride,” he said. “But while the mind is still willing, the body doesn’t always follow. That’s the tough part.”

As the level of competition in modern darts continues to rise, Van Barneveld admits it’s getting harder to stay competitive at the highest level.

“I do struggle with that,” he admitted. “It takes a lot of mental energy. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep going.”

Van Barneveld had previously announced his retirement in 2019 but made a swift return just months later. He’s held a tour card again since 2021, although a deep run in a major televised tournament has eluded him in recent years.

“Often it’s over in the first round. At some point, you have to be honest with yourself — I have amazing sponsors, great people supporting me, but I’m also 58,” he reflected. “I still love it — tonight was another great example — and I hope I can keep going for as long as possible. But like I said: the mind still wants it, the body not always.”