Ex-Everton and Real Madrid star in hospital after stroke

Former Real Madrid and Everton winger Royston Drenthe was taken to hospital after suffering a stroke on Friday.

The 38-year-old, who won LaLiga during his spell in Spain, was admitted after what Dutch reports described as a 'serious medical setback.'

A statement from FC De Rebellen, a club for 'the most rebellious, versatile and controversial former footballers from the Netherlands and Belgium', confirmed the incident and called for privacy for the player's family.

'Last Friday, Royston Drenthe suffered a stroke,' the statement read. 'Drenthe is currently being taken good care of and is in good hands. The team and those involved are hoping for a smooth recovery.

'Royston's family is asking for peace and privacy during this period so they can provide him with the support and space he needs for his recovery.'

Drenthe first rose to prominence as a teenager at Feyenoord, where his pace and powerful left foot earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2007.

He played 65 times for the Spanish giants, winning the 2007–08 LaLiga title, before spending the 2011–12 campaign on loan at Everton. During his year at Goodison Park he made 27 appearances and scored four goals under David Moyes.

After leaving Madrid, Drenthe's career included spells in England with Reading and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as moves to Russia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

He earned one senior cap for the Netherlands and retired from professional football in 2023.

Since hanging up his boots, Drenthe has worked in several fields outside the game. He appeared as a television pundit in Spain and the Netherlands, launched a short-lived rap career, and once opened his own clothing store.

He also trained as a health worker in Rotterdam and was active in local community projects before his recent health scare.

In previous interviews, Drenthe spoke candidly about the pressures of his early fame, reflecting on his time at Real Madrid alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and other Galácticos.

'I felt like a god at Real Madrid, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and I am proud of it,' he said. 'But I also liked to party hard in this world of glitter and glamour. I used to drink a lot even though I had to train the next day.'

He later declared bankruptcy in 2020 after admitting he had 'lost millions' on parties, holidays and cars, though he maintained he had no regrets about his football career.