Raymond van Barneveld Considers Retirement

Raymond van Barneveld, the 58-year-old darts legend, is considering retirement again. He has had a tough year, with only one quarter-final on the Pro Tour, causing him to slip outside the world's top 32.

What happened?

The Dutchman has found it challenging to keep up with the hectic calendar, describing it as "murder". He has to play in every tournament, hoping for good results, unlike some of his peers who can cherry-pick events.

Why it matters for Raymond van Barneveld

Van Barneveld's situation is precarious, and he knows his time is running short unless his results improve. He has been open about his struggles, stating that if he can't win his first rounds on the Pro Tour, it might be the end of his career.

What comes next?

The 5-time World Champion is thinking about life beyond the main tour, possibly involving coaching the next generation. He is considering giving online courses, which could include players from around the world, and doing exhibitions. Van Barneveld told Boyle Sports that he is thinking about his future, saying "At the moment, I'm 58, so I'm thinking about 60, 61, but if I still like it, why not continue?" He also mentioned that he misses the sport when he's not playing, having given up a couple of years ago. The PDC legend has had a remarkable career, with five World Championship titles, but he knows that his time at the top is limited. As of 2025, Van Barneveld is ranked 34th in the world, a far cry from his former glory. He will need to improve his results if he wants to continue playing at the highest level. Van Barneveld's potential retirement would be a significant loss for the darts world, but he is exploring other options to stay involved in the sport. He is looking to the future, and his fans will be eager to see what's next for the Dutchman.