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Former Everton and Real Madrid star Royston Drenthe in hospital after stroke aged 38
Oct 19 2025 17:38 · By Cameron Winstanley/and/Kieran King/Sports Writer
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Former Premier League footballer Royston Drenthe has been rushed to hospital following a stroke.
The 38-year-old suffered the medical emergency on Friday and was immediately transported to hospital.
The Dutchman's current condition remains unknown, though it's reported that Drenthe is receiving excellent care from medical professionals who are optimistic about a "smooth recovery."
The cause of the stroke has not yet been determined.
FC De Rebellen released a statement saying: "Last Friday, Royston Drenthe suffered a stroke. 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 burst onto the scene at Feyenoord as a pacey left winger before securing a £12.1million transfer to Real Madrid in 2007. He stayed at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2012, though managed only 65 appearances, having enjoyed loan spells at Spanish outfit Hercules in 2010/11 and Everton in 2011/12.
During his time at Goodison Park, Drenthe netted four goals in 27 matches.
After his Real Madrid contract expired, he moved to Russian side Alania Vladikavkaz but spent less than 12 months there before moving back to England and completing a switch to Reading.
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Drenthe then had a stint at Sheffield Wednesday before playing for Kayseri Erciyesspor, Baniyas, Sparta Rotterdam, Kozakken Boys, Racing Murcia and Real Murcia to end his football career.
He retired from playing in November 2023 following a 17-year professional career. Speaking to ESPN at the time, he said: "The realisation that this is the end is definitely hard to swallow."
However, Drenthe had planned out his next steps. He added: "I’ll think about that next week. I don’t want to become a coach anyway, but something with technical policy, that seems like something to me.
"The focus is now on working for TV. There are some really fun, new projects coming up."
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.