Who Is Rafael van der Vaart? Age, Biography and Wiki
Rafael van der Vaart, born on February 11, 1983, is a prominent Dutch footballer known for his exceptional playmaking skills and powerful shots. As of 2025, van der Vaart is 42 years old. Over his illustrious career, he has played for various clubs, including Ajax, Hamburg, Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur. Van der Vaart is also noted for his significant contributions to the Netherlands national team, making him a celebrated figure in the world of football.
| Occupation | Football Coach |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 11, 1983 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Heemskerk, Netherlands |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Netherlands |
Popularity
Rafael van der Vaart's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Weight: Approximately 74 kg (163 lbs)
- Body Stats: Athletic build, typical of professional footballers. He maintains an excellent physical condition through rigorous training and a healthy diet.
Van der Vaart was in the starting line-up for the three group matches in the 2010 World Cup, against Denmark, Japan and Cameroon, but eventually lost his spot in the starting line-up to his recently recovered fellow midfielder Arjen Robben after being substituted in the match against Cameroon.
He was brought off the pitch after giving away a penalty to Cameroon by blocking the ball with his arm from a free-kick. However, he made another appearance in the semi-final against Uruguay, after coming on for the injured Demy de Zeeuw. He helped Oranje win the match 3–2, thus sending them to the final.
He also played in the final against Spain, substituting Nigel de Jong just before injury time. Netherlands lost the game 1–0 to a goal from Andrés Iniesta. He was handed the captain's armband during the match, after Giovanni van Bronckhorst was substituted off.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Rafael van der Vaart has had a colorful personal life. He was previously married to Dutch actress Sylvie Meis; they divorced in 2013 but share a son named Damián. As of 2025, reports suggest that van der Vaart is in a competitive dating landscape and is currently rumored to be in a relationship with a model. However, he has kept most details of his love life private, focusing primarily on his career and personal growth.
On 22 August 2019 Van der Vaart confirmed, that he would play a game for Esbjerg's reserves in the ninth tier of football in Denmark. Due to his relationship with handball player Estavana Polman, he was still living in Esbjerg, as she was playing for Team Esbjerg.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Rafael van der Vaart's estimated net worth is around $30 million. His earnings have stemmed not only from his successful football career but also from endorsements, sponsorships, and business ventures. During his playing days, he was known to command a lucrative salary from clubs and has continued to earn through various digital ventures and brand affiliations after retiring from active play.
Career, Business and Investments
Van der Vaart enjoyed a fruitful football career, playing for prestigious clubs and the national team. After retiring, he has ventured into several business opportunities, including a football academy and a sports management company. He also engages in various charitable initiatives and uses his platform to promote youth sports.
Van der Vaart began his career at Ajax's youth academy and worked his way into the first team, debuting as a 17-year-old. Known for his playmaking skills, he drew comparisons to Johan Cruyff. He was named Dutch Football Talent of the Year and became the first recipient of the Golden Boy Award while at the club.
He moved to Bundesliga club Hamburger SV, then to Real Madrid, then on to Tottenham Hotspur before returning to Hamburger SV in 2012. In the latter stages of his career, Van der Vaart had brief spells playing in Spain and Denmark before announcing his retirement in 2018, and return in 2019 with a testimonial match.
Social Network
Rafael van der Vaart is active on several social media platforms, where he shares glimpses of his life, career updates, and engagement with fans. His Instagram account boasts thousands of followers, where he frequently posts personal photos, experiences, and endorsements.
- Instagram: @rafaelvandervaart
- Twitter: @rafvdvaart
Education
While details about van der Vaart's formal education are limited, like many professional athletes, he focused primarily on developing his skills in football from a young age. He enrolled in youth academies that honed his abilities, ultimately leading him to become a professional footballer before receiving further training and development through his club positions.
In conclusion, Rafael van der Vaart continues to be a celebrated personality in the sports community, with an intriguing lifestyle and a wealth of experiences to share. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.
At this point, Van der Vaart's performances were attracting interest from some of Europe's top clubs. He had previously been strongly linked to Milan, but in the summer of 2005, he signed for Bundesliga outfit Hamburger SV in Germany. Van der Vaart's €5.5 million transfer to Hamburg, on 1 June 2005, raised many eyebrows.
Many other top-flight clubs had shown interest in the midfielder but he chose Hamburg.
Ajax legend Johan Cruyff himself commented in his De Telegraaf column: "I don't know what to say about it or what Rafael van der Vaart is doing in Hamburg." He played a massive part in Hamburg's impressive away form that season, scoring in each of their first four games on the road; in fact, in the course of his first one and a half seasons with th
e German club, they did not lose a single match away from home while he was on the pitch.
Van der Vaart finished his first season as the team's top scorer as Hamburg finished third in the league and won the 2005 UEFA Intertoto Cup.
