Rafael van der Warth was born in Hemskerk in 1983. Today it is one of the most recognizable and popular Dutch football players. For his pretty fruitful life as a professional football player, the midfielder went through a lot and achieved great success. And which ones should be told about this.
Career at Ajax
Like many other Dutch players, Raphael started at Ajax. At the age of ten, he was on a viewing at the academy of this club. The boy’s abilities impressed the coaches of the children's team, so it was decided to accept him as a young player. In “Ajax”, the young midfielder learned to master the ball and improved his skills. And at 17, he first entered the field as part of the main, main team. It was a 1-1 draw against FC Den Bos.
At the beginning of the next season, 2000-2001, van der Warth began to often appear on the field. The head coach trusted the young player and gave him time. The Dutchman perfectly coped with the duties of the central attacking midfielder, sometimes he moved to the left flank. Already that season, he was named the best young player of the team by the fans.
The next year, he almost became the leader of the club, but due to a meniscus injury, everything fell apart. It took surgery and a long recovery. Yes, and after returning to the field there was a relapse. In general, for almost a whole season, van der Warth “dropped out” of football. But in 2002-2003. recovered completely and showed himself so that he was recognized as the best player in the Amsterdam tournament.
Going to Hamburg
In 2005, the Dutch footballer outbid Hamburg. There, the player took the position of a playmaker, that is, a midfielder leading the game. The victory in the Intertoto Cup that season is largely his merit. And third place in the German championship, too. Yes, and access to the group stage of the most prestigious tournament in the world - the Champions League. In general, in the same year he was named the club's top scorer with his nine goals scored.
For some time he was even a captain, but then again there was an injury, due to which the player again failed. “Hamburg” immediately sank into the relegation zone. When Raphael returned, everything immediately fell into place. In 2007-2008 he was in great shape, but then other clubs became interested in him and there was a risk that a promising and valuable player would leave Hamburg.
Subsequent years
“Atletico Madrid” really wanted to buy a player as good as van der Warth. The footballer was really close to the transition, but everything happened differently. He was bought by Real Madrid for 15 million euros. Less than two months later, his debut took place, and in the same match he scored a goal against “Numansii”.
In 2009, coach Manuel Pellegrini impressed everyone with his statement, saying that the Dutch players, in principle, were not included in his plans. So Rafael as a result left the team with Arjen Robin, Wesley Sneijder, Rud van Nistelrooy and Klas-Jan Hüntelar. The new van der Wart team is Tottenham Hotspur. As part of this team, he played 63 matches and scored 24 years. Both the player and the team were pleased with the results, but in 2012 the Dutchman decided to return to “Hamburg”. Until 2015, he defended the honor of his old club, and then was bought by the Real Betis club, which he has been playing since June 15.
About personal life
Van der Warth, whose photo shows us a young man with a very bright and extravagant appearance, is actually not a pure Dutchman. His mother is one hundred percent Spanish, and his father is Dutch. So this explains everything.
Raphael has a hobby, and that’s darts. He is a fan of this sport and once even performed in a professional game tournament.
In 2005, the footballer got married. Van der Warth’s wife is Sylvia Mays. She is five years older than her chosen one. The girl is a TV presenter and actress. In 2006, the couple had a son, who was named Damian Rafael. Interestingly, Sylvia has a good command of a soccer ball, but her career is still a model. True, in 2013 the couple divorced. At the moment, Rafael is dating his ex-wife Bulahruz Khalid, also a Dutch soccer player. The name of the new chosen one is Sabia, and she is also older than van der Warth, but for four years. It is also intriguing that she is the best friend of Rafael's ex-wife.
About achievements
A football player has achieved a lot in his professional career. With “Ajax” he twice became the champion of the Netherlands and the owner of the Cup, as well as the country's Super Cup. Plus, twice received the title of winner of the Amsterdam tournament. He won the Intertoto Cup with Hamburg , and the Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid. With the national team he became the bronze winner of the 2004 European Championship and the silver medalist of the 2010 World Cup.
Rafael also has personal rewards. He is three times the best young athlete in Amsterdam, and also the winner of the Golden Boy Award.
In general, the achievements of the football player abound. And we can say with confidence: this is not the end of his successful career.