Raymond van Barneveld's final press conference: "I don't belong at the top level anymore"

A raw and emotional Raymond van Barneveld reacts to his shock First Round exit to Darin Young at the 2019/20 World Championship to mark a disappointing end to a glittering career spanning over three decades. #Darts
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[@matthammond1797]

Don't do anything stupid Raymond! Reflect and return my friend

[@mane_7313]

I think he will reflect in a couple of weeks, but could anyone please go to him an make clear, that he had a wonderful career with a lot of success

[@mrwilliamwinter]

He sounds REALLY down, deeper than just losing a game, I think the PDC need to refer him to a GP / psychologist... just in case! No harm done if he is ok mentally, but this left me uncomfortable and worried for him.

[@matthiascerebri3315]

He will come back in his mind eventually?

[@young321bookie]

He's not as bad as he's making out ffs, he's a millionaire and has a great lifestyle. He won everything including 5 World Titles and he has the rest of his life to enjoy and do whatever he wants. He's just a narcissist and can't take not getting everything he wants when he wants it.

[@matthiascerebri3315]

@@young321bookie No you idiot: He is a severly depressed being. He had a breakdown After all of those pressurizing years

[@nultyjack8219]

@@vuurwerkteamgroningen5781 what

[@garethbraint]

@@young321bookie you can have the whole world at your feet and still not be happy mentally. There are deep emotional issues there.

[@TomHeer]

Doet echt pijn wat hij hier zegt over zichzelf. Ik hou ervan dat ie alles op alles zet om te winnen en er kapot van is als ie niet wint. Maar deze man is een held, En noemt zichzelf een verliezer... deze man is een winner. Barney Army .

[@brentwijnen3646]

Barney is een slechte verliezer en dat is gewoon jammer. Als hij iets beter met verlies zou kunnen omgaan, had ie nog meer bereikt dan dat ie al had gedaan

[@jackbuturata57]

Hij pleegt nog zelfmoord als hij zo door gaat. Hij moet gewoon stoppen met darten en gewoon weer post bezorgen en daar was hij goed in, want dat heeft hij altijd gedaan.

[@gonelsas5120]

@@brentwijnen3646 Joh!!! Hij heeft gewoon een overload van sh*t in zijn nek gekregen, situatie met zoon, scheiding, enz enz en daggie ouder geworden en dat heeft invloed op zijn spel en zegt niets over "een slechte verliezer" hij is maar een mens en een mens met teveel ellende en dat breekt een mens!

[@footballhd1111]

Lol hij heeft niet eens een bericht over zijn 'Barney Army'.

[@cryptorocketeer2458]

OMG this video put shivers through my whole body, he sounds close to suicidal ☹️ let's hope he shakes off the disappointment, the guy is and always will be a Legend in the eyes of hundreds of millions ♥️

[@Al_o_bri]

I’m worried about him, people need to get round him now

[@mufcracer8609]

Painful way to end such a top player, he is so broken here i worry for him

[@WillLMC96]

It's just a game of darts, he needs to chill out. He has had an amazing career, fairytale ending rarely happen.

[@Bassic1234]

William LMC when you have been so great at something and still are but can’t produce it when you want or need to it kills you . He is depressed it’s blatantly obvious he may have a young girlfriend but seperating from his ex wife has destroyed him it no doubt has distanced him from his family and a winner like Ray needs everything to be right to get the best out of himself. He’s only with that young woman to piss his wife off I bet if he had the chance to be with his exwife right now he would be there at the drop of a hat

[@young321bookie]

@@Bassic1234 - What the fuck would you know about his relationship with his EX-wife and whether he'd go back to her or not? Raymond Van Barneveld isn't as harmless and as innocent as he makes himself out to be. He's a wolf in sheeps clothing imo.

[@lmilne4859]

Think there’s a lot been going on in his private life as to just darts.

[@maliciouspig8494]

Keyboard warrior

[@TeamBabylon-dp2xf]

Chill out? He's played Darts his whole career. It's more than a game of darts for these players, this is their lively hood.

[@maycrotch8576]

He's been down on himself for a couple of years but this is a different low. He seems really depressed.

[@BoxingTVYoutube]

I think the media carrying on this interview, when he is quite clearly devastated is disgusting. Baiting him, asking what his demons are!? Wtf You are a legend Barney ❤️

[@hughennis8728]

Actually they were respectful and obviously felt for the guy. They constantly pointed out the positives of his career.

[@BoxingTVYoutube]

@@hughennis8728 not buying it

[@johnnyman3138]

So so hard on himself

[@kryptonitea1662]

Barney has retired and goes down as one of the top 5 players of all time.

[@young321bookie]

And that couldn't mean any less to him. :/

[@lastofusgoat]

No he doesn't, 1 pdc world championship, most overrated darts player in history, thank fuck hes retired

[@kryptonitea1662]

These pair also think Terry Down is the fastest dart player. they've ever seen.

[@marknagy435]

huck the funs You are either a troll or just mad cuz he beat your favorite many times...like come on, why do you write something lile that?

[@VideoBaseie]

Defo signs of depression here. He just can't see any good in what he's done or achieved. Most people seeing this for the first time will just think he's an arsehole. But he's always like this to be fair

[@sscc9690]

"I hate myself every single day"

[@ldoherty1991]

My heart goes out to him. He was always one of the nicer darts players through the years.

[@roelruiter6072]

Niet zo hard voor jezelf Barney! Je bent de Nederlandse darts held die het darten in Nederland groot heeft gemaakt. Bedankt voor de mooie toernooien en vele overwinningen! The eye of the tiger!!

[@MichielBruijn]

In Holland we have a saying that goes like "After rain, there will be sunshine" Hang on Barney, better times will come. Hang on. You will probably never ever feel miserable like this again. I've been there.

[@mattdietrich347]

Chin up Barney! You gave us all so so much! Sooo many tense nights in front of the TV rooting for you. Was kneeing on the carpet with tears in my eyes when you hit the 96 to win the game against MvG a few years ago. Still my all-time favourite match (yes, I've missed the 07 final, didn't know how great darts is by then) but all those other nights, the Grand Slam win, the Premier League win, those semi-finals at the WC... that's why I started to love and play this amazing game! Thanks Legend!!

[@ConnorBennett180]

Goodbye legend

[@JamieHarding5]

Sad end. Need time to chill. Management way to slow, should have stopped interviews after 1st one soon as game finished. Thank you for the memories Mr Van Barneveld! Relax put your feet and enjoy fun times on exhibitions with mr Taylor.👏👏👏👏👏

[@DartsReviewChannel]

Sad to see :(

[@joostdegrote2340]

Thank you Barney for all you have done.

[@gabedestellano]

Oh, Barney... Poor bastard. I hope you get over this. You'll always be a legend to me, mate. Thanks for all the amazing darts!

[@claymore32]

Raymond, I understand exactly how you feel. Because the same kind of thing happened to me. Sure it wasn't at the top level, but still. I went from winning everything I played in to losing no matter what. I failed. I lost. I fell. I cried, and I hurt. But what I didn't do, was give up. I analysed every tiny bit of my throw and mentality. And I worked as hard as I possibly could. You always used to say "Stay positive, and your time will come." Well I think it's time you took your own advice. Stay positive and believe in yourself. And your time can come again. You are one of THE best players in history. Your legacy will live on for god knows how long. You have no belief in yourself when everyone else does. You have the ability to win whatever you set your mind to do. So do it. Go and work as hard as you can. Be the legend again. Throw with belief and play with confidence. Never falter, and never, ever tell yourself you can't. Because if anyone can, it's you. I remember that night you played against Stephen Bunting. You said he would go places, and he has. And you and I know why. Because he worked at it. He almost gave up. He went to pub tournaments and came home in tears because he lost. Then he saw a sports psychologist. He worked and he succeeded. And now he plays the darts of his life. Don't give up Barney. You have ALL of us and all of the players at your back. Everything you have done counts for something. Don't sell yourself short. Believe. Take your time and take your chances. Be the man with the will to survive and you will.

[@Bassic1234]

Matthew Seatter very nice words from you mathew if ray read this he would appreciate it. I also remember watching the short video your talking about many times when he’s on the practice board giving darting tips about finishing and practice games those words he said have stayed with me. I’m also trying to get my game back right now but that’s darts it comes and goes but as you say my friend don’t give up it’s easier to give up 99% do but if you can overcome your problems it will make you stronger and a better player.

[@buneltownsend9521]

This is heart breaking to watch. You and Phil Taylor are legends of the sport of Darts and put Darts where it is today.

[@bugze666]

That look on his face is me every monday morning after arriving at work! Great player over the years, should count his blessings for the life he has had, plenty worse off than him and not just financially!

[@markwaller4175]

Worrying to see Raymond speaking this way. Worried about his mental health. Just hoping that he was sore about his defeat and that time will be a healer. You will always have been my darting hero chance what you think of yourself. I hope you can find happiness in your retirement

[@SuperPushan]

so much to learn from him.... still a long way to go for me

[@mkbuddy]

Poor Barney I feel he should have retired a couple of years ago

[@lastcast8235]

He's just really depressed , He has been for a while I think.He needs help, money doesn't sole everything in life it just helps a little bit. He's in a dark place here.

[@Stampistuta]

He’s so emotional. One day he’ll look back and realise how incredibly important he was to this sport and feel proud.

[@davebest2001]

I wish him well. Needs to become an ambassador for the sport. He shouldn't retire

[@Carlos.Radders]

I don't think that the interview should have gone on as long as this. Clearly Raymond was struggling at that moment. It went from a gentle review of the match to a reflection of his career. Very difficult, I can appreciate, as he is a professional and it's a part of the package, to be interviewed. It did seem a very sympathetic interview, to be fair though. Very difficult situation. It must be hard for Raymond, having been sooo good at the game...its life though.. there's always going to be a point where your best isn't good enough anymore. Hard to swallow but inevitable, especially in top level sports, the competition is really tough now.. more than ever! The game just keeps getting better. Averages higher.. check out percentages higher! Raymond is an absolute legend of the game of darts!. For me, he should join Me Taylor, Sir Bobby, Mr Deller and other legends of the game on the exhibition circuit. Have some fun earn some good money and retire happily from a very mentally challenging game/ career. Stay strong Big Man! 🧡

[@eitenswelt7002]

Barney, everyone has to battle his demons . Sit to a beer with Steve Harris from Iron Maiden. He will tell you life goes on.

[@spennyfumepipe]

Stefan Schröder did Steve Harris suffer from depression?

[@rrhwattimena1177]

@@spennyfumepipe Ozzy Osbourne did. That's a better idea..;-)

[@SosiskaTheHorrible]

I’ve got a feeling that’s just an Iron Maiden obsessive that thinks Maiden cures all. Beer is the last thing he needs moron

[@andysturton278]

We love you Barney, you are going to be such a great commentator for the game when you have healed, you've been through it all. What a Legend!

[@TommyBoii4]

A born winner I don't know how your gonna process retirement Raymond but you inspire everyone else when we throw our darts

[@DEAN0795]

Something doesn’t seem right about this, very ominous. Hope he doesn’t do anything stupid.

[@marknagy435]

Geert Matthys Someone who identifies a whole nation as cowards is irrelevant

[@iiyaan]

A champions mentality. Just broken. I hope he can find his peace and look back at a wonderful career. Darts wouldnt be as big as it is now without him! Chin up legend!

[@Zarkava8]

I hope Barney gets some professional help as he needs it going off this interview. Sad to see him like this. 😢

[@shahid1296ify]

Guarantee if he had lost in the final he would of been a lot happier in this interview

[@nathan2497]

He has always been like this in most interviews when he loses always depressed and down

[@dalecollins2085]

To see a legend like this is heartbreaking. He certainly needs some help. He didn't look right even in the walk on, and he couldn't get off the stage quick enough. I hope the PDC monitor him and give him as much help as he needs. He is in a very dark place at the moment and when your in that place, this time of year doesn't help.....Thank you Barney for years of enjoyment.

[@noahl.5376]

Barney Army😭♥️

[@richardwoods9070]

Someone should have stopped this earlier,to let that run on like that was sad to watch. He needs someone close for help and discuss going forward in a positive way.

[@MindSculpture1]

Barney - get a grip. You are a legend of the sport. Of course you will be kicking yourself but you have been blessed to have had a wonderful career. Millions of folk will never know that. Millions of folk have to struggle each and every day. Given a bit of time you will be able to look back and see what you have achieved. You will also have your health and be financially secure. Be thankful for that. 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@alpacaslapper282]

Dont beat yourself up Barney .. you have given soo many great memories .. to soo many people .

[@chiz1611]

Put on a happy face and whistle a merry tune... Always look on the bright side of life

[@andrekraut1140]

Take care you LEGEND Barney! Please find inner peace and find something that hits the inner core of you as well as Darts once did.

[@stanislawlorenz]

he's back!

[@peterr3759]

Poor guy is so broken, give himself a extremely high standard that he couldn't reach anymore. Love him for what he shown in darts. Hope he gets his self respect back.

[@mr.timjohnston546]

this is very very sad to watch.. One of the best throws in darts ever When he is on, no one better..

[@zt7489]

Before his 2019 World's match, at the side curtain- before they go to their walk on position, he looked like he didn't want to be there. Seems like he may have a long term depression and has had to just keep going due to contractual obligations. If that was the case, then those people need to look at stuff that's more important than the size of their wallets.

[@LinecookThorJamiethaxton]

You have nothing to be ashamed of one hell of a player

[@mattiejames1985]

Heartbreaking to watch

[@matthilsdon9710]

A truly hard interview to watch from an undoubtedly troubled man. A legend of the sport but when depression hits then even all the positive things done are blackened out by those demons. I hope people close to him are looking out for him.

[@gurdeepchumber2764]

What a legend....I've never seen a big fan base as Barney has ever.

[@kevinadolfs99]

Many people wouldn't understand the way Raymond thinks, but i do, i had the same mind-set once, it is really hard, and dangerous, raymond needs some help, love you ray, head up Champ!

[@tomslick8148]

Think there's more wrong than darts with him tbh. Mr.Hearn take note please, legend of the game

[@Will97G]

dont really understand why he's upset that he's not good anymore, if he's retiring, when thats the reason he is retiring. Everyone knows he's not the same now, everyone knows the time was right, NO ONE is judging him for losing like he thinks. You're retiring, you dont need to be at the top level anymore

[@Themaskplague]

You say no ones judging him , however there is definitely one person and unfortunately that’s himself . Guy needs legit help it seems

[@Will97G]

@@Themaskplague Yep I'm worried hopefully PDC and friends keep a sharp eye on him or the whole tournament could be dampened by some not very nice news..

[@Themaskplague]

Will Ellis yer hopefully they take notice of this and the interview he did on sky sports after and realise he’s in a real bad way

[@lovethedarts9522]

Raymond's been the inspiration for a multitude of Dutch players for the last 20+ years, very sad to see him in this frame of mind. He does actually look in a bad way mentally, hope his manager and family and friends help him all they can. Good luck Mr van barneveld.

[@jeffreykooymans1458]

Dit doet me wel pijn je bent een fucking legende waar mensen kippenvel van krijgen als ze jou zien opkomen onder het nummer eye of the tiger

[@PBayee34]

Barney should have retired 3 or 4 years ago when he was still at the top of his game, sad to see a legend talking like this.

[@Powney888]

This final defeat has really set him back mentally. The guy is clearly absolutely broken. He obviously had a massive belief he was really gonna go far in this world championships but never happened. Not the way he wanted to go out but he will get over it after an amazing career.

[@Liasos88]

It's so annoying to hear him say he basically doesn't give a crap about his career. Ok then, us fans shouldn't care either then? Then we can see how you feel.

[@vlogstar6255]

Liasos88 so ungrateful isn’t he

[@lizardz23]

There's quite clearly a whole lot more going on... For whatever reason he's lost the ability to be at the top level, he's had to live that for the last 5 years, that will be personally depressing for him, he's chosen to quit because he can't live with that, and he's got to deal with the professional pressures of announcing his retirement publicly for the last year. Really he doesn't want to retire he wants to be winning, but he isn't, he feels embarrassed, devastated and depressed by it all. Coincided with this his personal and family life have fallen to bits in the last few years. From his perspective, his darts career has fallen to bits, his family life has fallen to bits, he's deeply depressed about a myriad of different things, to him, his previous success in darts does not matter in this moment, because it doesn't change how he currently feels. He needs to go and do some deep emotional work on himself with professional help, it will probably take him considerable time to improve his mental health.

[@dougstrugnell9937]

barney you will be always be a idol in my mind

[@samcovington4328]

Don't let it end like this change your mind Ray

[@markodoherty2939]

Needs to get a grip and realize it's only a game and he had a great career,now he must focus on life .

[@Themaskplague]

The guy is clearly suffering from issues which run deeper than just darts. He looks like he needs proper help

[@shahid1296ify]

When your playing down the pub , then it's only a game. When you've put decades into it to earn a living, then it's more than just a game. It's a business to survive

[@markodoherty2939]

@@shahid1296ify it's still only a game ,he was retiring after tis tournament anyway.

[@shahid1296ify]

@@markodoherty2939 True

[@lmilne4859]

Yeah real sad for barney hope he gets what he’s looking for guys a champion and real legend.

[@Jewflouski]

I hope in time he will reflect on his career with great pride and remember it as his peers do. Crying and sulking about how it doesn't matter doesn't achieve a thing. Whilst his form is bad, this shouldn't take away from the achievements in his career. There's a reason why his exit from the game has been followed so closely by nearly every darts fan in the world. Think of all of the players that have just drifted off the tour with no fanfare or appreciation! This alone should show him the significance of his career.

[@Themaskplague]

He isn’t “crying and sulking”, the guy is legit broken mentally. You can see by his whole demeanour that there’s something very wrong with him mentally

[@peterfinnie263]

Please chill barney it's only a game of darts don't be so hard on yourself you are one of the greats in the sport

[@BradleyCoopertest]

Self pity in a Narcissist That’s all we see hear

[@ab7fx]

just what I was thinking

[@azz16901]

Christ! way he's talking is a tad worrying.

[@WeeIslay]

azz16901 this goes way beyond darts, he’s definitely fighting much more than darts darts demons. Honestly uncomfortable watching someone with who has been world champion 5 times believe nobody cares. That a very depressed broken man.

[@schalkesommelier4982]

Barney needs professional help, he´s depressed

[@gonelsas5120]

Raymond....what the ****! Understandable that you are very disappointed man, but really....nothing in life stays the same, changes happen constantly. Get a grip! You were one of the greatest players in the game and absolutely no amateur!! Not a loser, just a player that is completely disappointed and that s*cks I understand, but again....many many years you made all of us Dutch people proud and we enjoyed your gameplay so much, please try to look at that man, it's a legacy!

[@nachocroes8075]

Ik hou van Raymond van Barneveld maar ik vind dat mentaal is hij helemaal op dat doet beroemdheid en rijk worden uit het niks of je kan goed met om gaan of je gaat kapot der aan best triest wel maar het is een uit weg ga bidden God doet wonder en geef je rust barney God zege voor jouw en familie 🙏 .

[@cormacoshea2315]

Your still a legend barney army

[@brettreynolds1929]

well done that's how you will be remembered then....

[@onlyonerombo]

Jeez That's Scary !! I think that the only thing he will regret in the future will be that interview. Let's hope he realises what he's REALLY achieved and sees himself as the The Legend he really is. No Sportsman leaves at the Top of their game, nor can they keep playing at the top. And their last performance has nothing to do with what they have achieved before then. I wish Barney a happy future

[@ties4950]

Drama queen Met een flinke persoonlijkheidsstoornis Relativeer en wat realistischer in het leven helpt Zoek de beste psychologische begeleiding die er is

[@robertkarlsson1960]

This guy has severe deppression.

[@jackgallagher1963]

I feel this goes further than darts i wish Barney nothing but the best!

[@musicotaku666]

it is sad how we humans let ourselves get fooled by always HAVING TO WIN, we should see what we achieved and not what didnt- of course we shouldnt stop training, follow our wishes etc. hope you get better! dont drag yourself down! good luck!

[@stingerbee8346]

Just one more thing. Raymond, if you're watching, most of us will never be as good at anything as you are at darts. Keep that in mind, friend. If your career meant nothing, what does that say about the rest of us?

[@azarothshadowsoul]

This was painful and emotional to watch, I'm sorry Raymond but remember who you are, if it weren't for you there'd be no Van Gerwen!

[@vicsophios5892]

He has been struggling for some time and it’s obvious he has deeper issues. So sad to see

[@DylanNes]

Sad. Such a broken man. Doesn't deserve to hate himself after everything he's achieved. I feel like there's some psychological issues here that go way way deeper than losing a match. Hope he maybe gets some help and finds happiness.

[@pooliansshots6731]

He's too harsh on himself. It's not the end of the world. Everyone is proud of him and so should he.

[@JayCoombs]

A damaged man speaking moments after a legendary career comes to a devastating end. Chin up Barney. Everyone see's you as a darting phenom. Take time to reflect and see it for yourself! A few bad years don't diminish the 25+ legendary years you had that developed darts into what it is today.

[@bigsteve9291]

There is clearly something wrong with barny and I hope he gets the help he needs he,s a legend no matter what he thinks of himself write now and he needs his friends and family to give him all there support to help him get past this

[@adammucha1937]

Some guys just hold there self to a higher standard and that's it...I understand it...still a fantastic player barney!!..all the best!

[@gottee1]

but I can now understand why he never gave interviews in the past after loosing

[@stupotjames2254]

Wow! I'd heard Dan Dawson's interview with Barney on Talksport and could hear he was down, but hearing the whole conference, it's worse than I even thought. Don't think I've EVER seen any sportsperson so down and depressed after a match. Shame 'cos he has had a great career and when the dust settles I'm sure he'll reflect slightly more favourably on the many things he achieved in the game

[@Poekoe1975]

Depression is one hell of a disease... If you haven't been there, you do not know what you're talking about. Hope he can forgive himself eventually. Be well Ray

[@shahid1296ify]

When it's your last ever tournament at Barney's level considering his playing history, you don't expect to lose first round. That's why he's so down. If he lost in the semi final he would be smiling and happy in this interview

[@footballhd1111]

No this guy is depressed for a long time.

[@pandapaws2000]

So Raymond you have reached a point where your hand /eye coordination has slipped--you have had a fantastic career earned unbelievable money and prizes---now give yourself a shake and get on with the positive things in life==ffs darts isn't the be all and end all!

[@gilste31524]

Sad to see such a great dart player end up talking like this in an interview.

[@mdalton77]

Okay so he is struggling with it all and obviously in a bad place but it was the total disrespect shown towards fans that have supported and cheered for him for all these years that really surprised me. wow.

[@trevorbrown3182]

The burglary and the incident with his wife messed his head up and he split up from her don't know if hed got back with her but barney you are a legend your not a loser a true gent of the game and there will only ever be one barney army chin up keep smiling and enjoy a pint with the power

[@cassetoi09]

I do hope he recovers in his mind.

[@paulscott3022]

You are a legend in the Darts world, stop feeling sorry for yourself and think of others who are far less fortunate than yourself. Suggest you seek medical help if you are that low.

[@cliffbutler4585]

Wow he seems so depressed I hope he seeks help he has lost the love for the game and his state of mind is not there hope he gets better

[@garrybaldy327]

I'm getting scared. He's saying some very dark things and we all remember Phil letting slip that Barney had suicidal thoughts. The worst thing he can do now is sit around at home. He needs to try celebrate Xmas with his children, then go full time on the exhibition circuit come January. Easy for me to say, eh?? I know the last 10yrs haven't been anywhere near as good as his previous 10yrs, but the fact remains... RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD IS A LEGEND. And, Barney, you'll never convince me otherwise!

[@andyh3818]

That hair transplant 😱😱

[@adyomelia4221]

It looks as ridiculous as his darts for the last 10 years!