Former Real Madrid and Everton winger, Royston Drenthe, has suffered a stroke and is currently receiving medical treatment in the Netherlands.
The 38-year-old former Dutch international was reportedly rushed to the hospital on Friday, October 17, 2025, after the health scare.
His current team, FC De Rebellen, confirmed the incident in a statement on Instagram on Sunday, assuring fans that Drenthe is receiving proper medical attention.
“He is receiving good care and is in good hands. The team and everyone involved hope for a speedy recovery. Royston’s family asks for peace and privacy during this period so they can offer him the necessary support and space for his recovery,” the club said.
Everton, one of Drenthe’s former clubs, also sent a message on X of support to the ex-winger. The Premier League side wrote: “Everyone at Everton wishes Royston Drenthe a swift and full recovery to full health after reports that he has been taken to hospital.”
Drenthe began his professional career at Feyenoord before earning a high-profile move to Real Madrid in 2007, where he won the La Liga title in the 2007–08 season.
He later had loan spells at Everton and played for several clubs, including Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, and others across Europe, before retiring from professional football in 2023.
The news of his illness has sparked an outpouring of concern and support from fans, teammates, and football communities around the world who are wishing him a speedy recovery.
