He was a footballer, became a millionaire and had so much money that he built a zoo at his house: he ended up in bankruptcy

He sport professional can open doors to fame, to the luxuries and the millionsbut it can also be the prelude to disastrous decisions. When fame does not find brakes or guides, the end is usually abrupt. The story of Andy van der Meyde is proof of this.

For years, this Dutch footballer shone in elite clubs and handled figures that for many were unattainable. But money, night and excesses They pushed him on the edge of the abyss financial and personal. He ended up losing everything.

How was Andy van der Meyde

Andy van der Meyde grew up in RNAHEM And he started his way in the Ajaxone of the most prestigious clubs of the Netherlands. There he debuted as a professional and won a place between figures such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wesley Sneijder. Fast, skilled and with a good auction, it soon draws international attention.

After a successful step by the Twentyhe returned to Ajax, where he consolidated his career. In 2003, the Inter from Milan He hired him for seven million euros. Played in series A, scored in the Champions League and raised the Coppa Italia. However, his permanence in the Italian team was irregular and never managed to establish himself as a starter.

In 2005, he made the leap to the Premier League with the Everton. There he began to show worrying signs: injuries, low performance and internal conflicts. While his career deflated, his personal life entered a spiral marked by him alcoholthe Drugs and lack of control.

The Dutch team also opened the doors. He played 17 games, scored a goal and participated in the Eurocup 2004. Despite the talent, his lack of discipline quickly moved him away from the international level. Football ceased to be a priority and the problems began to master the scene.

Early retreat and Andy van der Meyde’s bankruptcy

The fall was fast. At 30, Van der Meyde moved away from professional football after a series of scandals, sanctions and media appearances that gave an account of their physical and emotional deterioration. He came to train without sleep, after drinking an entire bottle of rum.

With millionaire income and without any control, he waste his fortune in luxury cars, endless parties and a Personal zoo In his garden. Had Horses, parrots, dogs and turtlesas if money had no end. But he did.

Upon arrival in Liverpool, where he was offered double that in Inter, he spent without brakes. Bought a Ferrari As soon as he landed and lost in the British night. Meanwhile, health problems and addiction were increasingly moving away from sport and stability.

Years later, with the empty account and evaporated fame, it began to collaborate with Ajax to avoid falling into total ruin. Published one autobiography explosive and began to give CMake them on your mistakes. The story of Van der Meyde is the brutal portrait of how success can be transformed into tragedy when talent is not accompanied by balance.