Michael van Gerwen doesn’t need to dig deep into his memory bank when asked to name his favourite FIFA World Cup™ moment.
“Ah, it would have to be when we played Spain and we absolutely smashed them!” says the Dutchman as he gleefully recalls the Netherlands’ 5-1 victory at Brazil 2014. “No-one expected that. I remember I was in England at the time and I watched in the pub with my best friend and colleague, Vincent van der Voort. That was the game with the Van Persie header. It was amazing.”
Van Gerwen has dished out his own share of shellackings on the global stage. One of the greatest darts players ever, the three-time world champion has been a devastating force in his sport for over a decade.
His electrifying performances have helped propel darts into a new stratosphere. Thousands pack into sold-out arenas every week to watch Van Gerwen and Co battle it out for the biggest prizes, with millions more viewing on television.
“It’s gone to the next level,” says Van Gerwen. “Darts is so big worldwide now.”
Such is the sport’s popularity, it is no surprise that several Dutch football icons are also enthusiastic darts fans. The national team even invited Van Gerwen to visit an Oranje training camp in 2018 to meet the players and throw a few arrows.
“I went there for team-building day,” he says. “We had a great time. Ronald Koeman was the coach then too. He is a very nice, relaxed man.”
Wout Weghorst claimed to have won a leg against the darting superstar. Van Gerwen has his own version of events.
“Wout cheated a little a bit, I think! But yes, he can play, he can play.”
Van Gerwen also has a link with Netherlands great Robin van Persie and revealed how the legendary striker inspired his rousing walk-on music. The current world No4 strides out for every match to fans belting out ‘Ohhhh Michael van Gerwen’ to Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes.
“Robin had it first,” says Van Gerwen. “The fans were singing his name to the song and that was why Sky Sports used it. Sky picked it, and it feels part of me now!
“I know Robin a little bit and he’s a very good guy. He came and watched the darts a few times with his friends. They all love it. It’s a chance for them to have a night out.”
Van Gerwen’s passion for football was ignited early in life. He played the sport as a child – “I was a defender, but I found out I was a little better at darts” – and retains cherished memories from attending PSV Eindhoven matches with his father.
“I loved Ruud van Nistelrooy. He was my favourite player. He was always in the right spot. Always! I also liked players like Mark van Bommel and Arjen Robben, of course. And when I was really young, PSV had Ronaldo, Romario and Mateja Kezman, who did really well for us.”
Van Gerwen, who was speaking shortly before PSV clinched the 2025/26 Eredivisie title, added: “I’m enjoying watching our current team a lot, but at the moment the table is a little bit boring for us. I prefer to have it more tight, like what is normally with Feyenoord, AZ and Ajax. Do you know what I mean? I like it when you’re more nervous and you need to win every game.”
There will be no shortage of nerve-shredding drama when the FIFA World Cup 2026™ rolls around. Van Gerwen – who has won the World Cup of Darts three times with his country – will be a passionately following the Netherlands’ progress and is convinced the Oranje can embark on a successful run in North America.
“We have a good team, but in a World Cup, you need to have a bit of luck and hope your best good players don’t get injured. You need everything to stay intact. That’s really important.”
Can the Netherlands win the World Cup?
“As long as everyone is in good shape, then yes, I think it’s possible.”
A serial winner of major titles, Van Gerwen is well-versed in competing when the stakes are highest and the pressure at its most intense. On how he handles his emotions in such moments, the 2014, 2017 and 2019 world champion says: “I don’t get nervous, but I get still pumped up. It’s extra tense [at the World Championship], there are more eyes watching you. But I’m used to it because I’ve done it so many times. For me, it’s not new, but it always brings joy. I like it. I like to perform on the big stage. It still gives me goosebumps.”
During Van Gerwen’s lifetime, the closest the Netherlands have come to conquering the football world was in 2010. The Oranje went all the way to the final in South Africa but were edged out in extra time by Spain. Van Gerwen recalls one moment in particular which could have changed the course of football history.
“I still remember the biggest nightmare was in the final,” he says. “Arjen Robben had that chance [at 0-0]… Oi, oi, oi, oi, oi!”
Offering a glimpse into his champion’s mindset, Van Gerwen concludes: “But it is what it is. You need to keep staying positive. I’m a positive man. One day we need to make sure we get a little bit further in the tournament. I believe we can do it.”
