Raymond van Barneveld drops retirement hint as darts icon says he 'struggles'

Darts legend Raymond van Barneveld appears on the brink of a final retirement from the sport. The Dutchman initially walked away from the game after his first-round defeat at the 2019 , but reversed that decision within a year.

He regained a tour card for the 2021 season, but has since struggled to replicate the form of his prime. Despite reaching the fourth round at the Alexandra Palace in the 2023/24 tournament, his only event win since coming back in 2020 came at a Players' event in Wigan last year. Now, the 58-year-old has revealed he's planning on reducing his schedule after this season.

"Starting next year, I really need to slow things down," he told . "It's all becoming a bit too much. Maybe cut back on the Pro Tours. I'll keep playing the Euro Tours as long as I'm in the top 16."

The five-time world champion conceded he was struggling with the demands of the modern game, adding: "Let's be honest, the schedule is madness, it barely leaves any time to rest.

"But while the mind is still willing, the body doesn't always follow. That's the tough part. I do struggle with that. It takes a lot of mental energy. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep going."

'Barney' has not won a televised major since his maiden triumph in 2014. His professional career has spanned four decades, first competing in national events in the Netherlands in 1984 when aged 17.

Despite his reservations over his long-term future, the 58-year-old still claims to enjoy competitive events. He remains a popular figure amongst fans, with his matches still signified by a sea of orange in venues.

"I've been doing this for forty years now, and I still love it," he added. "When you're up there warming up and hear the crowd, it gives you an incredible feeling of pride."