Shocking revelations from this former PSG player

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·10 febbraio 2026

Shocking revelations from this former PSG player

Gregory Van der Wiel, former right-back trained at Ajax Amsterdam (professional from 2006 to 2012), Paris Saint-Germain (2012-2016), and the Netherlands national team (46 caps), among others, had what seems to be a rather successful professional football career, even if the end was more difficult. However, it turns out his entire journey was psychologically hard to live through, as he openly stated on his Instagram account.

Van der Wiel: “I won 16 trophies, and I felt completely alone.”

“Football is a prison. I didn’t enjoy a single moment of my career. I won 16 trophies, and I felt completely alone. I felt like I was experiencing it as a spectator. As if I wasn’t really part of it. Because I was wearing a mask. I didn’t feel anything. No joy, no pride, no relief. Nothing.”

Van der Wiel: “You are not weak, you are human.”

I played with stiffness when I should have played freely. I held myself back when I should have exploded. No one knew I was drowning. Not my family, not my teammates, not even myself. If you are in a locker room and feel the same way, you are not weak, you are human.”

This is not the first time Van der Wiel has spoken out about the difficulties he has faced, just as other players have in recent years to shed some light on the subject. Some don’t dare to speak up, particularly because of a sense of shame. The full-back mentions it here with the idea of being “weak,” while others have talked about the issue of “complaining” even though the life of a footballer seems like a dream and other jobs appear much harder.

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But financial aspects, victories, or titles do not prevent there from being difficult moments. In particular, there is intense pressure every day and during matches. As Van der Wiel points out, it’s possible to forget the simple pleasure of playing. It’s important to see players opening up, as this can help those who are struggling to do the same and thus be able to get help. Moreover, this applies to everyone, not just football players. There is no shame in asking for help.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.