Former Dutch international Wim Kieft has shared details of his 18-year struggle with cocaine and alcohol addiction, as well as challenges during his time at French club Bordeaux.
Now 63, Kieft spoke about his recovery journey and the support that helped him become clean. His addiction became public after his 2014 biography.
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Agent Rob Jansen praised Kieft for taking full responsibility. "I find that others are not to blame; that doesn't help.
You have to do it yourself. People did not harm me; I mainly harmed myself," Kieft said.
A turning point came when Jansen encountered Kieft near a casino in Scheveningen. Despite Kieft downplaying his problems, Jansen offered help.
"Then you said: I will try to help you. That was really kind and very welcome," Kieft acknowledged.
Kieft recognized that his fame eased his reintegration.
"As Wim Kieft, you always get the chance to work on TV, but so many people have no perspective," he said.
He expressed empathy for addicts facing setbacks without support, adding, "I am truly blessed."
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He noted that some addicts lose children or struggle with debts. Kieft credits avoiding such circumstances with helping him stay positive.
"I have really been lucky many times," he said.
Changing his lifestyle required distancing from certain habits and people. "You no longer go out with the bar crowd or dine out.
You create a safer environment, which means not seeing some people anymore," he said.
Career Challenges at Bordeaux
Kieft also recalled a difficult period at Bordeaux. "Didier Deschamps, Christophe Dugarry, Patrick Battiston played there.
It was a very good team, but Olympique Marseille was the big club at the time," he said.
Shortly after joining, the club's president and technical director were arrested for embezzling renovation funds for a castle.
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"After three months, all the top players, including myself, stopped receiving pay. Then it was quickly over," Kieft said.
