Key Highlights
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink dedicates his Strictly Come Dancing performance to his late mother.
- The dance routine also pays homage to Suriname, the country of his birth.
- Hasselbaink’s family life and career are closely intertwined, with his daughters making their mark in entertainment.
- His football journey includes stints at Chelsea, Leeds United, Atletico Madrid, and more.
The Striker’s Return to the Dance Floor: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on Strictly Come Dancing
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, a former Premier League striker known for his prolific goalscoring ability, is making waves once again. This time, however, he’s stepping onto the dance floor as part of the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing. But it’s not just any performance—Hasselbaink has dedicated his routine to his late mother, Cornelli, evoking a powerful emotional response from viewers.
Dedicating to His Mother: A Heartfelt Performance
The Strictly Come Dancing audience was moved by Hasselbaink’s dedication. The former Cardiff City striker chose a song that paid homage to his late mother, who raised him and five siblings single-handedly. His wife, Natalie, shared her feelings during the pre-performance video, describing how Hasselbaink has always admired his mother’s work ethic, which he credits as one of the driving forces behind his own career success.
Football Legends with Suriname Roots: A Rich Heritage
Suriname, the country of Hasselbaink’s birth and a former Dutch colony, has produced several legendary footballers. These include Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert, and most recently, Virgil van Dijk. For Hasselbaink, this performance on the dance floor is a way to honor his roots and connect with his heritage. His dedication serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before him.
A Proud Father: Family at the Core
Family means everything to Hasselbaink, and he’s not just talking about his late mother. He has four daughters, all of whom are already making waves in their own right. Miah and Lauren were recently seen in Netflix’s Matilda the Musical, alongside stars such as Emma Thompson and Stephen Graham.
This performance on Strictly Come Dancing is not just about personal growth but also a way to show his children that they can pursue their dreams, regardless of the path taken.
Hasselbaink’s journey into dance follows a storied career in football. He began his professional journey in the Netherlands and rose to prominence with Boavista in Portugal before moving to England. His time at Chelsea was particularly notable, where he scored 87 goals in 177 appearances. After hanging up his boots, Hasselbaink transitioned into management, coaching clubs like Burton Albion and serving as part of the England national team’s coaching staff.
Future Implications: A New Chapter
The performance on Strictly Come Dancing represents a new chapter for Hasselbaink. While his football career is behind him, he’s finding joy in a different arena—dance. This venture into the ballroom may prove to be the toughest test yet, but it also offers an opportunity to showcase his resilience and adaptability.
For fans of both Strictly Come Dancing and football enthusiasts alike, Hasselbaink’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to one’s roots.
The response from social media has been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers moved by the emotional performance. As Hasselbaink steps into this new challenge, he continues to inspire not only his family but also those who look up to him as a football legend and now, a dance enthusiast.