Key Highlights
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, a former Chelsea striker, will be competing on this year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing.
- Hasselbaink, born in 1972, has had a successful football career with stints at Leeds United, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid.
- On joining Strictly, Hasselbaink expressed excitement about the challenge, stating “Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge!”
- The 53-year-old Dutchman will join a list of former footballers who have competed on Strictly Come Dancing.
From Football Pitch to Ballroom Floor: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s Journey
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, whose legal first name is Jerrell, has announced his participation in this year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing. The Dutchman, born in Suriname and moved to the Netherlands at a young age, has had an illustrious career that spanned several years and continents.
After facing early challenges including being dismissed from Telstar for persistent lateness and released from AZ Alkmaar due to disciplinary issues, Hasselbaink found his path in Portugal. His stint with Campomaiorense was marked by success and the beginning of a legacy that would see him score 24 goals in 38 games.
Award-Winning Career and Beyond
His move to Leeds United in 1997 marked a turning point. After a difficult start, Hasselbaink became a hero at Elland Road, winning the Premier League’s Golden Boot for two seasons alongside Michael Owen and Dwight Yorke. His success was not limited to England; he also enjoyed a productive spell with Atletico Madrid in Spain before returning to England to join Chelsea.
At Chelsea, Hasselbaink had his best and longest career, scoring 87 goals in 177 appearances and winning the Premier League Golden Boot again. His journey was not without challenges; he also played for Middlesbrough, Charlton Athletic, Cardiff City, and made nine appearances for the Netherlands national team, including an appearance at the 1998 World Cup.
Post-Playing Career
Hasselbaink’s transition into coaching began with roles with Chelsea’s under-16 squad and Nottingham Forest. He later managed Belgian club Royal Antwerp before taking charge of Burton Albion, where he achieved his best managerial success by winning League Two and securing the team’s first promotion to the third tier of English football.
His career took a turn when he joined Gareth Southgate’s England coaching set-up as an assistant coach. Hasselbaink’s last official role in football was with Burton Albion, but his impact on the sport is undeniable. His participation in Strictly Come Dancing represents another chapter in his multifaceted journey.
Looking Ahead: A New Kind of Footwork
Hasselbaink’s statement reflects both excitement and anticipation for this new endeavor. “Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge!” he said, emphasizing his enthusiasm for the dance competition.
His participation in Strictly Come Dancing aligns with a trend of former football stars participating in reality TV shows. This year’s edition will see Hasselbaink join other ex-players like Rio Ferdinand and Alan Shearer, who have also taken on the ballroom challenge. The show promises to be an exciting blend of sports history and entertainment, as fans watch these legends navigate a new kind of footwork.
