Offside

2010 World Cup finalist finishes his third maraton ever in record-breaking time

Over the weekend, hundreds of people gathered in Rotterdam for the city's annual marathon, and among them was a former Dutch national team member. He competed for the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup Final, which they eventually lost to Spain.

Netherlands players at the 2010 World Cup
© Lars Baron/Getty ImagesNetherlands players at the 2010 World Cup

Arjen Robben had a stellar 21-year playing career, starting at Groningen and including stops at PSV, Chelsea, and Real Madrid until joining Bayern in 2009. His list of accomplishments in Germany includes the Club World Cup, the Club Europe Cup, the Club World Cup, eight Bundesliga championships, and five German Cups.

Advertisement

From 2004 to 2016, the winger played for and captained the Dutch national team, who lost to Spain in the 2010 World Cup Final.He was a legendary player for the Netherlands, where he scored 37 goals in 96 matches.

After the expiration of his contract at Allianz Arena in 2019, the Dutchman moved back to Groningen and announced his retirement the following year.The 39-year-old hasrecently switched his recreational activity focus to something else.

Advertisement

Arjen Robben has new hobby where he equally excels

He now competes in road races using his lightning-quick pace. At age 39, Arjen Robben ran the 42-kilometer Rotterdam Marathon in under 2 hours and 58 minutes. That equates to a time of 4.23 minutes per kilometer.“I’m really broken, but I made it,” he toldNOS, after crossing the finish line.

“For a sprinter like me, such a distance is very long.But I like sports and a challenge.Some think ‘you are crazy’.But [former Olympic speed skater] ErbenWennemarsalways says: once an athlete, always an athlete.I am no longer a top athlete, but I can tell you: I think it is a top sport if you can run a marathon in under 3 hours.This comes very close to winning a great football title.Awesome, I can check this one off”, he added.

Advertisement
Tweet placeholder

Robben ran his first marathon in Rotterdam, Netherlands, last year and finished it in 3 hours and 14 minutes.Then, on the day when the 2022World Cup began in Qatar, he raced the Zevenheuvelenloop (Seven Hills Race) in Nijmegen. Histiming of 55 minutessurprised everyone, and he ended up in 3,701st place out of 15,000.

Advertisement
ALSO READ
Where to watch Inter vs Bayern in the USA: 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League
Soccer

Where to watch Inter vs Bayern in the USA: 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League

Bayern Munich vs Arsenal: How to Watch 2023/2024 UCL Second Leg Quarterfinals Live
Soccer

Bayern Munich vs Arsenal: How to Watch 2023/2024 UCL Second Leg Quarterfinals Live

Lionel Messi reacts to the passing of German legend Franz Beckenbauer
Soccer

Lionel Messi reacts to the passing of German legend Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer passes away at 78: Pele’s official account pays tribute to Germany icon
Soccer

Franz Beckenbauer passes away at 78: Pele’s official account pays tribute to Germany icon

Better Collective Logo