Rafael van der Vaart, the celebrated Dutch former professional footballer, has navigated a public and often dramatic romantic life alongside his illustrious career. Known for his skill on the pitch, his personal relationships have frequently captured media attention, evolving from high-profile celebrity marriages to more private, settled partnerships. His romantic journey reflects a path of public scrutiny, personal challenges, and ultimately, finding lasting happiness.
Van der Vaart's first major public relationship began with Sylvie Meis, a Dutch television personality and model. The couple started dating around 2003, quickly becoming one of the Netherlands' most prominent celebrity pairs. Their romance blossomed amidst Rafael's rising football career at Ajax, drawing significant media interest from the outset.
Their union was formalized on June 10, 2005, when Rafael and Sylvie married in a highly publicized ceremony. Their wedding was even broadcast live on Dutch television, cementing their status as a power couple. They were often dubbed the "new Beckhams" due to their combined fame and glamorous image, though they often downplayed such comparisons, preferring to focus on their family life.
On May 28, 2006, the couple welcomed their son, Damián Rafael, into the world, adding a new dimension to their family life. Their relationship endured various career moves for Rafael, from Hamburg to Real Madrid, with Sylvie often by his side. A particularly challenging period arose in mid-2009 when Sylvie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Rafael notably chose to remain in Madrid, putting his career on hold to support her through her treatments and recovery, showcasing a strong bond during a difficult time.
However, their seemingly perfect marriage began to unravel towards the end of 2012. The couple publicly announced their separation on New Year's Eve 2012, following an incident where Rafael admitted to hitting Sylvie during a party. He publicly expressed remorse, stating, > "It was very foolish of me. I’m an idiot. I’m very sorry. It should never have happened." The divorce was finalized on December 4, 2013, bringing an end to their eight-year marriage. Sylvie later hinted in interviews that her inability to have more children after her cancer treatment may have also contributed to the marital breakdown.
Shortly after his separation from Sylvie, Rafael's next relationship stirred considerable controversy. In April 2013, he confirmed he was dating Sabia Boulahrouz, who was not only a close friend of Sylvie Meis but also the ex-wife of Rafael's former Dutch national team colleague, Khalid Boulahrouz. This new romance generated intense media scrutiny and public debate, given the close ties between all parties involved.
Their relationship was highly public, with the couple frequently photographed together on holidays and at events. Sabia and Rafael often appeared affectionate, seemingly unfazed by the public criticism. During their time together, Sabia became pregnant, but sadly, she suffered a miscarriage in late 2015. This period was reportedly very difficult for the couple.
The relationship with Sabia Boulahrouz ultimately concluded around late 2015. The exact reasons for their split were not extensively detailed publicly, but it marked the end of another high-profile chapter in Rafael's romantic life, leaving many to wonder about his future relationships.
In early 2016, Rafael van der Vaart found love again with Estavana Polman, a highly accomplished Dutch professional handball player. This relationship marked a shift towards a more private and stable partnership for the former footballer. Their connection quickly deepened, leading to significant life changes for both.
Their relationship was soon blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Jesslynn van der Vaart, born in June 2017. The couple and their daughter established their home in Denmark, where Estavana pursued her handball career. Rafael often expressed his contentment and happiness in this relationship, valuing the stability and family life they built together.
Estavana and Rafael frequently share glimpses of their family life on social media, portraying a strong and loving bond. Notably, Estavana has fostered a positive relationship with Rafael's son, Damián, and even with his ex-wife Sylvie Meis, demonstrating a mature approach to their blended family. This current relationship appears to be a source of great joy and stability for Rafael van der Vaart, marking a settled and content phase in his romantic journey after years in the public eye.