Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been a hit on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor, with his emotional tribute to his late mother leaving fans in tears last weekend
Strictly Come Dancing's Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley are paired together in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing
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He once left defenders in floods of despair - now, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has left Strictly Come Dancing fans in floods of tears. The former Premier League striker had viewers reaching for tissues last weekend after dedicating his emotional routine to his late mother, Cornelli, who passed away several years ago.
The music chosen for his dance also served as a tribute to Suriname, the nation where he was born. Hasselbaink, remembered for his standout spells with Chelsea and Leeds, is one of several iconic Dutch footballers with heritage in Suriname - a former Dutch colony - alongside Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert and Virgil van Dijk.
In the pre-performance VT, Hasselbaink's wife Natalie became visibly emotional while discussing her husband's relationship with his mother, who raised six children alone. "He was raised by his mum only, he's the youngest of six," she said.
"I think he always saw his mum (Natalie fights back tears) - sorry... He saw how hard his mum worked and that gave him the work ethic he has today."
Strictly viewers quickly took to social media to express their emotions after the touching video aired. One fan posted: "Jimmy is such a sweetheart and everything this show is about."
Another added: "Jimmy your mum would be so proud of you. What a beautiful story." A third wrote: "Sobbing at Jimmy VT." A fourth chimed in: "Jimmy's VT [heartbroken emoji]."
For Hasselbaink, family has always come first. Growing up with limited means, he fought relentlessly during his football career to create a better future for his loved ones - even if it meant upsetting a few along the way. While at Leeds, his request for higher wages drew criticism, but behind that drive was a man determined to ensure his family would never face the hardships he endured.
Though his playing career is long over, his determination remains. Now 53 and a devoted father to four daughters, he revealed that joining Strictly Come Dancing was for them - a chance to inspire his children and prove that it's never too late to embrace something new.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, his wife Natalie and their three daughters
Hasselbaink has four daughters, three of whom are with Natalie
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"Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I've done before but I'm looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals," he said.
"The drive is more about showing my girls that I can put myself in a vulnerable position and try to learn a new skill, try to compete and work hard to become better and be open-minded."
It's an inspiring message, especially since two of his daughters, Miah and Lauren, are already following creative paths of their own. The sisters featured in Netflix’s 2022 version of Matilda the Musical, performing alongside stars such as Emma Thompson and Stephen Graham.
Both are represented by Mary Liz Management, and Miah has already earned more roles - including a part in The Man in My Basement with Willem Dafoe. Drawing connections between his Strictly adventure and his daughters' artistic pursuits, Hasselbaink expressed how much he enjoys sharing their world of performance. Despite the many challenges he faced on the field, his latest test in the ballroom might be his most demanding yet.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was Chelsea's top scorer the season before Jose Mourinho arrived
The former footballer is best remembered for his four-year spell at Chelsea
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"That's our thing. I've got a daughter as well that used to be in the West End and does performing arts and drama," he told Covers. "She can dance and sing, and my middle daughter as well. So, the dancing and the singing and stuff.
"It is very common in my household. They are not footballers, so I have to integrate myself into their world, which I do with all pleasure."
Earlier this year, Hasselbaink shared that he had become a grandfather. "I feel very young. I'm not that happy with my daughter that I'm already a grandad! But no, she's absolutely beautiful," he said.
"Unfortunately, because they live in Holland, I've only seen her once, so there is a lot of FaceTime. It's a strange feeling because I still have young girls here - 14, 12 and six - and that definitely keeps me young. But it's different - my children, I have to take everywhere with me. My granddaughter, I can love, kiss and give her back to mummy!"
At the heart of the family is Hasselbaink's wife, Natalie, who prefers to stay away from the public eye. The pair tied the knot in 2012 and have built a close, private family life. Speaking to the BBC in 2014, Hasselbaink offered a rare glimpse into their home life, saying: "I still live in England, my wife is English and my kids go to school here so that would be the best and easiest option."
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's wife Natalie
Jimmy's wife Natalie was reduced to tears while talking about her husbands relationship with his late mother
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Hasselbaink's football career began in the Netherlands during the early 1990s, but it was in Portugal with Boavista where his rise truly began. He joined Leeds in 1997, quickly becoming a fan favourite after scoring 42 goals in 87 games for the Yorkshire side.
Two years later, he signed for Atletico Madrid and enjoyed a stunning season, scoring 33 goals across all competitions. In 2000, Chelsea brought him back to England for a club-record £15million, a move that confirmed his place among Europe's most feared strikers. He went on to net 87 goals in 177 matches for the Blues.
Hasselbaink later represented Middlesbrough and Charlton before finishing his career with Cardiff City in 2007/08. After retiring, he transitioned into management, taking charge of clubs such as Burton Albion, QPR and Northampton Town. He also served on Gareth Southgate's England coaching staff for 18 months before stepping down following Euro 2024.
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