The former Liverpool star opened up on his underwhelming spell with the Reds
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - August 8: Ryan Babel of Liverpool running during the Pre Season Friendly match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid at Anfield on August 8, 2009 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Ryan Babel signed for Liverpool in 2007(Image: Allstar/Getty)
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Ryan Babel previously admitted that he felt mismanaged during his time at Liverpool. The Dutch winger signed from Ajax for £11.5million in 2007.
The then-20-year-old arrived with much hype, but his time at Anfield was often underscored by disappointment as he failed to live up to expectations. Babel ultimately racked up 146 appearances and netted 22 goals during his three-and-a-half years at Liverpool.
Following his departure, he had stints in Germany, Spain, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands before retiring at 37 in 2024. He also had a six-month spell at Fulham in 2019, Liverpool's opponents in the Premier League on Saturday.
Babel exited Anfield without lifting any silverware but was notably part of Rafael Benitez's team that finished Premier League runners-up in 2009. Speaking upon joining the Cottagers seven years ago, the forward insisted he was often left to learn for himself at Anfield - without the help of the club's coaching staff.
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“I wasn’t hoping for anything when I joined Liverpool, just to develop well as they promised me. Give me the guidance to become a better player. That didn’t happen," he said.
“I wasn’t managed properly. I had to find out myself and that is why I wasn’t always playing. The Premier League only saw glimpses of me.
"I also never got the guidance at Liverpool from the coaches, that extra work to help me improve. I came from Ajax, where they played 4-3-3, and as a winger at that time they didn’t want you to defend too far.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Ryan Babel of Fulham scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage on March 17, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Ryan Babel scores against Liverpool in March 2019(Image: 2019 Marc Atkins)
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“Then you come to the English game and they play 4-4-2 and a line. You have to change your mentality. You are no longer a winger, more left midfielder. Those are the things I was struggling with.
“For different reasons I didn’t fulfil my potential, I guess. I was young. Maybe I should have stayed in Holland a bit longer, perhaps one or two years. In Holland I was also living with my parents. So this was the first time I lived abroad and by myself."
Babel's short-lived stint at Fulham saw him score five goals in 16 appearances, including one against the Reds. Giving his reasons for leaving the Cottagers in 2019, he said: “I am at the stage where I have to make the right decision for my family and the future.
“I have enjoyed playing back in the Premier League and I need to play top-flight football next season to be playing at the Euros if we qualify. I still think I have two or three years ahead of me, and of course, if I have the opportunity to stay in the Premier League, that would be great. Staying in the Premier League would be my first choice.”
GRENCHEN, SWITZERLAND - JULY 16: Rafael Benitez (right) the Liverpool manager in conversation with Ryan Babel (left) during the Pre Season Friendly match between FC Lucerne and Liverpool at the Bruehl- Stadium on July 16, 2008 in Grenchen, Switzerland. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Ryan Babel was managed by Rafael Benitez at Liverpool(Image: 2008 Getty Images)
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Babel ultimately left for Galatasaray, where he lasted three seasons before re-joining Ajax on loan and then finishing his career at Eyüpspor.
Time appears to have healed all wounds when it comes to his relationship with Liverpool, however. Babel took part in a legends clash against Chelsea at Anfield in October 2025, scoring in the friendly tie.
Afterwards, he said: “It brought back a lot of memories. It’s not too long ago that I retired but still, it feels now like a long time. It brought so many memories of course - scoring and the dopamine of celebrating with team-mates and fans. It was a good moment, for sure.”
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