Full Breakdown
Ryan Babel's "Tenant from Hell": Royston Drenthe's Nightclub Incident
10/16/2025, 9:24:24 PM
Overview of the Incident
Ryan Babel, a former Liverpool winger, recently shared a humorous yet troubling anecdote about his experience renting out his Liverpool home to Royston Drenthe, a former Everton player. Babel described Drenthe as a "tenant from hell," revealing that during his time as a tenant, Drenthe built a nightclub inside the property without permission and neglected to pay rent.
Background on Ryan Babel and Royston Drenthe
Ryan Babel, who played for Liverpool from 2007 to 2011, purchased the house in question shortly after joining the club. He faced significant financial challenges related to the property, including issues with his mortgage and banking complications after moving abroad. Royston Drenthe, who had a brief and tumultuous loan spell at Everton during the 2011/12 season, was a former teammate of Babel's on the Dutch national team. Drenthe's time at Everton was marked by controversy, including being dropped by manager David Moyes for tardiness.
Babel's Experience as a Landlord
In a post on social media, Babel recounted the chaos that ensued during Drenthe's tenancy. He stated, “He somehow forgot to pay rent during his Everton days and even decided to build a nightclub inside my house without permission. You can’t make this stuff up!” Babel expressed pride in owning the house, despite the drama, and noted that he was selling it due to complications with an interest-only adjustable-rate mortgage.
The Aftermath of the Tenancy
Babel's decision to sell the property marks a significant chapter in his life, as he has resolved the financial and tenant-related issues that plagued him for years. He reflected on the memories associated with the house, stating, “This house holds so many memories… it was the first place I moved into after leaving my parents’ home, full of excitement, mistakes, and lessons.”
Drenthe, now retired from professional football, has transitioned into coaching and media work in the Netherlands. His reputation as a party-loving player has been well-documented, and this incident adds another layer to his controversial legacy.
Criticism & Opposition
While Babel's account is lighthearted, it raises questions about the responsibilities of tenants and landlords in the football community. Critics may argue that such behavior reflects poorly on professional athletes and their ability to manage personal affairs responsibly.
Official Statements & Responses
Babel has not issued formal statements beyond his social media posts, but his reflections highlight the challenges faced by property owners in the rental market, particularly when dealing with high-profile tenants.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He somehow forgot to pay rent during his Everton days and even decided to build a nightclub inside my house without permission.” — Ryan Babel
- “This house holds so many memories…it was the first place I moved into after leaving my parents’ home, full of excitement, mistakes, and lessons,” — Ryan Babel
Conclusion
Ryan Babel's experience with Royston Drenthe serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of renting property, particularly in the context of professional sports. As Babel moves on from this chapter of his life, he hopes the next owners of his former home will enjoy it with fewer surprises.
