Ryan Babel: “When things go well, you’re praised. When they don’t, you suddenly mean nothing.”
In this interview, Ryan Babel reflects on a life that’s been anything but ordinary. Being a footballer and a musician, he is constantly reinventing himself. From Ajax to Galatasaray, he experienced both fame and scrutiny firsthand, turning each chapter of his life into a new form of expression.
Even after years at the top, Babel still carries the discipline of a young player trying to prove himself. Here, he talks about what football taught him, the pressures of fame, and how to stay level-headed when the spotlight burns brightest.
You’ve played for some great clubs throughout your career. What has that experience taught you?
Ryan Babel: “You need to maintain a certain lifestyle if you want to be successful in football. Get enough rest, eat properly, and continue working beyond regular training sessions. It’s also important not to lose yourself in how the outside world judges you. When things go well, you’re praised to the heavens. When they don’t, you suddenly mean nothing. Yes, footballers earn a lot of money, but we also live a life that isn’t always as glamorous as people think.”
What was it like to suddenly earn so much money at such a young age?
“Because most footballers can’t complete their studies, they’re never really taught how to handle money wisely. During their careers, many develop a lifestyle they can’t maintain once they stop playing. Football can distort what ‘normal life’ looks like, it’s hard to go back to driving a regular car and living in a regular house.”
Music has always been a heartbeat in Babel’s life, a connection to his Surinamese roots and his creative identity beyond football. Here he explains where it began, why he built his own label, and how he wants to help other artists find the recognition they deserve.
Is that why you started focusing on music alongside football?
“Music has been a passion since I was young. With my Surinamese background, and growing up in the Bijlmer where Surinamese music was popular, I was surrounded by rhythm. I was part of a band called the Young Ghabiang Boys, and we performed at the Kwakoe Festival. At sixteen I began rapping myself and worked with Ali B, Lange Frans, and Baas B. They were at the top of the Dutch scene at that time.”
From performing yourself to running your own label, how did that happen?
“I no longer have ambitions to be in the spotlight as an artist. As a footballer, yes, but not as a performer. I realized that as a rapping footballer, people don’t take you seriously in the business world. Of course, there are exceptions like Memphis Depay and Quincy Promes who make it work, but for me, that urge is gone.”
This summer you moved to Galatasaray in Istanbul. How do you balance that with running your own music label?
“Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to build a strong team of people from the Netherlands and the United States who help me manage everything. It’s not always easy to move projects along quickly because we’re spread across the world, so staying in regular phone contact is essential.”
Babel’s label name, Underrated Music Group, reflects more than a brand, it’s a statement about recognition, persistence, and creative justice. In this final part, he talks about the inspiration behind it and what’s next.
Where does the name Underrated Music Group come from?
“On one hand, it refers to my football career. I feel that despite my talent and potential, I didn’t achieve the career people expected of me. I believe the media held me back, and I never received the recognition I thought I deserved. Because of that, transfers to bigger clubs never materialized. So, yes, I’ve often felt underrated. On the other hand, the name also refers to a Rotterdam artist signed to my label CRZY, a Moroccan-Dutch producer. Before I started working with him, he wrote and produced ‘As Your Friend’ for Chris Brown and Afrojack in 2013, a track that topped electronic charts worldwide. But due to circumstances, his name was removed from the song, and he never got credit. CRZY is incredibly talented but hasn’t yet received the appreciation he deserves. With his upcoming release, I hope to change that. His first EP will be called #VanGogh, a nod to his Dutch roots.”
Can you share any upcoming projects or releases?
“Plenty. Our first single ‘Wanted’ featuring Chris Brown just came out, and we’re releasing a remix with Dutch artists soon. You can also expect a mix of Dutch and American collaborations. So, stay tuned!”
Ready for more?
Enjoyed reading about Ryan Babel sharing his story in our exclusive interview? Read the full interview in our magazine issue 71.
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