Ex-Footballer Ronnie Stam Sentenced to 13 Years for Drug Trafficking

Ronnie Stam, a former Wigan Athletic player who won the League Cup in 2013, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for smuggling cocaine and money laundering.

Former Wigan Athletic player Ronnie Stam has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for his involvement in a large-scale cocaine smuggling and money laundering operation. Stam and his brother Rudi were arrested on June 10, 2024, and have been in custody since, accused of smuggling 2,217 kilograms of cocaine valued at €57 million.

During the court case, Ronnie Stam remained silent when questioned about multiple cocaine shipments, including 893kg from Costa Rica in 2020, 700kg from Chile in 2021, and other batches of cocaine and MDMA.

The court uncovered extensive text exchanges between Ronnie and Rudi Stam, which prosecutors argued were linked to their cocaine trafficking activities from 2020. The messages discussed financial matters, transport, and cocaine shipments. Ronnie Stam claimed the texts were mere “bluster and nonsense.”

Netherlands: Ronnie Stam, a former footballer who played for clubs like NAC and FC Twente, is facing serious legal charges for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering.

The prosecution demands a 13-year prison sentence for Stam, who is accused of planning… pic.twitter.com/Zr8eTMy3Nh

— Crime Intel (@WorldCrimeIntel) June 11, 2025

The public prosecutor has requested a 13-year prison sentence for Ronnie Stam and 74 months for his brother Rudi. The defense will present their arguments on Wednesday.

Ronnie Stam's Football Career

Ronnie Stam played for NAC Breda, FC Twente, Wigan Athletic, and Standard Liege, winning the League Cup with Wigan in 2013. He retired in 2016, praised by former Wigan manager Roberto Martinez for his skillful play.