Former Barcelona Defender Now Living a Remarkably Different Life
- A former Barcelona defender is now working as a manager in the football department of an Intersport store in the Marseille region, years after retiring from professional football
- Despite earning a substantial salary during his playing days and winning major honours including La Liga titles and the Champions League, his career path after retirement has taken an unexpected turn
- In a recent interview, he revealed he is facing financial difficulties, is involved in a legal dispute, and has struggled with depression since stepping away from the game
Former Barcelona defender Jérémy Mathieu is now leading a life far removed from the glamour of elite football, having taken up an unexpected job and opened up about the painful reasons behind his career shift.
The 42-year-old earned five caps for France during his playing days, but it was at Camp Nou where he experienced the pinnacle of his career.
Source: Getty Images
Between 2014 and 2017, he made 91 appearances for Barcelona, lifting two La Liga titles and winning the 2015 UEFA Champions League. His time in Catalonia marked the most successful chapter of a professional journey that spanned several top European clubs.
Before and after his spell in Spain, Mathieu featured prominently for sides such as Valencia CF and Sporting CP, amassing more than 100 appearances and building a reputation as a dependable and experienced defender. In 2020, he decided to retire after suffering a serious knee injury.
At the time, many expected him to remain in the sport through coaching, punditry, or another high-profile role within football.
However, six years after calling time on his playing career, Mathieu’s post-retirement journey has taken a surprising turn — one that few fans could have anticipated. Although he remains connected to the sporting world in some way, it is not through the conventional paths typically followed by former professionals.
Source: Getty Images
Mathieu spotted in unexpected role
In 2025, an image of Mathieu began circulating online and quickly went viral, attracting more than two million views within hours.
The former Barcelona defender was pictured posing alongside two colleagues at the Intersport Cabries – Plan de Campagne store in the Marseille region of France.
Initially, some social media users speculated whether the image had been digitally altered. However, it was soon confirmed that Mathieu was indeed working at the well-known French sports retail chain. Reports later clarified that he serves as a manager within the store’s football department, while also overseeing responsibilities across other sections and teams.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported at the time that his decision to work at Intersport was not financially motivated. During his stint at Barcelona, Mathieu was said to have earned approximately £100,000 per week. According to the publication, his move reflected personal values and a life philosophy that prioritised purpose over status.
There were also suggestions that he was simultaneously pursuing his coaching badges while working at the store, potentially laying the groundwork for a future return to football in a different capacity.
Heartbreaking reasons behind the change
In a recent interview with beIN Sports, Mathieu provided deeper insight into the reasons behind his unexpected career path. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting it was purely a lifestyle choice, he revealed that he has been dealing with significant financial difficulties. He also admitted to battling depression and acknowledged that he has not fully recovered from his mental health struggles.
According to the Daily Mail, Mathieu explained:
“If I'm working at Intersport, it's because something's going on that's causing me a lot of problems. I can only say that I'm in the middle of a lawsuit.”
His candid comments shed light on the often unseen challenges faced by former professional athletes once the spotlight fades. Despite a decorated career that included major domestic and European honours, Mathieu’s story serves as a reminder that life after football can be complex and, at times, deeply difficult.
Joan Laporta resigns ahead of elections
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that FC Barcelona experienced a major institutional shake-up on Monday, February 9, when club president Joan Laporta officially resigned during a regular board meeting. The move marked a significant political and organizational shift for the Blaugrana.
In addition, several senior officials also stepped down, including Vice President for Institutional Affairs Elena Fort and Vice President for Social Affairs Antonio Escudero, as the club prepares for the upcoming elections on March 15.
Source: YEN.com.gh
