Jérémy Mathieu, Barcelona’s former French defender who once was at the pinnacle of European football. He was a crucial part of FC Barcelona’s treble-winning season, lifting La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League alongside the likes of Messi, Neymar, and Suárez. He was known for his flexibility in playing both a centre-back and left-back. He was part of Barcelona’s most dominant squad ever.
Just after a few years, his life took a drastic U-turn. After playing at Portuguese club Sporting CP, his career came to an end after a knee injury in 2020, forcing him into early retirement. Unlike other ex-professional players who stay in the limelight, Mathieu chose a quieter path.
Today, this treble-winner works at an Intersport store near Marseille, helping customers with sports gears. Many of you have seen that footballer usually go for a business, property work, get into coaching, or even launch their on brands. This case is a different one, Jermey was not as famous of a player at Barcelona as others. Despite being a treble winner, played with likes of Messi, he works at a sports shop. I believe it’s just a perfect ending, not being in the spotlights, no pressure of games or critics, just enjoying your time after retirement and watching your highlights when you won the treble. Usually many football players get into controversies for private life after football, but Jermey stood firm and did what was planned.