BARCELONA, Spain — Jeremy Mathieu, former FC Barcelona defender, don take new job as sportsware shop assistant for France. Dis surprising news land on 6 April 2025, as dis 41-year-old ex-footballer don go viral for social media after he dey work for Intersport shop wey dey between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille.
Mathieu, wey don win Champions League, two La Liga titles, and other trophies during hin time for Barcelona, no be only for pitch e waka come dey popular. Di ex-player don dey receive plenty calls from fans wey wan visit di shop since dem begin sight am for shop uniform wey get im name.
When dem spot am at di branch, many customers no fit resist di chance to snap photos with am. “I just wan enjoy a simple life and connect more with people,” Mathieu talk for one interview with L'Equipe, as he dey blend im new role with coaching training wey he dey pursue.
For 2014-15 season, when Barcelona take win di treble, Mathieu play important role even though e no dey start every match. Dis season be memorable for am as dem win Champions League against Juventus. “I wanted to finish otherwise, on the ground, in front of di public, my head high,” he reflect about hin retirement wey come due to knee injury in 2020.
After retiring, Mathieu no follow di usual path of coaching or media work. Instead, him choose di unique route of working in sports shop where e fit interact with fans directly. Dis move don spark interest for social media, with many praising his down-to-earth nature after being a star footballer.
As Mathieu dey manage di soccer section of di Intersport shop, e dey also prepare to get im coaching badge. “I feel say I fit still give back to di sport in coaching,” he don talk. Dis ambition show say e still wan dey part of di football world in a different way.
Fans who grew up watching am play with legends like Lionel Messi now find am working in retail, and e don become local celebrity. Di contrast between hin former life and dis new experience no go unnoticed, as many dey thrill to see football star dey handle sports equipment.
Mathieu story dey inspire plenty people as it show say success no be only about di trophies but also about finding fulfillment in simple life. “Me life don change, but my love for di sport go always dey,” he conclude. As he dey settle into dis new chapter, Mathieu continue to remind us say even champions fit choose simpler paths after dem retire from di grand stage of football.
