Full Breakdown
Jeremy Mathieu: From Barcelona Star to Shop Assistant
2/28/2026, 12:19:43 PM
Transition from Football to Retail
Jérémy Mathieu, a former professional footballer who played for FC Barcelona, has recently transitioned to working as a shop assistant at Intersport, a sports retail chain in France. This change comes just five years after his retirement from professional football due to a serious knee injury sustained during training. Mathieu, who earned five caps for France between 2011 and 2016, had a notable career that included stints at Sochaux, Toulouse, and Valencia before his €20 million move to Barcelona in 2014.
During his three years at Barcelona, Mathieu was part of a successful squad that secured three Spanish Cups, two La Liga titles, and a UEFA Champions League trophy. He notably contributed to the team's treble-winning season, scoring a goal in a 2-1 El Clásico victory against Real Madrid. However, after leaving Barcelona in 2017, he joined Sporting CP in Portugal, where he continued to play until his retirement in 2020.
Current Challenges and Personal Struggles
Mathieu's decision to work at Intersport stems from personal challenges he has faced since retiring from football. He revealed that he is currently involved in a lawsuit and has been battling depression, which has impacted his life significantly. "If I'm working at Intersport, it's because something's going on that's causing me a lot of problems," he stated. He expressed that this job is not a permanent solution but a means to regain a social life after a period of inactivity.
A former teammate, Loic Loval-Landre, assisted Mathieu in finding this position, recognizing his need to engage with the outside world. "He knew I wanted to leave the house for a bit," Mathieu explained, highlighting the importance of social interaction during his recovery.
Reflections on Playing with Lionel Messi
In a recent interview, Mathieu humorously claimed, “I think I was better at free kicks than Lionel Messi,” reflecting on his time playing alongside the Argentine superstar. Despite the lighthearted nature of his statement, he acknowledged Messi's extraordinary talent, stating, "In training, you couldn't do anything." This comment underscores the high level of competition and skill present during his tenure at Barcelona.
Conclusion
Jérémy Mathieu's journey from a celebrated football career to a retail position illustrates the complexities athletes face after retirement. While he cherishes his memories at Barcelona, including his achievements and experiences with players like Lionel Messi, he is currently navigating personal challenges that have led him to seek a new path in life.
