A Remarkable Player in the Champions League: From Pizza Delivery to the Top of Football

The inspiring story of Julien Le Cardinal.

Brest’s Unbelievable Journey

Brest has been the biggest surprise in Ligue 1 over the past season. To put things into perspective, in the club's 75-year history, it has spent only 15 seasons in France’s top division. Of those, only five seasons ended with Brest in the top 10. The best result before their recent success? Eighth place.

By the 21st century, Brest had sunk to the depths of French football’s third division, National 3. Their slow climb began in 2004, eventually securing a place in Ligue 1 in 2019. Naturally, Brest played the role of an underdog, constantly battling to avoid relegation. But last spring, under the guidance of former marketing professional Éric Roy, this perennial outsider achieved bronze medals and secured a spot in the Champions League.

Many expected Brest to serve as an easy opponent, given the new tournament format. But the team shocked everyone, reaching the top eight after defeating Sturm Graz, Salzburg, Sparta Prague, and PSV Eindhoven. Yes, they had a favorable schedule, but they also managed a draw against Bayer Leverkusen and showed a respectable effort against Barcelona despite losing 0–3 due to the difference in class. While credit is due to the coach, who’s shining on the pitch for Brest?

Julien Le Cardinal: The Symbol of Brest

There are several standout players in Brest, but Julien Le Cardinal has become the team’s symbol. Just four years ago, this defender worked in National 3 during the day for €150 and delivered pizzas at night in Corsica’s Bastia for €1,000 a month. As night fell, this future Champions League hero would sit with a stolen slice of pizza and some alcohol, contemplating the end of his football career.

Everything changed when he met his future wife. “She showed me the right path,” Julien said. “I drank a lot and spent my only day off in bars. She told me that I'd end up alone if I didn’t do something.” Julien got his life together and soon received an offer from Paris FC.

Life in the French capital didn’t suit him: it was noisy and crowded, and training required a 90-minute commute. At the time, Julien didn’t even have a driver’s license — he had delivered pizzas in Bastia by bicycle. Every morning, his fiancée drove him to training, which he now jokes “literally paved the way” for his football career.

After six months in Paris, Lens, newly promoted to Ligue 1, noticed Julien. They needed an affordable defender who could occasionally fill gaps in the lineup. Julien even spent his savings to pay for his transfer because Lens refused to meet Paris FC’s €1.5 million asking price.

The Long Road to Success

During 18 months at Lens, Julien played only 10 games, mainly as a late substitute. However, the training experience was invaluable, as it helped him adjust to Ligue 1’s level. Then came the opportunity with Brest. Initially, he joined on loan, but later, he signed a complete transfer. His first season mirrored his time at Lens — limited playing time but extensive learning.

Now, Julien has become a key player in Brest’s defense. This season, he’s their defensive leader. The pinnacle of his journey so far? Scoring the winning goal against PSV, securing at least a playoff spot for Brest in the Champions League. Unfortunately, he left the field in the 56th minute due to injury. Still, whether it’s serious or not, there’s no doubt this man will overcome any challenge.

From Pizza Deliveries to the Champions League

We’ve skipped many details to save you time, but Julien’s story involves far more than pizza delivery. Over the years, he worked as a cleaner, waiter, security guard, gardener, forklift operator, warehouse worker, and pizzaiolo. Between deliveries, he observed the pizza chefs and absorbed and learned everything, just as he would later do in training.

Julien no longer eats pizza today — he says he’s had enough to last a lifetime. He also refuses to spend more than €1,000 a month. His wife writes the shopping lists, and he sticks to them. For Julien, money matters far less than football, which gave him back what he almost lost: self-respect and a sense of purpose.

Published by Patrick Jane
11.12.2024