He Played with Messi and Neymar, and Now Works as a Salesman in a Sports Store. The Incredible Story of a Champions League Winner
The former Barcelona defender is enjoying a humble retirement.
We all know countless success stories where "some guy from the provinces" becomes a global star thanks to his talent — be it in music, sports, or science. And it's not always a guy, of course, but the point is the same: a Hollywood-style rise to fame. For many, that’s the dream life.
However, reality is often — or even usually — much harsher. One day you're the king of the world, winning trophies at the highest level, and the next you're reaching for a pair of sneakers to recommend to a random customer in a sports store.
That's exactly the kind of "anti-Hollywood" story that happened to former French international Jérémy Mathieu. Now 41 years old, he retired in October 2023 and got a job… as a store clerk. Yes, really — at a regular Intersport sporting goods store, where he works as a sales assistant. Not a manager or supervisor — just a floor employee.
To put things in perspective: ten years ago, Mathieu joined Barcelona for €20 million, when his market value was around €12 million. Now he sells shoes, clothes, and gear worth a couple of hundred euros. During his time with Barca, Jérémy won La Liga twice and lifted the ultimate club trophy — the UEFA Champions League in the 2014/15 season. His teammates? Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suárez up front, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, and Sergio Busquets in midfield, Dani Alves, Gerard Piqué, and Javier Mascherano in defense — that iconic, dream-team era of Barca.
No one would’ve known what became of Mathieu if local fans in Bouches-du-Rhône, France hadn’t recognized him while visiting Intersport. Turns out he started working there right after hanging up his boots.
A photo of the former French international wearing the store's uniform, smiling, and showing off the recognizable tattoo that helped fans identify him, quickly went viral — racking up over 2 million views in just a few days, and counting.
It’s worth noting that Mathieu himself commented on the situation in a very down-to-earth way. He said this job choice had nothing to do with financial issues or any other problems. It was simply his personal decision.
He didn’t want to be a coach, a TV pundit, or even a scout — he just wasn’t interested in those paths.
Jérémy chose not to suppress his own desires, but to follow them. And on the pitch, he had already proven everything. His trophy cabinet is full of honors, with the “big-eared” UEFA Champions League trophy gleaming in the center. Many professionals would dream of such a career ending: a collection of major trophies, dreams fulfilled, veteran status, and a peaceful retirement doing something you love — with your family by your side.
So maybe this isn’t an “anti-Hollywood” story after all. It has highs, lows, and, in the end, the hero finds peace and fulfillment. Football is a strange and beautiful world — one where you can win the biggest prize of all, yet deep down, all you really want is to sell sneakers.
Published by Patrick Jane
07.04.2025