Jerémy Mathieu, once a distinguished defender for both Valencia and Barcelona, recently revealed in an exclusive interview with beIN Sports that he has grappled with depression following the premature end of his football career. His tenure in Spain earned him considerable admiration due to his outstanding performances, yet a severe knee injury in 2020 compelled him to retire from professional play. Since that turning point, Mathieu has retreated from the international spotlight, leading to a significant shift in his life trajectory.
From Football Stardom to New Beginnings
Months ago, observers were surprised to discover Mathieu employed at an Intersport outlet near Marseille, marking a stark contrast to his former life on the pitch. During the candid conversation with beIN Sports, the French international opened up about the multitude of challenges he currently faces, explicitly acknowledging his battle with depression. This revelation sheds light on the often unseen mental health struggles that can afflict athletes after their retirement.
Further into the interview, Mathieu credited part of his ongoing support system to a longstanding friendship with Loïc Loval-Landré, a companion from his formative years within the Sochaux youth academy. This connection appears to have played a pivotal role in helping him navigate the complexities of life beyond professional sports.