Jérémy Mathieu opens up about post-career depression

Former FC Barcelona and French national team defender Jérémy Mathieu has revealed that he suffered from severe depression for four years following the abrupt end of his professional football career in 2020. The former player's career was cut short at age 36 due to a serious cruciate ligament injury sustained while playing for Sporting CP.

Mathieu described a period of intense isolation, stating that he spent much of his time at home, often staying on his sofa and losing interest even in football. He credited his wife for being a vital source of support during this difficult time.

To combat his mental health struggles and regain a social life, Mathieu took a job as a department manager and salesperson at an Intersport sports retail store near Marseille. He clarified that his decision to work in retail was not due to financial hardship or bankruptcy, as had been speculated online, but was a deliberate step to help him reintegrate into society and find a sense of normalcy.