Former French international footballer Jérémy Mathieu has opened up about the harsh realities he faced following his retirement from professional football. Once celebrated for his contributions to FC Barcelona's historic treble-winning season, Mathieu now finds himself working as the football department manager in a modest sports shop in the suburbs of Marseille. This drastic change from earning a staggering $134,000 per week and playing in front of thousands to managing a store is emblematic of the unpredictable twists of fate that professional athletes often face after hanging up their boots.

Mathieu’s recent appearance in a social media photo, dressed in the store's official uniform while smiling with customers, sparked widespread discussion online, not as part of an advertising campaign but as a stark representation of his current struggles. In an interview with beIN Sports, he revealed that he had fallen into financial distress and faced legal challenges that severely impacted the wealth he amassed throughout his career. His candid acknowledgment of these hardships raises important questions about the support systems in place for athletes transitioning into retirement.

Adding to his challenges, Mathieu opened up about battling depression, a foe he feels unable to evade. Behind the smiles he offers to customers lies the weight of his financial and emotional struggles, which have disrupted his stability post-football. His narrative serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities athletes face, highlighting the importance of mental health support and financial education for players transitioning to life after sports.