In an exclusive interview, French football legend Marcel Desailly shared captivating insights into his remarkable career, the evolution of the beautiful game, and his multifaceted life after hanging up his boots. The former defender and midfielder, who lifted the World Cup and European Championship with France and won the Champions League with Marseille and Milan, offered a unique perspective on the sport he loves.
An Eye for the Unconventional
Desailly’s career was marked by intriguing choices that defied expectations. He left Serie A when it was the world’s premier league to join Chelsea, then a far cry from the powerhouse they are today. Later, he ventured to Qatar long before it became a global football hub. This penchant for the unconventional, he revealed, stems from his desire to continually challenge himself and explore new horizons.
I’ve always been drawn to the path less traveled. It’s how you grow, how you discover new facets of yourself and the game.
Marcel Desailly
The Changing Face of Football
Having straddled two eras of football, Desailly offered a fascinating perspective on the sport’s tactical and technical evolution. He reminisced about his days as a dominant defensive midfielder, a role he excelled in from 1994 to 1997, and how the emergence of more technically adept players like Patrick Vieira and Edgar Davids forced him to adapt his game.
Desailly noted that while the game may not necessarily be faster today, players possess significantly more skill and tactical understanding. He mused that while he could still thrive as a defender in the modern game, the midfield role he once mastered has evolved beyond recognition.
The Many Hats of Marcel Desailly
Despite his vast expertise, Desailly chose not to pursue a coaching career, citing the all-consuming nature of the job. Instead, he has embraced a kaleidoscope of roles, from punditry to philanthropy, business to activism. This diverse portfolio, he explained, allows him to stay connected to football while making a meaningful impact off the pitch.
I didn’t want to be defined by one thing. I’ve always been more than just a footballer, and retirement has allowed me to explore all those other passions.
Marcel Desailly
A Voice Against Racism
As a key member of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning team, Desailly was part of a generation that stood up to racism and the far-right. He drew parallels between his experiences and those of the current French squad, praising the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Jules Koundé for using their platforms to speak out against discrimination.
While acknowledging that the battle against racism is far from over, Desailly expressed optimism about the progress made. He highlighted how the younger generation of French players, born and raised in the country, are challenging prejudice and reshaping the narrative around identity and belonging.
Giving Back to the Game
Desailly’s post-retirement journey has been marked by a deep commitment to giving back to the sport that gave him so much. He has established a football academy in Ghana, his father’s homeland, and is involved in numerous charitable initiatives aimed at empowering young people through football.
Football has given me so much, and I feel a responsibility to use my platform to create opportunities for the next generation.
Marcel Desailly
As our conversation drew to a close, Desailly reflected on his legacy with a mix of humility and pride. While hesitant to call himself a star, he readily embraced his status as a legend, a mantle he wears with grace and gratitude.
Through his words and deeds, Marcel Desailly continues to shape the beautiful game, both on and off the pitch. His journey, filled with triumphs and challenges, serves as an inspiration to footballers and fans alike, a testament to the enduring power of the sport to unite, inspire, and transform lives.
