Marcel Desailly compares 1998's glory to his ordinary life
Marcel Desailly, 58, looks back on his legendary rise on 12 July 1998, when he lifted the World Cup with the French, and explains why he now prefers a life « like Mr Everybody », far from the demands of football and its constraints.
An exceptional record
A World Cup, a European Championship, two Champions League titles, two Serie A titles and an FA Cup make up Marcel Desailly's record. He lifted the World Cup on 12 July 1998 with the French. He earned 116 caps for the France national team.
His career took him to Nantes, Olympique de Marseille, AC Milan and Chelsea. Born in Ghana, he grew up between France and his country of origin. These spells shaped his identity as an international footballer.
He hung up his boots twenty years ago, after a final stint in Qatar, and does not regret that decision. According to him, he misses the matches, but the constraints of the profession no longer weigh on him.
A life away from the spotlight
« The post‑career is so fantastic », confides Marcel Desailly in the show À point broadcast on. « I played twenty years of football, 1986‑2006. And now, 2006‑2026, twenty years as well, so I have a real perspective. And I prefer the life I have now. »
He says he owned Ferraris and Bentleys, but fame prevented him from picking up his children at school or doing the shopping in Milan. « Impossible to position myself in front of a restaurant window when passers‑by enter, while I am face‑to‑face with my wife », he adds.
After the France‑Brazil final on 12 July 1998, he declared himself « James Bond », anticipating every move on the street. He admits that the 90 minutes of a match are missed: « It’s magical, a winning goal in the 90th minute, I miss that. »
Passionate about art and business, he explains that training prevented him from attending family events. « It seems simple, but day‑to‑day, over a long period, it’s frustrating, » he says. Today, he controls his schedule.
He describes himself as « Mr Everybody ». « Money is not a concern, even if I always want more, » he explains. « I travel by looking for the best seasons, I choose the number of days, like any small entrepreneur. »
Unlike some athletes who experience a « little death », he anticipated his career change. He owns companies that use his image to promote products and gives talks through UEFA and FIFA. The transition was therefore smooth.