Jérémy Mathieu, serious illness is confirmed

Forced to end his career due to an injury, Jérémy Mathieu took this retirement very badly. The ax fell in…

By Manu Tournoux · French Football Weekly

Published: Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 12:29 PM

Key Things to Know

Jérémy Mathieu revealed that he suffered from severe depression for four years after his sudden 2020 retirement.
A cruciate ligament injury sustained with Sporting CP abruptly ended Mathieu's professional playing career.
Mathieu credited taking a retail job at Intersport with helping him overcome isolation and begin recovering.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former French international defender Jérémy Mathieu revealed in an interview with So Foot that he struggled with severe depression for four years following his abrupt retirement from professional football. Mathieu was forced to end his playing career in spring 2020 after rupturing his left knee cruciate ligament while playing for Sporting CP, an injury that left him mentally unprepared for life after sports.

Mathieu explained that taking a sales role at Intersport near Marseille helped him break out of total isolation and rebuild his social life. He is now focused on coaching, working toward his Football Coaching Certificate while managing the Aix-en-Provence under-15 squad.

Read the full article on French Football Weekly

Jérémy Mathieu, serious illness is confirmed

More Ligue 1 News

Never Miss a Sports Update