Former Cameroonian international defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto has made a surprising career change after leaving the world of football eight years ago. The 42-year-old former Tottenham player shared details about his new life in an interview broadcast on March 15 on CRTV, the Cameroonian public television channel.
After spending several years on football fields, notably with Lens, Tottenham, Queens Park Rangers, Metz, and Saint-Étienne, Assou-Ekotto chose to return to his hometown of Arras, in northern France. Away from the spotlight and pressure of high-level sports, he embarked on a new career as a therapist.
"I made this choice (to be a professional footballer) to earn a living," Assou-Ekotto explained. "The most important thing was that I was able to save money, invest, and allow myself not to work today and to provide for my family". He emphasized the importance of succeeding in one's personal life rather than just one's career, noting that many players who have experienced glory end up ruined afterward.
In his role as a therapist, Assou-Ekotto supports people in difficulty through listening and dialogue. "I support people through listening or dialogue to help them overcome personal or emotional difficulties," he said. He sees this work as complementary to that of a psychologist, with an approach focused on developing the person's resources. This new path brings him personal satisfaction, especially seeing that his experience can help those going through difficult times.
Assou-Ekotto had already gained attention for his outspokenness during his football career, not hesitating to state that football was primarily a job for him. This honesty, sometimes perceived as disconcerting in an environment where passion is often emphasized, is now reflected in his therapeutic approach. He seems to have found balance and meaning in his life after football, by putting his experience and listening skills at the service of others. His atypical journey demonstrates an ability to reinvent himself and find personal fulfillment away from the playing field.
The former Cameroon international participated in two FIFA World Cups.
