Former World Cup Winner Stephane Guivarc'h Swaps Football for Pool Sales
Stephane Guivarc'h, who helped France win the 1998 World Cup, has taken an unexpected career turn. The former striker now works as a swimming pool salesman, having left professional football behind after retiring in 2002.
The 55-year-old earned 14 caps for France and was a key member of the squad that beat Brazil 3-0 in the final. Though not a top scorer, Guivarc'h's disruptive play created opportunities for teammates. His club career included stints at Auxerre, Newcastle United, and Rangers, where he won multiple honors, including the Scottish league and cup double with Rangers and the French league title with Auxerre.
Guivarc'h's Post-Retirement Career in Leisure Industry
After hanging up his boots at En Avant Guingamp in 2002, Guivarc'h moved into the leisure industry. He now works at a friend's company selling swimming pools, a stark contrast to the high-profile punditry careers of many 1998 World Cup winners.
Guivarc'h has deliberately distanced himself from former teammates. Emmanuel Petit expressed disappointment to L'Equipe, saying: "It's been far too long since we've heard from him. I don't really know his reasons; I've heard all sorts of rumours, but it's a shame he wanted to sever ties with the World Cup. It's something that transcends us, that doesn't truly belong to us, but that binds us until the end of our lives."
Why Guivarc'h Walked Away from Football
Guivarc'h retired at age 31 to focus on family. He said: "I could have stayed in football, but I didn't because it's a life choice. After my football career, I lost my mother. My father was left all alone, and I decided to stay with him, to help him. And then I stayed here in Concarneau, where all my family is."
Across 339 appearances, Guivarc'h scored 169 goals and won four domestic honors. Despite his achievements, he has chosen a quiet life away from the spotlight, leaving many former colleagues wondering about his whereabouts.
