From Champions League Glory to the Open Road: A Footballer's New Life
Lilian Martin, a name once associated with top-tier European football, now navigates the bustling streets of Nice as a taxi driver. The former Derby County defender, who graced the Premier League and competed in a Champions League semi-final, has discovered an unexpected second career behind the wheel, marking a dramatic shift from the glamour of professional sports to the routine of daily commutes.
A Storied Football Career Cut Short
Martin's journey in football began in France's lower divisions before he signed with AS Nancy. After a relegation in his second year, he moved to Dijon and then spent three campaigns with USL Dunkerque. His big break came in 1996 when he joined Monaco, where he clinched the French league title and featured in a memorable Champions League semi-final against Zinedine Zidane's Juventus.
In 1999, he transferred to Marseille before making the move to England, where he made nine Premier League appearances for Derby County in 2001. However, his retirement in 2002 ushered in a challenging period, marked by personal struggles and the collapse of a restaurant business he had ventured into.
Finding Solace in Simplicity
Reflecting on his post-football life in an interview with L'Equipe, Martin admitted, "I had three or four years where I lost my way a bit." His fortunes changed when he met a woman from Nice, whose father was a taxi driver. This connection sparked a new path, as Martin was encouraged to try driving. "He said to me, 'Try taxi driving, you'll see, you'll love it,'" Martin recalled.
Initially resistant due to a desire for freedom, Martin eventually passed the exam and eased into the profession, working one week at a time to acclimate. By January 1, 2026, he had fully embraced the role, operating independently. "I don't want a boss. I want to remain free," he emphasized, highlighting the autonomy that taxi driving provides.
Coaching Dreams Dashed by Reality
Before settling into his current role, Martin attempted coaching, starting with Monaco's youth setup and later working with academy players in Cannes. However, he found the demands overwhelming. "Between the parents and everything else, I had reached saturation point," he explained. Jokingly, he added that becoming a manager would require "a Bac+48 qualification," implying an unrealistic level of education needed in the field.
Life on the Road: Encounters and Adventures
As a taxi driver, Martin enjoys the social aspect of his job, especially during busy periods like festivals and the Grand Prix in Nice. He has even chauffeured former footballers, including Ludovic Giuly and Djibril Cisse, and shared a laugh when ex-teammate Sonny Anderson failed to recognize him due to his white hair.
His longest journey to date took him to Milan, Italy, a trip where he bypasses the meter and agrees on a price upfront. Drawing parallels to football, Martin noted, "Taxi driving is a bit like football. Everyone sticks together, but if someone can take advantage of you, they will. So you still have to keep your eyes open."
A Contented Conclusion
Now 54, Martin has found contentment in his new profession, a stark contrast to the turbulence that followed his retirement. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable transitions athletes often face after their playing days end, and how happiness can be found in the most unexpected places.
