Fabien Barthez, the charismatic goalkeeper who helped France win the 1998 World Cup, nearly quit Manchester United just one year after joining the club because of his relationship with supermodel Linda Evangelista. Evangelista, a household name in the 1990s, was reportedly unhappy with their living arrangements in the North West of England, sparking rumours in September 2001 that Barthez was ready to walk away from Old Trafford.
World Cup glory and controversial antics
France's 1998 World Cup victory is a landmark moment in international football. Hosting the tournament, they defeated reigning champions Brazil 3-0 in the final, with Zinedine Zidane as the star. Barthez, then at Monaco, was a key figure in goal and later moved to Manchester United in 2000. However, his time at United was marked by inconsistent performances and off-field controversies.
Evangelista, estimated to be worth £30 million ($40 million), famously said, "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day." Her influence almost led Barthez to leave United, but he remained at the club until 2003 before returning to France.
Post-football career and lasting injuries
After retiring from football, Barthez pursued motorsport from 2007 to 2016. He continues to suffer from injuries sustained during his playing days. In an interview with L'Equipe, he said: "When I get up, I feel like an old man. When you've been diving all day in every direction from age 15 to 36, you shouldn't be surprised. But hey, I'm not the only one. We are all broken."
He recalled playing through serious injuries: "In Monaco, I fractured my cheekbone. I was supposed to play again three weeks later, but they put me back on the field immediately with a protective shell. Now I suffer the consequences, but without regrets." He also described an incident where his thigh doubled in size during a match: "The doctor told me to stop, but I said I felt fine. As a result, I spent the night in the emergency room; they split my thigh in two, and I was off for two months."
