I was abandoned by my biological parents at a convent when I was just a baby.
But life gave me a second chance: I was soon taken in by a family who gave me love and care, making up for what I had been denied.
Destiny, however, wasn’t done with me yet. At just two years old, a car accident changed my appearance forever: the windshield left a deep scar on my face. From that moment, I was no longer judged for my talent or personality but solely for my appearance.
People – except my parents – often commented on how ‘ugly’ my face was, without understanding my pain. I felt oppressed, constantly scrutinized. Despite it all, I never cried, even though I suffered deeply inside.
It takes incredible mental strength to bear the weight of mockery from peers, but the lingering stares of adults were even harder to endure. I vividly remember my parents reacting with determination, challenging anyone who dared stare too long with a simple, ‘Is there a problem?’ In the end, it was others who felt ashamed.
Football became my salvation. It gave me an escape route, a reason to move forward. Without it, I don’t know if I would have overcome everything. Today, however, I am immensely proud of that scar. Without it, I would be just a ‘normal’ person, but I wouldn’t have the strong character that defines me. This scar taught me to fight, to stand up, and to face life difficulties. I would never trade it for anything.
I will never turn to plastic surgery to remove it; it is part of me. It shaped me and made me the person I am today, and for that, I am proud of it.
My journey? 26 trophies in my career, European and World Champion with Bayern Munich, 775 appearances, 179 goals, and over 250 assists between club and the French national team. This is all part of my story, scar included.”
- Credit: WORLD Street PLUS