…how accident scar, football changed my story
Multiple trophy-winning and French football legend, Frank Ribèry has disclosed how his early life presented a hopeless beginning but destiny came shining on him.
According to the Bayern Munich topnotch, circumstances of life had a serious toll on him until football changed his story around.
Ribèry said “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”.
Speaking on the turning point of his life, Ribèry and how his predicaments made him strong, the soccer maestro continued:
“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”.
The French former professional footballer played as a winger for several top-tier clubs, including Bayern Munich and Marseille.
He was born on April 7, 1983, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Ribéry began his football career at a young age, joining the youth academy of FC Conti de Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Throughout his career, Ribéry earned numerous accolades, including four Bundesliga titles, four DFB-Pokal titles, and the 2013 UEFA Champions League title with Bayern Munich. He was also a key player for the French national team, earning 81 caps and representing France at two FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships.
Ribéry’s impressive skills on the pitch, including his pace, energy, and precise passing, earned him several individual awards, such as the 2007-08 Footballer of the Year (Germany) and the 2008 French Player of the Year.
After retiring from professional football, Ribéry went on to become a technical collaborator for Italian Serie B club Salernitana.