This season in collaboration with our official sponsor Actual5th player on the labor and employment market in France, we are going to meet former players of the club who have made a career change outside of football. For this fifth episode, we spoke with Alban Joinel. The former goalkeeper now works in the south of France as a property manager.
Alban, how are you? Where do you live today?
I’m doing very well, thank you. I have been in Aix-en-Provence since 2014 with my wife, my 5-year-old son Marceau, and my two daughters-in-law.
Why did you go to the south of France?
I simply went down to join my future wife. After Lorient, I returned to Carquefou. I was therefore playing in National with the ambition of returning to Ligue 2. But there was a change of political side in the town and our president at the time stopped his activity with the club. Carquefou filed for bankruptcy. The only thing that could save him was a climb which, unfortunately, never happened.
What are your occupations from now on?
I am a property manager, in real estate, within a large group. I manage a housing portfolio. I take care of rentals, repairs, energy renovation. When the DPE (energy performance diagnosis) is bad for example, I mandate companies for all this work…The goal is to find tenants so that the property does not depreciate. I have 150 accommodations to manage, mostly in the Avignon region, if not a little in Lille.
Was it a desire on your part to return to the world of real estate at the end of your career?
No not at all. It’s a coincidence of life. I met the CEO of my current company and we talked about it for two minutes. A year later he thought of me again and called me back. It’s a beautiful story.
Did you follow any specific training?
No, none. I learned everything on the job. I obtained a professional accounting baccalaureate when I was younger before switching later to football. Then, I just gained experience and knowledge over the years.
What do you like about this role?
I love the relationship with new tenants, finding solutions to all problems, monitoring construction sites, managing a team, following the evolution of laws which change regularly, satisfying my management by bringing in new rents…
Before joining FC Lorient in 2008, you were already working in the real estate sector…
Yes, that’s correct but I was a rental agent. I did a lot of housing visits. I worked during the day and trained in the evening with Carquefou. I had no particular constraints.
Can you remind us of the circumstances of your arrival at FC Lorient in 2008?
With Carquefou, we have had a great run in the Coupe de France. We only lost in the quarter-final against Paris SG. During this epic journey, I had the chance to put in a very good performance against OM in the round of 16. Lorient was looking for a third goalkeeper in the same age group as Fabien Audard and Lionel Cappone. I had Christian Gourcuff and Patrick L’Hostis before joining the squad. It was super exciting even if I was a little scared. But I fell into one of the most family-oriented clubs of the time.
What were you afraid of?
I feared being out of step and having the label of the player who came from the amateur environment. Compared to them, I was shaped like “a tomato stake”. I was afraid of being ridiculous and therefore disappointing. But ultimately, this experience was terribly enriching. I was learning every day.
You played a match with FC Lorient. Do you remember it?
Yes of course. Fabien was to be injured and Lionel suspended. As a result, the replacement goalkeeper was Jessy Rodrigues. It was against OGC Nice at the Moustoir stadium (November 8, 2008), on a winter evening, in front of barely 6,000 people. The match was… ! I take a lousy goal from Olivier Echouafni, end of the ball.
What do you remember from this unique appearance?
The line remains on the CV, I can’t deny it. I remember the atmosphere in the locker room, entering the pitch, I felt the excitement of a Ligue 1 match despite the crowds…I learned a lot of things during this meeting but I am left frustrated. I hadn’t been ridiculous, but I would have liked to have been decisive.
And about your experience with Merlus?
In every way, I had an enriching experience. Only good things. I had the privilege of living in an elite club for more than one season, working alongside great players. This experience also allowed me to discover Lorient and its surroundings. A great place.
Do you still follow the results of your old clubs?
I watch the results of Carquefou, Lorient and Ligue 1 from time to time. I don’t really like the mentalities of today’s football. I have followed the Merlus in recent seasons, despite everything. But I’m more of a rugby guy.
