Florent Malouda: from the Champions League to military life in French Guiana

The former star of Chelsea, Florent Maloudasurprised the world by announcing his commitment with the army of the Guyana Française. He has just joined the citizen reserve of 3rd Forest Infantry Regiment (REI), thus marking a new chapter in his life after a brilliant career in professional football.

At 44, Malouda has had a remarkable time at Chelsea FC, with whom he won numerous titles, including the coveted Champions League in 2012. During his six seasons with the Blueshe became an emblematic figure of English football. He also accumulated 80 caps with the team of Francescoring nine goals and reaching the World Cup final.

Born in Cayennein French Guiana, the former footballer has always maintained a strong link with his native land.

In a recent publication on InstagramMalouda shared images alongside his military team in the middle of the Amazon jungle. He accompanied the photo with a caption: “Passing through the Amazon, my native territory, I was able to participate in an initiation during the CEFE Authorities course of the 3rd REI at the Equatorial Jungle Training Center. Thank you to the REI for this moment of cohesion and these values ​​of team spirit in the face of adversity. These values ​​are essential in high-level sport.”

The Foreign Legion confirmed its integration through a press release on social networks: “The 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment welcomes Mr. Florent Malouda into its citizen reserve, as an officer. After an exceptional career in international football, he wishes to transmit the values ​​of commitment to young Guyanese alongside the legionnaires of the 3rd REI.”

The citizen reserve system allows public figures and renowned professionals to voluntarily offer their time and energy to promote the values ​​of the military institution, without being members of active military personnel. In this context, Malouda will join the regiment's military base in Kourou.

During his sporting career, Florent Malouda won 12 major trophies, notably within theLyon Olympicwhere he won four championship titles Ligue 1 and was repeatedly named among the best players in the championship.

He also had a brief experience at Luxembourgplaying for the FC Differdange 03before retiring in 2018. Although his departure from Chelsea in 2013 was slightly bitter, his attachment to the club remains strong. He recently published a photo showing him wearing the away jersey of the Blues for this season.

His love for French Guiana was also demonstrated in 2017, when he played four matches with his local team. Although this territory is part of France, allowing its players to represent both identities, Malouda has not forgotten its roots. His new mission within the army strengthens this special bond with his country of origin.