Former Chelsea star and Champions League winner Florent Malouda is training as an infantry soldier in French Guiana.
Florent Malouda, a key figure in Chelsea's golden era and 2012 Champions League champion, has begun a new and demanding chapter of his life: as an infantry soldier in the Amazon rainforest. Before his success in London, Malouda had already made his mark in France, where he dominated with Olympique Lyon.
When Jose Mourinho called, Malouda jumped at the chance to excel in the Premier League. He represented France at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, as well as the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. He later also played for French Guiana in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Now, at the age of 44, Malouda has taken on the formidable task taken to serve his hometown in a challenging new capacity.
Although Malouda has faced intense challenges on the football field, this new mission may be his toughest yet. Although he maintained excellent physical condition, the training tested him physically and mentally as he navigated the harsh conditions of the equatorial rainforest. After successfully completing the rigorous program, Malouda joined the ranks of France's Third Foreign Infantry Regiment.
Malouda shared his experience on social media and reflected on the lessons he learned during his training: “During my time in the Amazon in my home country, I had the opportunity to participate in an initiation course with the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment. I am grateful to 3rd REI for this moment of camaraderie and for instilling the values of teamwork in the face of adversity. These values are essential in top sport.”
The French government describes the regiment's mission as a way for civilians to make voluntary contributions that uphold the values and goals of the military – without enlisting as a full-time soldier.
In recent months, Malouda has also engaged with young people around the world, from Kazakhstan to Ivory Coast, working with the Didier Drogba Foundation, an initiative led by his former Chelsea teammate.
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