MATHIEU FLAMINI was one of Arsenal’s top midfielders during the 2000s.
Now he has had a major career change and has met King Charles III.
The Frenchman made a drastic career change after his retirement from football in 2019.
The 41-year-old is now the CEO of biochemical company, GF Biochemicals, and has a net worth in the billions, surpassing Gunners owner Stan Kroenke.
But that’s not the only thing the ex-midfielder can gloat about. His new career has taken him to new heights, meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace.
He shared a photo of the event on his Instagram account saying: “Last week, I had the honor of joining the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, where global leaders and Indigenous voices are shaping the future of the bioeconomy.
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“Proud that GFBiochemicals stood alongside visionaries building a sustainable world under the guidance of His Majesty King Charles“
Fans rushed took to social media to congratulate the footballer turned entrepreneur
One user said: “Very impressive! Keep up the good work. Making the kind of impact that will benefit the world for generations to come.”
Whilst another said: “Fantastic news. Love watching the progress of your endeavour and your spirit of enterprise and engagement.”
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The former midfielder had two stints at Arsenal, the first between 2004 and 2008, before he made a shock return to the Emirates in 2013.
He won five trophies with the Gunners, three FA Cups and two Community Shields before moving on to Crystal Palace and Getafe, where he finished his career.
He founded the start-up of GF Biochemicals in 2010 and upon his retirement took a more hands-on role.
He took on the CEO job with a 60 per cent stake which saw him accumulate a reported £10bn.
The company’s aim was to provide a green alternative to petrochemicals so they can manufacture products whilst protecting the environment.
His team became the first to produce levulinic acid, which reduces CO2 produced from manufacturing products like detergents and skincare by 80 per cent.
He also runs a health business, Unity Performance Lab, with his former teammate Mesut Ozil.
Speaking about his unusual career change, Flamini said: “As a child I had two passions: football and sustainability.
“I grew up in Marseille near the sea, and was aware of the environmental questions around ocean plastics and chemical pollution from a very young age.
“We didn’t know if it’d be energy, chemical or urban recycling, and we just ended up meeting with a team of scientists in Milan and started moving in that direction.”
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Talking about his new busy work schedule, he added: “Now the question is when do I not work.
“When you’re an entrepreneur you have to be dedicated and you don’t count the hours. I’m not working when I sleep, but for the rest of the time I’m available.”
