France: Michel Platini openly criticizes current footballers

In an interview with L'Équipe, Michel Platini offered a frank analysis of modern football. The former captain of the French national team spoke in particular about the increasing importance placed on players' mental health and freedom of speech.

For the Ballon d'Or winner (1983, 1984, and 1985), professional footballers must first and foremost accept the constraints associated with their status. He believes that fame, high income, and media exposure also entail certain responsibilities.

The former Saint-Étienne and Juventus player believes that players shouldn't dwell so much on their personal difficulties. According to him, a footballer's career should primarily be judged on their performances and sporting results.

The former number 10 of the French national team also denounced a profound shift in attitudes. In his view, the Ballon d'Or and the pursuit of individual recognition have gradually taken precedence over titles won with clubs and attachment to the fans.

"Today, the Ballon d'Or is the Holy Grail, not the player's record," he believes, regretting the era when players were more motivated by collective success.

Michel Platini particularly laments the relationship of the new generations with their clubs. According to him, footballers are now more focused on their image and personal career than on loyalty to a team or a fanbase.

This evolution leads him to paint a particularly harsh picture of current professional football, which he describes as a world dominated by "brands and mercenaries." This statement is sure to provoke a reaction from the key players in modern football.