A former Arsenal star has made waves in a completely different field to sports
Former Arsenal star-turned-billionaire businessman Mathieu Flamini has opened up about his fascinating change in career. The Frenchman, who made 246 appearances for the Gunners across two stints, hung up his boots in 2019 after short spells with Crystal Palace and Getafe.
Since then, the 42-year-old has made headlines for his extraordinary success away from football, which has made him a billionaire. Shortly after leaving the north Londoners for AC Milan, Flamini and Pasquale Granata co-founded GF Biochemicals with the aim of ending chemical pollution.
The company produces a chemical identified then as one of the 12 molecules that could unlock a ‘greener’ future for the world. It aimed to replace petrochemical ingredients with bio-based components in cosmetics, everyday cleaning products, paints and solvents.
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With ownership of more than half of the company, Forbes estimates Flamini’s net worth to be around £10billion. The three-time FA Cup winner has now explained how he made the radical shift from a 16-year career in professional football to his current path in chemistry.
In an interview with Harvard Business Review, Flamini said: “Football was a childhood dream but the environment has always played an important role in my life. Having grown up in the South of France, I’ve always felt close to nature and the sea. When I was a child, I remember watching documentaries with my family and picking up plastic waste on the beaches…
“I developed an environmental awareness at a very early age. Even during my football career, I wondered how we could find solutions to global warming, and considered the impact humans can have on the environment, but also on their own health.”
Explaining a transition that was shocking to others but made sense to him, Flamini added: “When I joined AC Milan at 24, I was one of the youngest players on the squad. Many of my team-mates were already involved in other ventures, which led me to start thinking about entrepreneurship at a very early stage.
“Then there were encounters and opportunities that steered me towards the chemical sector. We developed partnerships with universities in Italy, we met scientists and engineers, and a research group was set up…
“At some point, we decided to focus on a molecule identified by the US Department of Energy as one of the 12 molecules of the future. It showed great potential to replace many petroleum-derived molecules and thus accelerate the transition to a more sustainable chemical industry. However, this platform molecule, levulinic acid, had not yet been developed on an industrial scale. There was therefore a real opportunity here.”
The molecule derived from biomass, specifically agricultural waste. Through a chemical process, it is transformed into a bio-based ingredient and can replace petroleum derivatives that are still used today in many everyday products, which can have a negative impact on the environment and health, including cosmetics (shampoo, shower gel, sun creams), cleaning products, paints, varnishes and home fragrances.
Flamini’s aim is to offer ingredients that allow the creation of safer and more sustainable products that don’t have such harmful consequences for the environment. The company was well ahead of the curve when Flamini founded it as green chemistry wasn’t a priority at the time.
The combative former midfielder, who won Serie A with Milan, has filed more than 200 patent applications over the last 10 years. He also took a leadership programme at Harvard Business School recently as he continues to add even more strings to his bow.
He said: “As I didn’t come from the chemical industry, I lacked the background to assess the technical aspects. It was therefore essential to surround myself with specialists I trusted. Over time, I educated myself and acquired the knowledge and skills that enabled me to gain legitimacy. What sets top-level athletes apart is that they love a challenge, pushing boundaries, and they know how to keep their cool. This has served me well as an entrepreneur.
“Football is a team sport but performance remains individual. As a player, you are judged on your own results. As a business leader, your role changes completely: you become a coach. The team comes first, and you are judged by your team’s performance.
“Admittedly, I had to adapt, but there are many parallels between top-level sport and entrepreneurship: you need to know how to handle the pressure, be resilient, determined yet patient, and not be afraid of the workload or the sacrifices…
“We launched GFB over 10 years ago, but our first product has only recently been brought to market. It is therefore a long-term investment that requires patience. Team spirit is also essential for overcoming difficulties. As a leader, you need to be a good listener while remaining clear about the vision and objectives.”
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