Turning lemons into goal, Eboue’s post-retirement success story

• He is a former Ivorian professional footballer
• He went broke after a bitter divorce
• He runs a football academy in Ivory Coast

Emmanuel Eboue is a former professional footballer whose news about being broke from a bitter divorce hit the headlines despite earning millions of dollars from his successful football career.

Eboue started playing football in the Streets of Abidjan and joined the ASEC Mimosa Youth Academy which opened up his opportunities professionally. He was spotted by Belgium scouts from KSK Beveren where he played for three seasons before he joined the English Premier League giants, Arsenal. 

Being in Arsenal was the best experience under manager Arsene Wenger and he became a valuable asset for over six seasons. He was part of the team that reached the 2006 UEFA Champions League and also contributed to FA Cup triumphs in 2005 and 2009.

After that, he sought new challenges in Turkey when he joined club Galatasaray where he spent three successful seasons, winning five domestic trophies, including two Super Lig titles. He also represented Ivory Coast internationally in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and retired from professional football in 2020.

Emmanuel Eboue Personal Life

The player was born on June 4 1983 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast and soon, his talent for playing football and to nurtured, he was enrolled in ASEC Mimosa Youth Academy where he trained till he earned a place in Belgium to play SK Beveren.

Emmanuel Eboue. Photo/Sky Sports

While playing in Belgium, the player secured a place at the English Premier League club, Arsenal where he played for several seasons before going to Turkey to join club Galatasaray and also represented the Ivory Coast national team internationally.

He was married to his first wife Aurelie Bertrand and they divorced, a situation that rendered him broke as the court ruled most of his property to remain with his wife, something that made him homeless. In addition, he was also denied the opportunity of bringing up his children and this broke his heart to the point of giving him mental distress.

Emmanuel is currently married to his wife Stephanie Boede, his Ivorian childhood friend and they are doing well as a family.

Emmanuel Eboue’s Career and Achievements

He started playing football in the Streets of Abidjan and joined the ASEC Mimosa Youth Academy which opened up his opportunities professionally. He was spotted by Belgium scouts from KSK Beveren where he played for three seasons before he joined the English Premier League giants, Arsenal. 

Being in Arsenal was the best experience under manager Arsene Wenger and he became a valuable asset for over six seasons. He was part of the team that reached the 2006 UEFA Champions League and also contributed to FA Cup triumphs in 2005 and 2009.

After that, he sought new challenges in Turkish when he joined club Galatasaray where he spent three successful seasons, winning five domestic trophies, including two Super Lig titles. He also represented Ivory Coast internationally in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and retired from professional football in 2020.

Emmanuel Eboue’s Life After Retirement

The former player’s life after retirement has been a journey of resilience and giving back to football. While he faces difficulties after his divorce and financially, he has emerged stronger and focused on a fulfilling future.

Emmanuel Eboue. Photo/Eurosport

He returned to his home country Ivory Coast and reconnected with his childhood friend Stephanie Boede, they got married and have since built a stable life together. Passionate about nurturing young talents, he established a football academy in Ivory Coast, that provides aspiring footballers with training, mentorship and opportunities to develop their skills.

Through the academy, he shares his knowledge and experience, which inspires the next generation of Ivorian footballers by giving them a chance to showcase their potential. He also participates in coaching initiatives and mentorship programs by sharing his insights with young players.

Despite the challenges he faced, he seems to be in a much better position mentally and emotionally as he openly shares his past struggles and emphasizes the importance of perseverance and hope.