Patrice Evra

TBY talks to Patrice Evra, Coach and Former Football Professional Player.

You joined Chipper Cash in the documentary released ahead of the 2022 World Cup, to bring Africa to the World and allow us to experience that culture. What was the mission behind this film and what inspired you to become part of this project?

The aim was really is to bring Africa to the World Cup, and to add to the celebrations and fun of the tournament. I am keen to show the real face of Africa, which is one of the richest continents, and change public perceptions of it. I wanted to showcase the sheer potential of its youth, and their achievement often despite huge challenges. I am from the streets myself, and a self-made man. I never work with anybody that who doesn’t share the same values.

“I love This Game” is your mantra, and it serves as an inspiration to thousands of children and grown-ups that need to challenge themselves and deal with difficult situations on a daily basis. What advice do you give to them today?

First of all, I love this game. It is not about sports; it is about life. I love this life. When I say I love this game it’s because I think life is a game, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. The advice I want to give to those kids is to make sure that whatever they want to do they can do it. I tell the story that when I was at school and there was a French teacher the first day that asked, “what do you want to become?” I said, I want to become a footballer and she said, being a football player is not a job. Today, I want to make sure no one is saying the same thing to other kids. I also advise those kids not to pretend to be somebody they aren’t, just be yourself. You don’t have to be perfect. You going to make mistakes in your life, but don’t be afraid to make those mistakes and take risks. I am crazy and passionate about life.

Access Abu Dhabi is providing the opportunity for meaningful businesses to come and thrive in the region. How do you envision the UAE business ecosystem and the opportunity that it represents for future projects? How does it support and align with your mission values?

The UAE is 10 years ahead of the game. What I love about Abu Dhabi is that they listen to you. And there is a massive difference between someone just hearing you and actually listening to you, which makes you feel make you more than welcome. Abu Dhabi is the capital of business, with its regulation. What I like that Emiratis really view a partnership as a relationship, so it is a win-win. Abu Dhabi is a safe place to be, especially for women. A great deal of progress is being made toward gender equality in business. And men and women are increasingly working together rather than in competition. For me, it made total sense to open my media company, Curve, here. And to help the brand connect with the audience, I built on my social media profile. People know me as a football player, but they don’t know me personally. So, through my social media now people understand my other side. So that’s why I want to help people create their brand and spread that awareness. So that is why I am in Abu Dhabi. When you have a good idea, they listen closely. It is not like they are going to give you the golden ticket straight away, but if you share common values you can explore the future together.