- Mathieu Flamini, who played for Arsenal and AC Milan, co-founded a green chemistry company while still an active professional footballer
- GFBiochemicals develops levulinic acid from agricultural waste as a bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals used in everyday products
- Flamini was formally appointed CEO in May 2022 after the company raised €15 million (KSh 2.2 billion) in funding
Most footballers spend their playing days thinking about the next match.
Source: Facebook
Mathieu Flamini was thinking about the future of the planet.
The French midfielder, who retired in 2019 after stints at Olympique de Marseille, Arsenal, AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Getafe, spent nearly two decades as a professional player.
What is Mathieu Flamini's job?
But long before he hung up his boots, he had already launched a second career in sustainable chemistry.
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While still training and competing at the highest level, Flamini co-founded GFBiochemicals alongside Italian entrepreneur Pasquale Granata.
Goal reports that company specialises in producing levulinic acid, a chemical compound derived directly from biomass such as agricultural waste and cellulose, rather than from fossil fuels.
Flamini said his motivation was environmental, rooted in an early awareness of the damage human activity was causing to the natural world. That awareness, it turns out, translated into a serious industrial bet rather than a celebrity side project.
In 2016, while he was still featuring for Arsenal, GFBiochemicals made a significant move by acquiring the assets and intellectual property of a Minnesota-based firm. The deal added more than 250 patent applications to the company's portfolio, expanded its derivative technologies and gave it a foothold in U.S. production.
The company's growth continued into the early 2020s. In May 2022, GFBiochemicals secured €15 million (KSh 2.2 billion) in funding.
The capital injection was directed towards research and development, manufacturing, patent activity and global commercial expansion.
At the same time, Flamini stepped into the role of chief executive officer, formalising his leadership of the business he had helped build from scratch.
The company now holds more than 200 patents tied to its levulinate platform and sells products in markets around the world.
Where many retired footballers pivot towards property portfolios or brand endorsements, Flamini channelled his resources and attention into a long-horizon industrial venture while still lacing up his boots on match day.
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Supporters have reacted with curiosity and admiration for his distinctive appearance.
Source: TUKO.co.ke