Johan Djourou: Beyond the Pitch—His Journey, Values, and Legacy

The 39-year-old Swiss player, Johan Djourou, has competed at the highest level with dedication and consistency, from Arsenal FC to the Swiss national soccer team. Behind the matches and the spotlight lies what we don’t see: the daily routine, the choices, and the details that make all the difference. Today, still close to the field, he is dedicated to passing on his knowledge. In this interview, he looks back on his career and what goes on behind the scenes, far from the public eye.

Johan, you joined Arsenal FC at age 16. What was that like for you, and how did it change your life?

Wow, that was a huge moment for me—it honestly changed everything. But it didn’t change the most important thing, which was my dream of becoming a professional soccer player. On the other hand, it’s clear that I was no longer at home, close to my family and friends.

What has made the biggest impression on you about daily life at the club?

At first, it was the facilities and the high standards at every level. It was something I’d never seen before… a training center of such high quality and such scale. It was a whole new world, and being surrounded by the best players in the world… wow.

What do you think is the key to staying at the top level?

People often talk about mental toughness and emotional balance, and for me, that’s exactly what it is. It’s about being committed to what you say you’re going to do and understanding that your body is a machine you need to take care of. Everything is tied to emotions, mental balance, and endurance over the long haul. Accepting setbacks without feeling ashamed, not letting yourself get too down, but also not getting too high. Maintaining that balance makes a huge difference. And I think the greatest athletes all have that ability.

Is there anyone who has played an important role in your journey—a mentor you’ve been able to rely on?

There are several people—coaches, my parents—who have been essential pillars in my development. I think the most constant source of strength, the one who has always supported me, is my mom. She had, let’s say, unshakable faith in me, in the fact that I had what it takes to succeed.

Next, whether it was the coaches I had in Carouge or on the Swiss youth national team, I think they all helped me reach new heights. And of course, my family has always been there for me.

But deep down, I also had a strong desire to push myself and make that dream a reality. I think that made a huge difference. It was something deeply ingrained in me, and there was no other option at that point in my life.

What has been the best moment of your career?

There are so many… I think taking your first steps on a professional field is definitely something you’ll never forget! Then there’s playing in the World Cup, competing in the Champions League… it’s hard to pick just one.

But I’d say that having succeeded, having left so young, and having made a name for myself—that’s still something very special, even today.

All of these moments are extraordinary, so it’s hard for me to pick just one. I think what has made the biggest impression on me is the journey itself. It’s been an incredible journey to be able to live out all these dreams and experiences.

Which player has impressed you the most, whether playing with or against you?

I'd say Messi. He's simply out of this world!

What did it mean to you to wear the Swiss national team jersey?

Wearing the Swiss national team jersey meant the world to me. I was adopted by a Swiss mother when I was very young, so it was also a way to honor her and make her proud.

It was also important to me to represent diversity in Switzerland. I was one of the first Black players to wear that jersey over the long term, and that meant a lot to me.

But beyond that, it was something very personal. It had to do with my mom, who gave me the chance to come to Europe and Switzerland, to grow up here in Geneva… I carried all of that with me every time I put on the jersey.

What has soccer taught you that you still use today?

Wow, soccer teaches you so much. Above all, it has taught me to respect different cultures and diversity, and I think that’s the most valuable lesson I’ve ever learned.

In a locker room, there are players from different backgrounds, cultures, and religions, and you have to learn to live with that and respect it. You even have to, as they say in English, “embrace it”—fully accept it—in order to build a real family.

For me, that’s the most important lesson soccer teaches: sharing and respecting others. And even today, I continue to pass on those values.

What's your life like now that you've retired from soccer?

My life after soccer is actually pretty simple: you learn a lot—about yourself, about what it takes to succeed, and about resilience. These days, I really enjoy coaching the girls in Lancy, serving as technical director of the women’s national teams at the Swiss Football Association (SFA), appearing as an expert on TV shows, continuing my education, and developing my own side projects.

My life is very busy, but I really enjoy it. As long as there are things to do and we’re keeping busy, we never get bored.

It’s true that sometimes I miss soccer, but I’m lucky to still be very close to the field, and especially to be able to share my knowledge and help young players develop.

Why is it important to you to support young girls in sports? What message do you want to convey?

First and foremost, the most important thing for me is that the Lord has blessed me with three daughters who have discovered this passion. And in any case, whether it’s soccer or something else, I would have always supported them.

Beyond that, today, it’s mainly about sharing my knowledge and experience with the girls I coach. In other words, we often pass on what we know, and I’ve been fortunate enough to compete at the highest level, play against the best, train with the best, and work alongside great coaches. So for me, the idea is also to give them tools that are different from those they’ve received in the past, so that they can build their own path and their own career.

It really comes down to this idea of passing on knowledge: setting high standards for them and instilling all the qualities that go along with that, but above all, helping them recognize and build on their own strengths. And in this way, giving them the opportunity to dream within a high-quality framework and through a proven method.