Patrice Evra — Former Manchester United and France footballer, captain, and pundit, who grew up in poverty in France and is now an author and mental health advocate.
The gist
Patrice Evra opens up to Steven Bartlett about a childhood he hid for decades: growing up with 24 siblings in poverty, stealing and selling weed to survive, and being sexually abused by his headteacher at age 13. He describes the toxic masculinity instilled by his father, who taught him crying was weakness, and how his partner Margot finally helped him cry and confront his trauma. Evra recounts his football journey from the Italian mafia owning his first contract to becoming a Manchester United legend under Sir Alex Ferguson. He also addresses the Suarez racism scandal, forgiveness, and his belief that racism and abuse are defeated through education and speaking out. Now retired, he runs shelters for over 400 children in Senegal and defines his purpose as being the best human being he can be.
Big reveals
- Evra reveals he was sexually abused by his headteacher at age 13 and stayed silent for decades, calling himself a coward for not protecting other abused children.
- He describes the day his partner finally got him to cry and tell the full story of his abuse for the first time in his life.
- His drug-addicted brother died of an overdose in Senegal after selling his French passport.
- Evra's first professional contract was signed with the Italian mafia, who treated him as their property, and they went five months without paying him.
- In Sicily he was so poor that one chicken breast had to last three days, cut into tiny cubes.
- He details the Suarez racism incident, the death threats, 24-hour security, and the refused handshake.
- He never told a single one of his 24 brothers and sisters about his abuse, even after revealing it publicly.
- Asked which three people dead or alive he'd dine with, Evra names his mom, his partner, and host Steven Bartlett.
Things worth remembering
- Evra says he was a happy child despite begging in front of shops for sandwiches.
- He started stealing to be part of his friend group, comparing it to how others drink to be social.
- A teacher mocked his dream of becoming a footballer in front of the whole class.
- PSG rejected him saying he was too small and they feared he would steal in the dressing room.
- His best football memory is not winning the Champions League but seeing his first tracksuit and being served food at age 17.
- Evra admits he doesn't watch football and didn't follow Manchester United before joining them.
- His disastrous Manchester United debut saw him subbed at halftime in a derby loss to Manchester City.
- Ferguson banned any celebration after winning the 2008 Champions League, demanding they win it again.
- Evra has opened two shelters in Senegal caring for more than 400 children.
- For the first time in two years he turned his phone off for a week on holiday with his partner.
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I Love This Game
Patrice Evra (inferred)
“And only recently has he found it within himself after very personal conversations with his mother to share it with the world.” — Steven Bartlett 00:01:30Find it on Amazon