PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

By Riteshni Singh and Nanise Nawalowalo

SUVA, Fiji (Wansolwara, July 2007) – If it was not for a persistent French soccer agent, Christian Karembeu may have never become the greatest footballer ever to come out of the South Pacific.

The French soccer star is the only player from this region to have played at the World Cup and European Championship levels. Born in Lifou, New Caledonia, he was spotted while representing his school in soccer as a 15-year-old by a French agent.

"I was an athlete in school and played all types of games. I could run a marathon and enjoyed outdoor activities. I saw myself as a born athlete," Karembeu, 36, told Wansolwara in Suva last month.

The soccer agent initially failed to persuade Karembeu to move to France as he had ambitions of becoming a doctor or a pilot rather than a professional footballer.

"He (the scout) saw me playing and quickly came up to me. I refused his offer to go to France because my studies were more important," Karembeu said.

After failing to convince Karembeu three times, the agent approached his parents.

"My mother allowed me to go on the condition of me continuing my education, he said."

In 1988, at the age of 17, he left his familiar surroundings and tightly knit family for France to play soccer and continue his studies under a scholarship.

"It is never easy when you leave your family," the now retired star said. "I told myself that when I returned I did not want to be ashamed. So from the beginning, I was ready to commit myself and succeed."

Karembeu disappointed neither the agent nor his family. For 10 years from 1990 to 2000, he played for top European clubs such as Nantes, Sam Sampdoria, Real Madrid, Middlesbrough, Olympiakos, Servette Genève and Bastia. With Real Madrid, he won the Champions League in 1998 and 2000.

Karembeu was eventually selected in the French national team. In Euro 2000, he was in the French squad but played only one game. He then went on to amass 53 caps.

The highlight of his career was being part of the French team that won the World Cup title in 1998 against Brazil by 3-0 at Stade de France in front of 80,000 spectators. Relating his experiences on the day of the final, Karembeu said he knew that they were going to win. He said the atmosphere was so charged that it gave the team the strength and the energy to get the job done. Karembeu had invited all his family to watch the final against Brazil. This also inspired him. After the final whistle, he was in a trance. As he touched the cup, he thought of home, his humble beginnings, and how he had finally reached the pinnacle of his footballing career.

When he returned to New Caledonia after the World Cup, he was treated like a hero.

"The people showed tremendous support. For the first time in my life I saw so many people. It was amazing and funny to see grandmothers throwing flowers and all kinds of stuff."

Having achieved more than what many thought would ever be possible for an island boy, Karembeu announced his retirement on October 2005. The two-time Oceania Footballer of the Year is now the FIFA ambassador promoting soccer in Pacific Island countries.

"As the ambassador of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), I have been to Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Tahiti, New Zealand and Fiji," he said.

He is impressed with what he has seen. "We have all the potential, capability and ability. When you have the talent, you have to use it," he said.

Twenty-year-old Franklyn Forau from the Solomon Islands says that Karemeu is an inspiration to many pacific island players.

"What he has achieved is a benchmark for other pacific island players to accomplish," he said.

The young mid-fielder plays professional football for his club back home.

Karembeu identifies strongly with his country and plans to return home one day. He wants to work the land inherited from his grandfather.

"I am very proud of my country and I will surely come back," he said.

Karembeu was also politically active and participated in protests and marches calling for greater autonomy for New Caledonia from France.

Currently he owns a bakery, clothing line and a sporting equipment store.

"These things are very close to me because my grandfather was a baker," he said.

Karembeu is married to Slovakian model, Adriana Sklenarikova. They have an 11-year-old daughter.

Wansolwara is a quarterly newspaper produced by students enrolled in the University of the South Pacific journalism program in Suva, Fiji.

Copyright © 2007 University of the South Pacific Journalism Program. All Rights Reserved