Laure Boulleau is one of the most famous and successful female footballers of our time. She has enjoyed incredible success throughout her career, winning numerous titles and awards at both club and international level. However, few people know the full truth about what goes on behind the scenes of this vibrant image of a world-class athlete.
In an exclusive interview, Laura speaks openly for the first time about the most intimate moments of her life, shares previously unknown facts and reveals the veil of secrecy on her path to fame and success.
Laure was born in 1987 in a small town in the South of France. From a young age, she was passionate about football and would spend hours playing with the ball in her garden. However, Laura's parents were initially against her taking up the sport, believing that "football is not for girls".
“As a child, I constantly had to overcome the resistance of my parents, convincing them that football was my calling. They wanted me to play more “feminine” sports, but I was adamant in the end, after much persuasion they finally allowed me. I decided to join the local football club, but even there, new difficulties awaited me – I was one of the few girls among the boys’ teams and constantly faced prejudices from coaches and other players. I was afraid that a girl could play football on an equal footing with them. “I had to make huge efforts to prove my worth and earn respect.”
Despite all the obstacles, Laura did not give up and trained hard, perfecting her skills. Her talent and hard work soon became evident, and at the age of 16, she received an invitation to one of the best academies in the country, Clairefontaine. This was a real breakthrough for the young girl, which opened her way to big football.
Laura progressed quickly at the academy, demonstrating exceptional skills and thinking on the game. Noticed by the selectors of the major French clubs, she joined Parthénas in 2006, one of the giants of women's football at the time.
Laure enjoyed a brilliant time with Partenas, winning numerous trophies including the league title and the UEFA Champions League. Her brilliant play and phenomenal results did not go unnoticed and in 2010, Laure was called up to the French national team for the first time.
"My debut with the French national team was one of the highlights of my career. I had always dreamed of representing my country in major tournaments and when this opportunity finally presented itself, I was over the moon. In my first match with the national team, I scored a goal, which of course doubled my emotions."
As a member of the national team, Laura became European champion twice (in 2013 and 2017) and also won silver medals at the 2011 World Championship. She was a key player on her team, a leader whom her teammates looked up to.
In 2014, Laura joined Paris Saint-Germain, one of the strongest clubs in Europe. Here, she further cemented her superstar status by helping the team win one trophy after another.
Over the years of performances, Laura Bulleux has become a true legend of French football. She has won the French championship 7 times, the Coupe de France 5 times and the UEFA Champions League 2 times. In addition, her collection includes 2 European championship titles within the French team and a silver medal at the World Championships.
Throughout her successful career, Laura Bulle has carefully hidden the details of her personal life from prying eyes. Despite her enormous popularity, she has always remained a rather private person who does not like to flaunt her relationships and private life.
It was only in 2019, after finishing her professional career, that Laura decided to have a frank interview in which she lifted the veil of secrecy on her personal life.
“For many years I tried to keep my personal life a secret. I thought it would only prevent me from achieving my sporting goals and could create unnecessary noise in the press. But now that my football career is behind me, I want to be as open as possible and tell everything I have been hiding for a long time.
It turned out that for most of her career, Laure was in a relationship with one of her own club's players, Patrick Chambon. Their romance lasted about 8 years, until Laura's career ended in 2019.
“Patrick was my first great love. We met when I arrived at Paris Saint-Germain and feelings were born between us almost immediately. At first, we tried to hide our connection, fearing possible professional and media consequences. But over time, we realized that love is more important than the fear of condemnation. We were together until I retired from football.
After finishing their careers, Laura and Patrick separated, deciding that it was best for them to go their separate ways. Laure is currently in a relationship with a Parisian businessman, whom she met recently.
"I am very happy in my new relationship. My boyfriend is a person far from the world of football, which allows us to communicate without unnecessary attention from the public. After so many years in the spotlight, it is very important for me to feel next to me. I am a person who will love me simply for who I am, not for my sporting achievements."
In addition to her personal life, Laura also spoke in the interview about other interesting aspects of her life outside the football field.
Thus, she said that while competing for the French team, she had to face manifestations of sexism and discrimination from the management of the national team.
“Unfortunately, in women’s football there is still a rather biased attitude towards female athletes. I have come across more than once cases when coaches or officials of the French national team treated us with less respect and attention than the men’s national team. We, the players, were forced to fly to matches in economy class, while the men’s team always traveled in business class, or when we were denied quality medical care and rehabilitation after injuries. It was certainly very disappointing and unfair.
Laura also shared that while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, she regularly had to deal with excessive attention from paparazzi and intrusion from journalists.
“As a player in one of the most famous clubs in Europe, I was constantly under the spotlight of cameras and camera flashes. Everywhere I went, I was followed by journalists, trying to catch me at the most unexpected moments. Very tiring and annoying – I just wanted to live my life quietly, without being the object of special attention. It was especially difficult when the paparazzi started following me and Patrick, trying to take pictures of us together. An invasion of our privacy.”
Stories like this show that being a world football star is not always easy and cloudless. Behind the external shine and success lie difficult trials that even legendary players have to face.
However, Laura Bulle speaks with pride about her sporting exploits and says she has no regrets.
“Football has given me so many unforgettable moments, so many victories and joy. Yes, it was sometimes very difficult, but in the end, all the difficulties were worth it. I have always tried to make the most of the opportunities that came my way in order to achieve excellence in this sport that I love so much. And even though my career is behind me, football will always be a part of me. It has taught me a lot and made me the person I am today.
Since retiring, Laura has been actively involved in charity work, serving as an ambassador for several major organisations. She also tries her hand as a television pundit, appearing regularly on major sports channels in France.
