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Known for his flair and unpredictability on the pitch, it’s perhaps fitting that Youri Djorkaeff’s journey after retiring from football has led him to an unexpected yet influential role off the field.

The 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000 winner from France has, in recent years, become a key figure within the global football body. In 2019, Djorkaeff was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the FIFA Foundation, an organisation created to leverage football as a catalyst for social good.

In this capacity, Djorkaeff plays a significant part in overseeing initiatives that harness the sport’s power to drive social change. His role places him in close collaboration with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a leader whose tenure has often stirred debate within the footballing community.

“Seven years ago, Gianni Infantino asked me to help build the foundation from scratch,” Djorkaeff revealed in an interview with FourFourTwo. “We carried out major projects and developed programmes all over the world, many in the poorest communities imaginable.”

Infantino officially appointed Djorkaeff as the foundation’s CEO in 2019, setting in motion a partnership that has seen the former midfielder take an active hand in shaping global football development. Through this position, Djorkaeff has witnessed firsthand how the game can open doors and create hope where opportunities are scarce.

“Seeing how a single ball can bring joy to so many children gives you perspective on how much can be achieved,” he said, reflecting on the emotional impact of his work.

Djorkaeff’s collaboration with FIFA naturally brings him into close contact with Infantino, a man often described as one of football’s most divisive figures. Asked about the experience of working alongside such a personality, especially during turbulent times, Djorkaeff shared a candid insight.

“Before the 2022 World Cup, Gianni asked me to become his advisor, at a time when there was widespread criticism about Qatar, the timing of the tournament in December, and many other issues,” he explained. “I thanked him for his trust but made it clear that I wouldn’t just be someone posing for photographs.”

He continued, “We discuss a lot – from infrastructure improvements and the development of football academies to the creation of the Club World Cup, which made such an impact that we’ve been asked to stage it every two years.”

Djorkaeff added that his current role demands nearly all of his focus. “Now, I spend 99 per cent of my time working alongside him,” he said. “It’s an incredible experience to be part of shaping football’s global future.”

Through his work at the FIFA Foundation and his close association with Infantino, the former Inter Milan and Bolton Wanderers star has found a new way to influence the game he once graced as a player – this time by helping football change lives far beyond the pitch.