Power People : Najell x Laure Boulleau "Motherhood is not an obstacle to an athlete's career"

At Najell, we value the balance between parenthood and personal fulfillment. In this interview series, we highlight inspiring figures who embody this philosophy. Today, we turn our focus to Laure Boulleau, a woman of many talents. 

As a mother and public figure, how do you juggle your professional commitments in the football world with your role as a parent? 

"I tried to plan as much as possible before the birth—finding a nanny, discussing my return to work and workload with my employer. Even though it wasn’t always easy, everything was about planning. To prioritize spending time with my daughter, I took advice from friends who had already had children. You also have to choose your battles—don't try to do too much, but rather prioritize and optimize your time. 

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many of my friends who were already mothers gave me valuable advice, which really helped ease the pressure. And in our journey, there are two of us, so I rely as much as possible on my partner." 

What specific challenges have you faced in balancing your football career with the responsibility of taking care of your family? 

"The biggest challenge is accepting that sacrifices have to be made in family life. This is something I have learned when I joined a training academy at 14 and was away from my family a lot. But you learn to make the most of every moment when you're back at home. Motherhood has been a subject of discussion for a long time. You make choices, but in the end, what matters most is being at peace with them." 

How has motherhood influenced your approach to work, and vice versa? 

"I’ve gained a lot of perspective on many things. Emotionally, I handle situations much better now because knowing I’ll see my child at the end of the day helps me put things into perspective. On the other hand, my sports career influenced my motherhood—I waited until I retired from football and had started my new professional life before becoming a mom. It was something I envisioned and planned for." 

What advice would you give to other mothers pursuing a career in sports or entertainment? 

"Motherhood is not an obstacle to a career as an athlete. Everything can be planned, and solutions exist for organizing it all. Like in many demanding careers, being a mother shouldn't be something to fear. As for post-pregnancy recovery in sports, there's no need to worry—it all comes back quickly. I was surprised by how well the body adapts. However, it's crucial to take perinatal rehabilitation seriously. 

Tell us about your family support system and how they help you balance your professional and personal life. 

"Having community is key. My family lives far away, so they support me from a distance. There’s physical help, but psychological support—listening and understanding—matters just as much. I stay in touch with my loved ones by phone, and friends visit too. It's all about organization—finding balance so that everyone can thrive." 

What sacrifices have you made as a mother and a professional to achieve your goals? 

"I had to make the decision not to breastfeed so I could return to work early—just one month after giving birth. Otherwise, in terms of fatigue and independence, it would have been too complicated. I also had to turn down some TV appearances.  I’ve had to make choices, but I don’t see them as sacrifices—just shifting priorities." 

How do you manage the challenges of fame while protecting your family’s privacy? 

"I’m very strict about this—no private life photos on social media. I've always been discreet about my personal life, even before having my daughter." 

Can you share any memorable moments where your family was your main source of support in your career? 

"Throughout my career, I faced several serious injuries, and my family was always there for me, helping me through. Despite the distance, they’ve remained a strong support system. When I retired, it was also a huge transition into a new world. Without the support of loved ones, it could have been a tough time. But for me, everything went smoothly, and I was able to manage it well." 

What are your personal and professional goals for the future, considering both your role as a mother and your football career? 

"I'm no longer a player, so my goal is to gradually increase my workload without feeling frustrated about my role as a mom. I want to maintain this fulfilling balance between being a mother and working." 

More about Laure Boulleau: 

Born on October 22, 1986, in Clermont-Ferrand, Laure Boulleau is a former French footballer who primarily played as a defender for Paris Saint-Germain (2005–2018) and the French national team. After retiring in 2018, she became a consultant for Canal+, analyzing football matches. You can find her on Instagram or watch her live on TV during your favorite games. She is also actively involved in promoting women’s football and advocating for gender equality in sports. 

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