At 34, Guinean international Lonsana Doumbouya is already setting the stage for life after football, with a vision to support young players in navigating their professional journeys.
Speaking to Footmercato, the striker, currently playing in Thailand, outlined an ambitious project aimed at offering comprehensive career and personal development support for athletes.
Doumbouya disclosed that his plans include the creation of a sports advisory company designed to provide holistic guidance for players at various stages of their careers.
He explained, “I’ve already started a little bit.
I opened a small hotel in Limoges, where I’ve brought together elements from different countries I’ve visited.
But to stay in football, I’m creating a sports advisory company.”
The advisory firm will address a wide array of needs that go beyond traditional agent services.
“It’s not just the agent side. For me, every player requires this advisory aspect because a player might not always communicate with an agent in the same way they would with someone who provides broader support,” Doumbouya said.
He envisions the company as a hub of expertise, integrating agents, lawyers, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and wealth managers to offer players a tailored, all-encompassing support system.
The initiative stems from Doumbouya’s observations throughout his career, where he witnessed players struggle with issues that could have been avoided with proper guidance.
He emphasized the need for a proactive, human-centered approach to support.
“I’ve seen players get into difficult situations. For example, a young player goes out clubbing until the early hours, and things spiral out of control.
In such cases, it’s not usually the agent who steps in to help.
My role would be to intervene, to be there for the player and find the best solutions,” he said.
Doumbouya highlighted the differing cultural challenges faced by players in Europe and Asia.
In Asia, there’s a culture of discipline, and even foreign players often adapt to that.
But in Europe, there’s a greater need for this kind of structured support for young players who lack proper follow-up,” he noted.
Doumbouya’s venture is fueled by his determination to address the challenges he encountered and observed during his career.
Reflecting on his journey, he said, “When I started playing football, I looked up to certain players with admiration.
Today, some of those same players are asking me for help.
That’s why I want to give back and help future generations avoid the mistakes I’ve seen.
Through this project, Doumbouya aims to leave a lasting impact, ensuring that young talents are equipped not only to succeed on the pitch but also to manage their lives effectively off it.
His transition from player to mentor reflects a career built on seizing opportunities and now, creating them for others.
