Versailles midfielder Amir Etienne, a French footballer of Ivorian descent, earned a nomination for the best player award in the French third division for September 2026. Etienne balances his professional athletic career with a secondary trade as a barber, a skill he developed during a two-year recovery period from a back injury. Regarding his path into the profession, Etienne said: "لم تكن الدراسة تُناسبني. خلال السنتَين اللتَين قضيتهما بعيدا عن الملاعب بسبب إصابة في الظهر. كان عليّ أن أجد شيئا أفعله. خلال جائحة كوفيد-19 (كورونا)، تعلّمتُ الحلاقة. الشقيق الأكبر لِكامافينغا (لاعب الريال ومنتخب فرنسا) حلاق ماهر، وعندما وصلتُ إلى مدريد، استقبلني في قاعته. عملنا في عدّة قاعات حلاقة، وبدأت بِحلاقة شعر فينيسيوس، ثم لاعبين آخرين من ريال مدريد، بمن فيهم كريم بن زيمة. لذا كنتُ محظوظا بما يكفي لِأحلّق شعر بن زيمة أيضا، وهكذا بدأت صداقتنا"
Strong Performance on Pitch
Amir Etienne has recorded 4 goals for Versailles in the French third division following 8 rounds of play. His performance on the pitch has established him as a central figure for the club this season. The midfielder, who represents the club Versailles, has demonstrated consistent form throughout the current campaign. His contribution to the team’s offensive efforts has been notable, as he continues to balance the physical demands of professional football with his personal commitment to his craft.
His entry into the barber profession occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. A back injury sidelined the midfielder for two years, prompting him to seek an alternative occupation while unable to compete in football. He developed his grooming skills during this recovery period, eventually integrating the trade into his daily life alongside his athletic commitments. Because he was unable to train or participate in matches for such an extended duration, the pursuit of barbering provided a necessary focus outside of his rehabilitation.
Professional football players in Spain and France have utilized his services during his time in the industry. Etienne provided barbering for Vinícius Júnior and Karim Benzema. These professional interactions began during his visits to Madrid, where he worked within local barbershops. Through these connections, he established personal associations with the Real Madrid players while continuing his career as a professional athlete.
The transition from a full-time recovery period to maintaining a dual career has required significant discipline. As a French footballer of Ivorian descent, Etienne has navigated the challenges of returning to the pitch while simultaneously honing his skills as a barber. His nomination for the best player award in the French third division for September 2026 notes the success of this dual approach. By maintaining his form after 8 rounds of play and securing 4 goals, he has proven that his time away from the sport did not diminish his competitive edge. The support he found in Madrid, particularly through his association with the brother of Eduardo Camavinga, facilitated his entry into a high-profile clientele. This unique combination of professional football and specialized grooming has defined his recent trajectory, allowing him to excel on the field for Versailles while fostering relationships with world-class athletes.
