During a recent appearance on Clique TV, Jean-Pierre Papin offered a deeply moving testimony about what he considers the “greatest achievement” of his life: the journey of his 36-year-old daughter, Emily, who lives with autism. The former footballer, now a consultant, spoke candidly about the daily support and profound commitment he has given to his child.
Describing it as the “fight of his life” back in 2020, this dedication took center stage in his interview on Clique TV. For the 1991 Ballon d’Or winner, none of his sporting triumphs can compare to the immense pride he feels in having supported his daughter throughout her life.
“I believe my greatest success was bringing her back into our world,” stated the former Marseille striker and current RMC consultant. He explained that when Emily was born, she had a “very strong” form of autism, causing her to inhabit a different reality. “With a lot of energy, a lot of work, a lot of sacrifices, today she is with us,” he emphasized, highlighting the incredible progress they’ve made.
A Unique Eight-Sign Language for Communication
Jean-Pierre Papin revealed that he and his wife had to invent their own communication system. “We invented an eight-sign language because the only thing we lack today is to hear her voice,” he specified. Despite not speaking, Emily understands everything and actively participates in their lives. This language allows them to know when she’s hungry, thirsty, in pain, or wants to watch television. “Even though she’s 36 today and doesn’t speak, these eight signs have changed our lives,” he affirmed.
Among other sources of pride, the 60-year-old from Boulogne mentioned his daughter’s ability to run, a possibility that doctors in her childhood had deemed impossible. “She was five years old, and we were told she would never walk, that we should place her in a center and visit her on Saturdays and Sundays. But we didn’t hear it that way,” he recalled. Refusing to accept this diagnosis, they sought alternative solutions.
“We found one in the United States, in Philadelphia. We went there 16 times,” he continued. Each trip was contingent on Emily’s progress, with one ultimate goal: “She needs to run ten kilometers.” A challenge she successfully overcame, as she has “run ten kilometers hundreds of times” since then.
Persistent and Hurtful Rumors
The former French international also addressed a painful topic: recurring rumors about his daughter’s passing. “From time to time, a rumor surfaces claiming my daughter has died. We don’t quite understand why,” he confided, explaining that he’s alerted by those around him who are more active on social media. “As soon as something happens, we receive a phone call: ‘What happened?’ And we tell them nothing happened, that it’s just a fake piece of information.”
These false reports cause distress for Jean-Pierre Papin and his family. “It hurts a bit because you feel like you’re fighting for nothing,” he lamented. “People don’t focus on what’s truly happening; they focus on a piece of information. It’s a shame; it’s just the way life is today.”
